Norm Violation Video Presentation

Abstract

Conducting a norm violation has been a traditional assignment in Introduction to Sociology courses for many years. This assignment puts a different spin on the project by having students complete the assignment in small groups (3-4 students) and and by asking them to create a 6-8 minute video presentation of their project. It also asks students to...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

This assignment should be done after covering textbook chapters on research methods, culture, and deviance. I usually give 1-2 weeks to choose partners and turn in their topics (strongly advised!), and two more weeks to complete the project. The project works best accompanied by traditional assessment methods (such as tests) that can measure students on...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. 1) To reinforce course concepts (such as norm, folkway, informal and formal sanctions, and deviance) and provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding.
2. 2) To allow for the application of the steps in the research process (including collection and analysis of primary data).
3. 3) To initiate personal growth though students developing a greater understanding of their comfort levels with conformity and deviance.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Each student demonstrates their achievement of Goal #1 though the inclusion and correct usage of course concepts and terms within the video presentation.
2. Goal #2 is achieved through students clearly describing within the video their research question and research methods, and then explaining the data they collected and the logical conclusions that they reached.
3. Goal #3 is demonstrated by each student taking a turn, as part of the conclusion of the video, to thoughtfully reflect on what the experience of breaking the norm was like for them personally and how the project affected their perspective on social norms.