Description
Assess the sociological perspective and its development in studying humanbehavior;
Evaluate major sociological theories by focusing on the main concepts, ideas and
critical assessment of each theory from a historical, social and political context.
Find, evaluate and cite appropriate academic resources for research in written
assignments and oral presentations.
Assignment Overview:
You have been introduced to the major theories in the discipline of sociology. These
theories include the structural functional, conflict, symbolic interaction, feminist and
queer theory. Each theory has a specific premise, set of key terms and theorist
associated with the development of the theory. These theories are the foundation for
research and writing from a “sociological perspective.” The course will continue to
apply specific theoretical paradigms to various social issues. This assignment will
require you to begin the process of examining a social condition using one of the
theories presented in your chapter readings.
Assignment Directions:
Select one of the following theories in Sociology: Structural Functionalism, Conflict or
Symbolic Interaction, Feminist Theory or Queer Theory and address the following items
in a three-page paper.
1. Provide a brief overview of the history of this theory.
2. Select one early theorist associated with this theory and provide a brief
biography of this social scientist.
3. What is the underlying premise of the theory? In other words, what is the theory
about? How does the theory “attempt to explain” how society is organized and
how things work in society?
4. What points do you find most interesting about this theory?
5. Are there any elements of the theory that you find outdated for understanding
society and social interaction today?
6. Use this theory to explain a current social condition, problem or event in the
news such as the increasing income gap, the Me Too Movement, the economy
etc. In essence, how can you relate some of the key concepts and overall position
of theory to “frame” a particular social issue?
Assignment Details:
1. This assignment must be typed double-spaced in a standard 10-12 size font.
2. The assignment should be 3 pages long. This does not include your reference
page.
3. Grammar is important and will be evaluated in this assignment.
4. You will be required to use a total of three sources for this assignment. Your
textbook can be one of your sources.
Cite sources in the APA format.
