Sociological Theory
- Introduction
Clearly tell where paper is going—briefly summarize the news article in 1-2 sentences and identify the theorist/theory and 2 concepts you will be applying in the paper (state that you thought those would be a good fit to the topic, etc.)
- Theorist’s/Theory’s Overall Model
Show that you understand the overall model/orientation of the theorist, citing key passages from the textbook (put in your own words whenever possible), and why your news article is a good fit to this theory (you may use other course resources besides textbook—see Content folders in course. I strongly discourage you from using sources you find on the Internet such as Course Hero, Encyclopedia.com, etc—these “study aids” are contributed by students and not sociologists!)
- Concept #1
Identify the first concept you will be applying, citing key passages from the textbook and/or other course sources (put in your own words whenever possible). Then cite specific passages from your news article (quotes are helpful here) that provide a fitting illustration of your chosen concept. Explain in your own words why this concept fits so well to the example(s) you have chosen from your article.
- Concept #2
Identify the second concept you will be applying, citing key passages from the textbook textbook and/or other course sources (put in your own words whenever possible). Then cite specific passages from your news article (quotes are helpful here) that provide a fitting illustration of your chosen concept. Explain in your own words why this concept fits so well to the example(s) you have chosen from your article.
- Conclusion—recap and conclude
- List your news article and your textbook as your 2 references (cite them in ASA style within the paper). If you use other course sources, cite them using ASA format, see the Explore Sociology Libguide or Writing for Sociology content folder for proper ASA format citations.
- Attach a copy of your article at the end
