Comparative Social Problems Paper

Abstract

This comparative social problems paper allows students to demonstrate their understanding of social problems by comparing the same social problem in the U.S. and one other country. In three stages (proposal, first draft, and final draft), students explain how the social problem they selected (from an approved list) meets the definition of a social...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

College 200

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

This assignment has been used in small face-to-face and online classes (up to 25 students) without many modifications. For a large class, or to cut down on the amount of time dedicated to grading and providing feedback, students can submit the first draft as part of a peer-review process. During the peer review, students should have a copy of the rubric...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Define social problems;
2. Identify how the complexity of cultural rules affect individual life chances;
3. Critically evaluate the causes and consequences of major social problems in the U.S. and globally.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. The first prompt of the assignment asks students to explain how the topic they selected fits the definition of a social problem.
2. The assignment asks students to identify the groups affected by the social problem they selected and by discussing how the history, politics, and beliefs of a particular culture affects the shape or response to the social problem.
3. The assignment asks students to explain the causes and consequences of the social problem they selected.