Analytical Paper
SOC 1305 Introduction to Sociology, Spring 2019
Instructor: Bethany Smith
Paper Assignment
Select a film, book, article or something similar that addresses a topic that sociologists might
study. The subject can focus on a social problem (e.g., homelessness, poverty, racism, organized
crime, domestic violence, hate crimes, etc.) or on a cultural trend (e.g., the growth in popularity
of professional wrestling, increasing participation of women in professional sports, decreasing
voter turnout in U.S. elections, growing interest in body piercing, etc.). There is no length limit
for the item that you choose, but it must contain enough sociologically relevant material for you
to analyze in at least 1000 words (roughly 4 double-spaced pages). The item you choose to
analyze must be an in-depth attempt to explain a social problem or trend and its the cause(s).
Develop a paper proposal that includes all of the components listed below. You can use the
worksheet on the following page as a guide as well. This should be submitted on Canvas and
Turnitin.com by
March 8, 2019 at midnight.
In most cases, I will review proposals, approve
and provide feedback by March 18. Occasionally, a student will choose an item to analyze that
will not work well for this assignment. In those cases, I will provide some alternative suggestions
and further guidance and ask that you submit a second proposal.
Upon receiving approval for your paper topic, write your paper using what you’ve learned in this
course to critique the film/book/article from a sociological perspective. Relate material from the
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