Looks like you have a solid start. Good format and organization; good intro and statement of purpose.
Here are some things to check/think about:
From the functionalist, you have a good start on integration with other institutions, but you should develop this more… Family? Media?
From the Conflict, how about internal conflicts? Debates over curriculum (what to focus on, whether to teach “creationism” or sex ed) and battles between school boards and admin vs. faculty; How does education “sort” people in unequal ways (you’ve started this)
From the Interactionist: How about the symbolic value and meanings of credentials like diplomas, honors, etc.? What about the symbols used to shape a school’s identity like Mascots, school songs, pledges, etc.?
Lots of these items can be found in various news articles. Don’t forget to get and use a couple of articles for examples that back up and illustrate your analysis.
Be careful of missing words, typos, etc. You seem to have a few that could cloud your meaning.
Good start. I have little doubt that you’ll turn in a strong paper!
Intro to Sociology Instructor: Steve Parker
Course Paper Instructions
Overview: In this assignment you will write an analytical essay that examines a social institution using your
sociological imagination and the theoretical perspectives learned in our class. Please choose from the following
social institutions and follow the directions below to write your paper: Religion, Medicine/Healthcare, Family,
Education, Government, Science/Technology, Sports, the Military. Due to extensive coverage in our regular class
meetings, you may not choose the Economy or the Media.
Instructions: After choosing an institution, do some background reading and research to solidify your knowledge of
the institution and its general features. If you choose an institution that is covered in our class text, Conley’s analysis
and information is a good place to start. After your background reading and research, you will be analyzing your
topic using the sociological imagination and theoretical perspectives. It’s important to keep this in mind, as your
paper should not be a typical “research paper.” Though I like creativity and I’m flexible in how you present your
work, your paper should contain the following elements and analysis:
I. Introduction and general description of the institution.
II. Macro analysis of the institution from the Functionalist Perspective
• What need does this institution fulfill? Manifest functions? Latent functions?
• How is it integrated with other major institutions in our society?
• How does this institution promote things like order, stability, value consensus?
• How does this institution shape the values, norms, and activities of groups and organizations?
III. Macro analysis of the institution from the Conflict Perspective
• Does this institution have internal conflicts or competing “factions” or groups?
• How does this institution conflict with other major institutions in society?
• Does this institution support inequality, oppression, competition, or struggle?
• Is this institution a source of value conflicts, competing ideologies, or other “dysfunctions?”
IV. Micro analysis of the institution from the Interactionist Perspective
• How does this institution shape groups/people’s behavior and reality constructions?
• What cultural scripts, norms, values, and statuses/role sets come from this institution?
• What are some common symbols/interpretations associated with the institution and its groups?
• Using theories of interaction like dramaturgy and exchange theory, how could you explain some of the
behaviors associated with this institution?
V. Summary analysis and concluding remarks.
Additional Requirements: In addition to using your text or other general sociological resources to analyze the
institution, please select a minimum of two news articles that feature your institution from reputable media
sources (ie. LA Times, NY Times, Newsweek, Huffington Post). These articles will serve as a source of examples for
you to draw from in your analysis as you cover the bullet points above. You paper should explain concepts as they
apply to your institution, then it should demonstrate understanding of these concepts by applying them directly to
examples in the articles. If you need clarification on this instruction and help selecting appropriate articles, please
ask. You may use any standard citation format such as MLA, ASA, or APA. Papers should be 4 to 5 pages long,
typed, double-spaced with an 11 or 12 font and 1″ margins; your name and class info should be in the upper,
right corner with a single staple in the left corner. No title pages or plastic protectors, please.
Grading: This paper is worth 100 points, 20% of your class grade. Grades will be based on the following: proper
and accurate use and application of sociological terms and concepts; depth of analysis and effort; use and quality of
sources and articles; creativity and originality in presentation. If you wish, you may arrange early submission of
your paper via email with me. If you have any questions, concerns, or confusion, please email me or see me
before/after class for guidance.