1) an accurate and well-written summary of a theoretical framework discussed in

1) an accurate and well-written summary of a
theoretical framework discussed in class, including key concepts, assumptions, logic (dynamic or
mechanism); 2.) a coherent summary of the main arguments in the theory; 3) a brief critique that
explores the assumptions, reasoning, and implications of the theory; 4.) an attempt at applying
the theory to contemporary situations. Please note that biographical information about the
theorist(s) should not be included unless you can show its significance and relevance to your
discussion of the theory or theories in question.”
What to write about: Your papers could center on the following
1. One reading assignment: this could be the easiest choice; but one reading may not offer
sufficient contents to write about.
2. A central theme in one theorist such as Marx, Durkheim, etc. This choice entails integrating
multiple readings by the same theorist.
3. A school of theoretical tradition such as conflict theories, functionalist theories, or symbolic
interactionism etc. (This is probably the most challenging choice as it requires integration of
arguments from different sources and theorists)
What is to be included in the papers:
1. A summary of the theory (50%) (or theories) you choose with clear distinctions between
perspectives, assumptions, and arguments. Accuracy is of utmost importance for this portion of
the essay. Please try to minimize your “pre-judgment” of the theory or theories in question.
2. Critiques of the theory (or theories) (30%): note that critiques can be composed in the following
aspects:
a. Theoretical perspective: what is highlighted (or foregrounded) and what is concealed
(pushed into the background). In other words, what is made visible and what invisible by the
theoretical perspective.
b. Theoretical assumptions: usually assumptions are about the presupposed characteristics of
actors, or persons, or individuals, or members of a class or community. These assumptions
are often hidden between lines. For instance, does the social actor have any agency or is the
actor merely a puppet of social structural forces? Or, is the social actor rational, self-
centered, or other-centered?
c. Theoretical arguments: one could approach theoretical arguments by examining the
imposed “social dynamic” that drives or sustains a society according to the theorist; and the
logic and reasoning implied in arguments. Furthermore, one could also use evidence to
either verify or falsify (some of) the arguments.
3. Application of the key theoretical arguments to contemporary issues (20%): Use some of the
most important theoretical arguments from the theory (or theories) you summarize and critique
in the two sections above to examine contemporary (or historical) situations to measure how
well or how badly arguments work. You need to be able to think not only in theoretical terms
but also to link theories to real social processes.
Format and Referencing:
A. The paper should contain no less than 1,200 words (about 5 pages if double-spaced),
formatted with one-inch margins on all sides. Any source (except the reading
assignment of this course) you use should be referenced on a bibliography page in the
APA format. The word count does not include the references