Introduction to Sociology Semester Project

Abstract

This capstone project engages students in the social science research process. Working in groups, students must design and carry out an original research project. This is primarily completed in the last two-thirds of the term, although some preliminary in-class discussion occurs earlier. Each group must also produce a presentation and write-up, loosely...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

College 100

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

*Designed for use with in-class work days (equivalent to 150 minutes of seat-time or one week of classes in a 3-credit hour course). May be revised for other class formats. In-class work time is valuable to minimize issues with scheduling group meeting times, as well as for instructor guidance and feedback.

*Student work groups are assigned...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Demonstrate familiarity with the social science research process, including writing up and sharing findings.
2. Understand the value of sociology in interpreting and analyzing the social world.
3. Apply sociological thought to real-life situations.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Research design is appropriate; write-up is formatted correctly; write-up includes required sections and successfully demonstrates the purpose for each; presentation includes the most salient information about the project.
2. Course content is used to frame research questions/hypotheses; data is aggregated and presented in a meaningful way; write-up includes various explanations for the findings; discussion does not leave important issues unexplored.
3. Sociological concepts and theories are used correctly where relevant; sociological imagination is demonstrated in interpretation of findings.