Judith R. Halasz
March 19, 2013
... theory using primary texts, individual and group-based writing assignments, a creative project, film
to allow for close readings of the text in class. This helps model for students how to read theory
Students will be able to express their understanding of sociological theory in writing, orally
Sociological Theory Syllabus
Suggested Citation:
When using resources from TRAILS, please include
characters,
scenes, and plot (5 points)
extent to which the theories sheds light on some sociological aspects of the film (20 points)
completion of two stages of the writing process (draft, revision) (5 points)
participation in peer review of other’s work (5 points)
quality of writing: clarity, structure, expression, grammar, spelling, use of quotes (5 points)
how carefully you construct your analysis and argument given the page limit (5 points)
Rubric:
90-100% in a given criterion = outstanding
85-89% in a given criterion = above average
80-84% in a given criterion = satisfactory
70-79% in a given criterion = has potential, but needs some improvement to satisfy criterion
60-69% in a given criterion = has potential, but needs major improvement to satisfy criterion
0-59% = fails to satisfy criterion or element is missing from paper
Stages:
(1) submit a first draft of your paper to be reviewed by two of your classmates; and
(2) submit a final version which incorporates suggestions for your draft
Due Dates:
First Draft & Peer Review: Thursday 3/1
Revised Paper: Thursday 3/8
Syllabus: Sociological Theory, page 7
Assignment 1 Peer Review Form
Reviewer:
Please read another student’s paper draft and evaluate it by answering the questions below. Keep in mind that
the goal of this peer review is to provide each other with feedback useful for improving the paper, so be kind
yet honest.
Author:
Please read the peer feedback you received and make a concerted effort to address areas that may need im-
provement. I also encourage you to use the questions to conduct a self-assessment as you revise your paper.
1. The author describes Marx & Weber’s theories.
Not At All Somewhat (needs improvement) Very Well
2. The author identifies and analyzes similarities between Marx & Weber’s theories.
Not At All Somewhat (needs improvement) Very Well
3. The author identifies and analyzes differences between Marx & Weber’s theories.
Not At All Somewhat (needs improvement) Very Well
4. The author applies Marx and Weber’s theories to analyze the film Bread and Roses.
Not At All Somewhat (needs improvement) Very Well
5. The author communicates effectively in writing (clear, organized, grammatically correct).
Not At All Somewhat (needs improvement) Very Well
6. The author integrates a few quotes effectively.
Not At All Somewhat (needs improvement) Very Well
7. Is the paper 5-8 pages (double-spaced)?
Yes No
8. Identify two things the author did well:
a.
b.
9. Identify two aspects of the paper that could be improved:
a.
b.
Syllabus: Sociological Theory, page 8
Assignment 2. Apply one theory covered in class to analyze a film or piece of literature.
Please do not use Marx or Weber for this assignment.
Please do not analyze any film viewed in class.
Format: Type-written, double-spaced, 12 point font, 1 inch margins on all sides
Length: 7-10 pages
Quotes: Aim to incorporate 2-3 short quotes from the course readings (do not site any outside sources).
Given the length of this assignment, you should avoid extended quotations.
Grading Criteria:
how well you describe and demonstrate an understanding of the theory you are applying (30 points)
how well you describe the salient features of the film or literature you are analyzing (5 points)
extent to which the theory sheds light on some sociological aspect of the film or literature you are
analyzing (50 points)
how well you evaluate the limitations (critique) the theories (5 points)
quality of writing: clarity, structure, expression, grammar, spelling, and use of quotes (5 points)
how carefully you construct your analysis and argument given the page limit (5 points)
completion of one or two stages of the writing process (paper & optional revision)*
Rubric:
90-100% in a given criterion = outstanding
85-89% in a given criterion = above average
80-84% in a given criterion = satisfactory
70-79% in a given criterion = has potential, but needs some improvement to satisfy criterion
60-69% in a given criterion = has potential, but needs major improvement to satisfy criterion
0-59% = fails to satisfy criterion or element is missing from paper
* If you opt to revise your paper based on my feedback, your grade for this assignment will be the average of
your grades for the original version of the paper and the revised version.
Stages:
(1) submit paper via Blackboard
(2) opportunity for subsequent revision in consultation with professor
Due Dates:
Paper: Thursday 4/19 Optional Revision: Monday 5/7
Syllabus: Sociological Theory, page 9
Assignment 3. Play with theory: translate a theory or theorist’s body of work into an original creative form,
such as a poem, song, comedy routine, series of photographs, short video, or website; which
form will be your decision. However, you may not simply produce a poster of found materi-
al or show a series of film, television or Internet clips. You may select any theory/theorist
covered in class that you have not used in earlier assignments. You will present or perform
your piece in class. In your presentation or performance, make sure you identify the theory
or theorist’s body of work you are trying to express. You will have an opportunity to re-
spond to and evaluate each other’s work. You will also write a short (2-3 pages) paper ex-
plaining how the creative project you have produced conveys the theory or theorist’s body of
work.
Format: Any creative or expressive form, except for traditional expository (academic) writing, poster boards
or clips of film, television or Internet material
Length: 5 minutes
Due Date: Monday 5/7 for presentations; 5/14 for write-up
Presentations/performances take place in class on Monday 5/7 and Monday 5/14. I will assign the or-
der for presentations. You will be asked to evaluate your peers each day.
Stages:
(1) Create piece
(2) Perform or present piece in class
(3) Participate in evaluating classmates’ work
(4) Write a page paper explaining how your project conveys the theory in a creative medium
Grading Criteria:
How well you convey the theory or theorist’s body of work
Creativity
Quality of expression
Class presentation or performance
Thoughtfulness of response to and evaluation of classmates’ in-class presentation of their project
Thoughtfulness and clarity of write-up
How to interpret your numerical grade for the final presentation:
90-100: Clearly & effectively presented the identified theory or theories in a creative format; demonstrated
evidence of exceptional effort and creativity; articulated your creative project clearly and effec-
tively in the write-up
80-89: Somewhat clearly & effectively presented the identified theory or theories in a creative format;
demonstrated evidence of good effort and creativity; articulated your creative project adequately
in the write-up
70-79: Presented a theory or theories in a creative format; theory or theories not clearly identified OR
minimum evidence of effort or creativity; articulated your creative project with minimal clarity in
the write-up
60-69: Presented a theory or theories; presentation was unclear and/or ineffective; demonstrated little or
no effort or creativity; failed to articulate your creative project in a write-up
0-59: Did not present a theory or theories
Syllabus: Sociological Theory, page 10
Assignment 3 Peer Evaluation Form
Reviewer:
Please evaluate the presentation of each student in the class by answering the questions below. Keep in mind
that this peer review serves several purposes. The peer review will prompt you to evaluate the projects based
on your understanding of theory; in doing so, the exercise will reinforce and at times enhance your understand-
ing of various theories. You will also be providing me with feedback on the effectiveness of each creative pro-
ject, which I will consider as I grade each project. The collective response of the class is useful, given the sub-
jective nature of creative work. Honest, thoughtful evaluations that identify differences in the quality of the
presentations are especially useful; accordingly, your grade will be enhanced (modestly) for giving thoughtful
feedback on the peer evaluation forms.
How effectively did the presenter convey the theory?
Very: The theory was clearly identifiable and clearly, powerfully, and accurately presented.
Somewhat: The theory was identifiable; some aspects of the theory were clearly presented.
Not at all: I could not identify the theory; or the theory was misrepresented.
How creative was the project?
Very: The presenter demonstrated exceptional effort and creativity.
Somewhat: The presenter demonstrated good effort and some creativity.
Not at all: The presenter demonstrated little or no effort or creativity.
How much did the presentation add to your understanding of the theory?
A lot: The presentation significantly enhanced my understanding of the theory and gave me significant new
insights into the theory.
Some: The presentation reinforced my understanding of the theory or gave me some new insight into the
theory.
Very little or none: The presentation did not add to my understanding of the theory or give me new insight
into the theory; or the presentation confused me.
Comments:
9/2012 ..."
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Subject Area(s):
- Theory
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Resource Type(s):
- Syllabus
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Class Level(s):
- College 300
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Class Size(s):
- Any
- Abstract:
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This syllabus is designed to teach undergraduate students classical and contemporary sociological theory using primary texts, individual and group-based writing assignments, a creative project, film and current events analyses, and extensive class discussion. The...