Film or Current Event Final Essay (100 points) I. Overview In this paper assignment, your job is to analyze a film or a current event using concepts from each of the sections covered in class (reference your syllabus and the list in section II). At minimum, your paper should be 3 (minimum)-5 (three (minimum) to five) pages, excluding the title and works cited/reference pages. There are two options for the final essay: ? Option 1 Film Analysis Paper: Choose a film or documentary that can be critically analyzed sociologically. When choosing, keep these questions in mind: Why this film/documentary? What makes this film/documentary sociological? What kind of sociological theory would fit in discussing this subject? Provide a brief description of the films premise and then analyze the work. ? Option 2 Choose to critically analyze a current event. When choosing, keep these questions in mind: What is going on? What should my audience understand about this current event? How is it sociological? Who does it affect? Is this controversial? If so, how? What are some of the reactions from the public? Who is the authority on the event? and What narrative(s) do media align? The essay is worth 100 points and is designed for you to practice your writing analytical/critical thinking skills and how the topic relates to the class. This essay should demonstrate why this film or current event is relevant to the field, while also drawing upon a minimum of 4 key concepts discussed in this course. Be sure to define concepts, preferably in your own words. Although you must define all concepts, the evaluation will primarily center upon the analysis of these concepts, as they relate to the given research topic. I suggest providing approximately a 1-page film or current event synopsis and then dedicate a page to each concept (of the 4 minimum) that you choose. Underline and Bold the concepts in your paper. If you do not do this, I will automatically deduct 10-15 points. For example, if you are discussing race, the concept should be visible as: Race in your paper. You can do this once. I do not need to see it underlined and bolded every time I see the concept. You are encouraged to consult with me about their Film or current event ideas in advance, as well as provide me with your rough drafts at least a week and a half prior to the final due date. Final Essay Formatting You will write a 3-5 full-page typed essay and will utilize either Chicago Style or APA (not MLA). This essay should be double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman with 1-inch margins, and the page count excludes the title page and reference page. No abstract is necessary. Papers must have an introduction, thesis statement, multiple paragraphs, and a conclusion. Points will be deducted for failing to meet the minimum page requirements. I am going to stress this. It is 3 (minimum)-5 (three (minimum) to five) FULL pages. Not 2 or 2 Just because you made it to the 3rd page does not mean that equates to a full page. A full page is reading all the way down to the bottom of the page. 2 I am going to stress this AGAIN. It is 3 (at minimum)-5 FULL pages. Not 2 or 2 1/2 A 25-Point deduction will automatically occur if your submission is not at least 3 full pages. II. Readings We have covered the following sections: 1. Foundations 2. Groups and Institutions 3. Stratification Each of these sections has several subsections. For example, during the foundations section, we addressed sociological theoretical traditions (Marx, Weber, Durkheim, DuBois) as well as culture and socialization. You will need to cite at least three sources using the Ritzer chapters and/or assigned readings. III. Format Please organize your paper in the following fashion: 1. Include a title page, which lists your name, a title of your choice, our class, and the date. 2. Use headings so that your name is on every sheet of paper. 3. Paginate page numbers are always helpful for me. 4. Use headings in the body of the paper. In addition to solid transition sentences, headings make it very clear what you want the reader to walk away with from the section. 5. An introduction with a thesis sentence is necessary. A thesis sentence tells me your main argument or point for the paper. Within the introduction, you must provide a short listing of the concepts your paper will illuminate. 6. Your conclusion should mirror your introduction in many ways: restate your thesis and concisely state how the concepts used helped to dissect your lived experience. 7. Throughout the paper, you should cite the course text using ASA format. A full works cited or reference list will be needed as well. 3 IV. Materials You will need the following materials: 1. Use this link as a reference for APA style: 2. Use this link as a reference for Chicago style: rmatting_and_style_guide/chicago_manual_of_style_17th_ 3. Essentials of Sociology course textbook 4. Any additional articles (not from the course textbook) or videos. V. Additional Information (please reference the syllabus) 1. This paper will be due on the last day of class, the same day that you will take your last exam with me. You will need to submit the final paper via Blackboard in the designated place. 2. NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 3. SWIC takes plagiarism very seriously. Please reference the section of the syllabus titled Academic Integrity, which includes links to the university policy. In short, any time you address an idea covered in the book or class reading, cite it as fully as possible.
