Essay
1 (worth 25 points; due at the close of Week 3)
SOCI305:
Contemporary Sociological Theory
Essay
1 (worth 25 points; due at the close of Week 3)
Choose one of the two questions to
write on. Essays must be at least 5 pages (not including title page and
abstract – abstract not necessary), and double-spaced. Essays must be in
APA format and sources must be properly cited. APA resources are available in
our online library and here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Questions
(choose one):
1. After
completing the reading for week one concerning Durkheim and Merton, please
address the following in a brief essay: 1) analyze in detail the basic tenets
of the functionalist perspective, and compare this to at least one other
perspective in sociology; 2) although Durkheim and Merton did not write during
the same era in sociology, explain where their ideas are similar, and both
contribute to a functionalist understanding of society; and 3) utilizing and
citing one recent case in the media through television or radio broadcast,
newspaper, and so forth, provide one key example of a social issue that shows
how the functionalist perspective can be used to make society better.
2.
Based upon your reading content from Week 2, concerning the work of Jurgen
Habermas, please address the following in a brief essay: 1) explain
and give a key example of at least three components of his theory of
communicative action; 2) explain why or why not you think that applying his
theory of communicative action would be for the benefit of society; 3) provide
a concise definition of the “life world,” and give at least one example of how
the life world has been compromised, or damaged, in modern society.
Disclaimer
Originality
of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will
receive the results.
Course Objectives: This course
assessment will evaluate your ability to do the following:
- Define sociological theory.
- Identify major bodies of
theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated
with them. - Analyze important developments
in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological
theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.
Note:
This course has “Resubmission”
status enabled to help you if you realize you submitted an incorrect or blank
file, or if you need to submit multiple documents as part of your
Assignment. Resubmission of an Assignment after it is graded, to attempt
a better grade, is not permitted.
Grading
Rubric
View the grading rubric so you
understand how you will be assessed on this Assignment. Click the grid
icon at the top of this instruction page, or the grid icon under “View
iRubric” on the main Assignments page.
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