1.     Selection of topic:  Select a current and/or ongoing social issue in Alaska (the issue may also be ongoing on a national level as well),  e.g. energy, environment, First Nation’s rights, urban development, tourism, gun control, exit exams, healthcare, etc...  In your introduction of your project report explain the issue chosen and why you made this choice.  Choice of topic due:  Thursday, September 27^th – 10 % penalty if not provided on time and approved by me.

2.     Initial investigation of chosen area:  After having made your selection, explore more in-depth the social issue by simply reviewing readily available material, e.g. popular media, organization handouts, etc… (as opposed to sociological sources).  Identify all concerned parties involved in this issue (e.g. stakeholders). From this identify two views to this issue which are in opposition and then identify associated organizations representing these 2 different views which seek social change with this social issue.  Be sure to identify the relationships of societal power which can be found surrounding this issue, i.e. where does the power lie and according to whom. 

3.     Literature review: 

-       Conduct a literature review of (political) sociology sources (find at least 3 sources outside of the textbook) uncovering what sociology tells us about the social issue and these two views.  Provide a detailed exploration of these views in your report. 

-       Explore which political sociological theory of power best explains the issue of power surrounding the social issue. 

-       Conduct a literature review of the material available from the two organizations pertaining to their views on the social issue.  (It is highly recommended if at all possible that data be gathered from the organizations by conducting interviews with members of the groups, members fulfilling different responsibilities and capacities, e.g. paid workers and/or volunteers and/or decision-makers).  (Optional: You may wish to conduct a small survey in addition to the interviews, a survey with approx. 10 questions given out to at least 20 people, and analyze your results). 

4.     Analysis and discussion:  Does the sociological research concur with that of the organization’s understanding of the issue and the context of power?  How should the organizations deal with issues of power surrounding this issue more effectively?  Write up this analysis in your report.

5.     Conclusion:  summarize your report. 

6.     Learnings:  Finally briefly explain in your report what have you learned about yourself conducting this research project. 

PRESENTATION QUESTIONS

 -        Introduce and explain the social issue you chose to focus on and the different perspectives on this issue with

           associated stakeholders

-         Describe the two groups you have chosen to investigate which represent two perspectives of this issue

-         Describe what the sociological research tells us about this issue and the two perspectives

-         Explore how power is manifested in this issue and in these groups as it pertains to the issue (dynamics, dimensions,

          powerholders, stakeholders)

-         Explain which political sociological model of power best explains the issue of power surrounding the social issue

-         Present any conclusions or recommendations you have arrived at from exploring this issue and the two different 

          organizations’ perspective on this issue.