Soc 316: Race and Ethnic Relations: Paper/Video/Audio (PVA) Assignment
SOC 316 COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
CLO 1: Define and correctly apply sociological terminology as it relates to the study of race,
ethnicity, racism, and racial inequality.
CLO 2: Outline the development of race, ethnicity, and race relations over time in the United
States.
CLO 5: Explain how gender, class, sexuality, ability, citizenship status, and phenotype
intersect with race and ethnicity to shape experiences.
CLO 7: Apply a critical sociological lens to evaluate the role of race, ethnicity, and racism in
the United States through course assignments.
Assignment and Purpose
For this assignment, students will draw upon, analyze, and synthesize information from specific
course materials to demonstrate the development and social construction of race in the United
States. To do this, students will be required to answer the following questions:
First, at what point did the idea of race emerge in North America? Why did it emerge in this
context? What criteria was used to determine racial categorization. (White, Black, and, or
Indian)? Second, describe how race became institutionalized, or codified into laws, during this
period and the implications for men and/or women categorized as white or non-white (you may
focus on specific case from course materials). Third, how is race determined today? What criteria
today is used to racially categorize people of one racial group (Whites, Blacks, or Indigenous
peoples)? Are the criteria based on biology or something else? Support with evidence from
course materials. You may also draw on information in future chapters from Golash-Boza (2018)
and other instructional materials on the syllabus.
PVA Formats: Three Options
Option 1: Paper. Students submit a 2 ½ – 3-page paper. The paper must be double-spaced, 12-
point, Times New Roman font. Students are required to properly cite sources (in ASA or
APA) and include a reference page in the same style.
Option 2: Video presentation (with visuals) (3-5 minutes). Students record and submit a
video presentation while reading over visuals. They are required to make explicit when they
are addressing each question. Students may integrate visuals into Power Point or Google
slides. Both the video and visuals must be submitted. Students are required to properly cite
sources (in ASA or APA) and include a reference page at the end of their lecture slide in the
same style. Students who create a script to read for video presentations typically score well.
Option 3: Audio presentation (with script) (3-5 Minutes). Students record and submit an
audio presentation (or podcast) with a script. Audio presentations need to be explicit when
addressing each question. The script must be read during the recording, typed (preferred) or
handwritten. For handwritten notes, you must take a screenshot and upload them.
