RESEARCH PROJECT

SOCIAL CHANGE A405

Fall 2001 UAA

Due Monday, December 10th, NO EXTENSIONS.

The research essay you have undertaken essentially comprises the first part of this research project, the theoretical component. The following steps follow through on this work:

1. Selection of social movement organizations (SMOs): Select two or more organizations which are representative of the social movement you explored in your research essay (it will be easier if you can find local groups). The groups may or may not have differing opinions about the issues of the social movement. Briefly describe the hw5of the SMOs chosen in your report by simply reviewing readily available material, e.g. popular media, organization handouts, etc… Be clear to identify the specific issues of social change the groups are seeking.

2. Literature review:

- Conduct a literature review of sociology sources (find at least 3 sources) uncovering what sociology tells us about the social issue(s) where social change is sought by the SMOs. Provide a detailed exploration of the sociological analysis in your report.

- Conduct a literature review of the material available from the organization pertaining to their views on the social issue(s). (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 30 people, and analyze your results).

3. Analysis and discussion: Analyze your findings from your literature review of sociology and of the organization as they pertain to the sought social change issues. Does the sociological research concur with that of the organization’s understanding of the issues and that of the social change sought? Is the social change being sought being realized – why/why not? What changes could the SMOs make to achieve the social changes sought? Write up this analysis in your report.

4. Conclusion: summarize your findings

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

Each step should be described in a written report of this research project. In order not to be overwhelmed by this project, you need to conduct the research in a timely manner and you need to narrow down and FOCUS as much as possible. With the exception of item 5), all written sections of this project should be written using academic style writing. Format: introduction, explain choice of topic & statement of hypothesis, theory(ies) and literature review, analysis, conclusions & recommendations, references (bibliography).

PRESENTATION QUESTIONS

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Revised: October 11, 2002 .