Your paper or needs to include an introduction and conclusion, what social probl

Your paper or needs to include an
introduction and conclusion, what social problem you chose, a brief historical account of your social
problem (when was it first recognized, or did it pop up), both sides to the debate over the social
problem or issue (how is it viewed from those fighting for, against, or indifferent to your social problem –
proactive and reactive sides of the movement). Include where you stand on the issue at the very end, as
the last thing presented in the body before the conclusion. Make sure to back up and elaborate why you
believe the way you do or came to the conclusions you did on the issue you chose. Also include what
your particular interest is in this issue.
Equal amount of time and effort should be dedicated to each side of the issue and objectivity should be
used when reporting each side. If you do this correctly the instructor should not be able to figure out
which way you lean on the social issue until getting to the portion where you explain your personal
stance and interest in the issue. Revealing your personal stance or opinion on your social problem
should be the final/last thing you present before the conclusion, so you do not prejudice the audience. If
it becomes obvious what side you are on and you do not maintain objectivity, you will lose points.
Remember, objectivity is part of this assignment’s assessment. This is intended to teach you critical
thinking, instead of emotional and biased thinking, and to aim for value neutral research, the hallmark
of sociology. There are always at least two sides to an argument, and each has their own merits. You as
an individual make your own mind up about what you think but should recognize that others have done
the same who support the opposing point of view.
Make sure you are reflecting on many of the concepts learned in this course, so that your paper is
academic and sociological. Some things you might pull or tie into this or think about when researching
and presenting each side: social construction of reality, cultural relativism, ethnocentrism, sociological
imagination, application of the scientific method to the social world requires one to be value free and
neutral, group think.
Format & Specifics
A list of potential topics is attached as a separate document under this assignment. You are not bound
by or expected to pick one of these topics, it is simply there to aid you in case you are having trouble
deciding what to do your project on. No abortion or Second Amendment papers – although very
important topics still emerging and changing, I read at least 30-40 each semester that I allow them. This
topic has been exhausted and is more of a high school level topic for a paper.
If you choose the paper option: your paper is to be 1300-1500 words, standard margins, double spaced,
10-12 point font with a separate works cited or reference page. Make sure to include the word count in
your header or title page as the final item. Make sure to include in-text/parenthetical citations as well.
Without in-text citations (parenthetical citations) and a works cited or reference page you will commit
plagiarism when using information from your sources to write your paper. AI generated work is
plagiarized work.
If you choose to make a slideshow you must have a minimum of 25 slides and at least 1000 words of
information presented in your slides. Make sure and include the word count on the title page slide as
the final item. Make sure to include in-text citations on your slides and make your final slide your works
cited (reference page). Without in-text citations (parenthetical citations) and a works cited or reference
page you will commit plagiarism when using information from your sources to create your slideshow.
Copying and pasting URL’s or website links is not how you cite a source and will not count as citing your
sources correctly. Make sure you save and share your slideshow in a way that is accessible, easy. All I
should have to do is click on it and it plays or pulls up. Your works cited slides at the end and title page
slide at the beginning do not count towards the 25 slide count your presentation needs to be.
Any submission with plagiarism in it, intentionally or unintentionally, will earn a zero and not be
assessed.
Plagiarism Reminder (again):
Students often, mistakenly, believe that as long as they do not directly quote or if they reword
information, it is not plagiarized. This is not true. You must acknowledge all material quoted,
paraphrased, or summarized from published or unpublished work. Failure to cite a source, deliberately
or accidentally, is plagiarism. Put another way, plagiarism is presenting as your own work the words,