Instructions and Guide
In the essay you will demonstrate your understanding of sociological theory through a COMPARATIVE LENS
You will compare FOUR major theoretical approaches within your paper. Two from Classical and two from Contemporary. The essay will be divided into two sections.
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Part I will be on Classical Theory (e.g., Marx, Durkheim, Weber)
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Part II will be on Contemporary Theory (e.g., Davis and Moore, Goffman, Smith, Collins, Foucault)
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Note, Mills does not count for either.
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Note, do not mix each part. For example, Classical is only dedicated to Marx, Durkheim, or Weber.
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For each section you will:
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Focus on a particular set of ideas or insights within their theoretical framework.
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Find quotes from the assigned readings to support your interpretation of the theory.
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Apply the theory/concepts from both theorists to a single contemporary issue such as employment, media, education, war, violence, economy, etc.
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COMPARE and CONTRAST the value and limitations of the theoretical frameworks
The purpose of each part of the paper is to demonstrate your comprehension of the theories and concepts studied in the class. You will be required to demonstrate this comprehension through the following strategies within your paper:
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In your own words, briefly describe the theorist’s main argument (e.g., Marx), drawing from the course readings (not the lectures)
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You must use two short quotes from each of the readings you select to support your understanding of the theorist’s argument.. These selected quotes should fit into the larger argument of the paper. Quotes must be cited and documented with page numbers, and should be integrated into the paper’s narrative.
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Draw from a contemporary issue and apply the theory. If the theorist were to examine your selected issue, what conclusions would they draw?
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Each part of the paper must be organized around TWO major theoretical approaches; thus, you must provide evidence and application for BOTH selected frameworks (i.e., two classical and two contemporary).
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In placing these frameworks in conversation with one another, what do you notice about the relative strengths and weaknesses of each?
Topics or discussions not allowed:
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Gig economy or gig work such as UBER, DOORDASH, etc.
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Social Media
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Biography of theorists
Formatting
All papers must be 10 full pages minimum, double-spaced. That is five pages for Part 1 (Classical) and five pages for Part II (Contemporary). You may write more pages for each part, but not less.
Be sure to follow formatting instructions:
• Times New Roman 12-point font
• One-inch margins all around
• No extra spacing between paragraphs
• No sub-headers in the body of the essay
Additionally, a title page and works cited page must be included (these do not count toward the required 10 body pages).
USE ASA Citation Style
Any external source can only be used for data
For example, you may use journal articles, books, and news articles for statistics or other data that support your claims and assertions.
Submit as a Microsoft Word document only.
no use of Artificial Intelligence.