Applying Theory to Current Events

Abstract

This assignment is a final cumulative paper that evaluates how well students in an undergraduate theory class can describe basic theoretical concepts and then apply these ideas to a contemporary social issue or event. We offer two similar takes on the same basic framework.

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Theory

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

While the attached file specifies that students will apply the theories they learn to the 2012 US presidential election, it can be adapted to a wide variety of topics. Past topics have included the passage of the Affordable Care Act, passage of Arizona SB1070, and the increasing number of states that have allowed same-sex marriage. Topics can be...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of the theoretical ideas of two sociological theorists or schools of sociological theory.
2. Students will apply those concepts to a contemporary social issue or event.
3. Students will evaluate which theoretical argument is more convincing in explaining the social issue or event in question.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students will turn in a paper that is evaluated on all three of these learning goals.