MIDTERM TAKE HOME ESSAY EXAM

SOC 101-001/002, SPRING 2002 UAA

Due Thursday, March 7^th by 5 p.m., NO EXTENSIONS, NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED

PART 1

Below CHOOSE either the category of 1)  GENDER or 2)  SOCIAL CLASS or 3)  DEVIANCY or 4)  POLITICS, and analyze both issues under the category using the two following questions. 

NOTE:  These issues are to be explored within the context of the US. 

A)  If you were a sociologist adopting conflict theory as your theoretical framework from which to undertake research and to analyze social phenomena,

AND

B)  If you were a sociologist adopting functionalism as your theoretical framework from which to undertake research and to analyze social phenomena,

how would you explain the following two issues under one of the headings: 

1)  GENDER           2)  SOCIAL CLASS               3)  DEVIANCY        4)  POLITICS

abortion                    corporate welfare                     white collar crime       low voter turnout

gender roles              poverty                                    youth delinquency       social class of 

                                                                                                                  government leaders

In essence you are to provide an analysis of each of the two social issues under one category, using separately conflict theory and functionalism, thus you will have four explanations in total, each theory being applied to/exploring two issues. 

PART 2:  State which theory you feel provides the “better” explanation for the social issues and explain why. 

GENERAL COMMENTS  Your paper must be well organized, with appropriate sections, e.g. introduction and conclusion, and arguments presented logically.  All ideas and arguments presented must have a sociological citation.  You must use at least 2 sources outside of the textbook (you may need more).  Include a works cited/bibliography.  Minimum 1000 words.  Write in academic style, e.g. 3^rd person with a recognized reference format, e.g. APA or MLA or Harvard, etc..  Correct use of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and spelling is expected.  The audience of your paper is your peers, thus have others read your paper to help you with editing.