The purpose of this assignment is to use your knowledge of sociological theory to understand the
current pandemic. You may choose from (only) the following perspectives:
Functionalism, Conflict, Symbolic Interactionism, Ethnomethodology, or Critical Theory
Prepare an analysis, which includes:
a. brief (1-2 paragraph) summary of the issue
b. application of concepts and principles
Be sure to clearly identify and explicate the basic tenets/concepts of your chosen
theory to the specific aspect of the pandemic you are analyzing (for example, you can
consider the financial/economic impact, the social impact, the global impact, global
inequalities, gender inequalities, racial inequalities, the psychological impact of
social distancing, the various mental health implications, suicide, addiction, families
living in tight quarters and complicated family dynamics, the college experience and
what this means now and later, implications for higher ed as a result of the pandemic,
racism amidst the pandemic (for ex, the treatment of Asians and Asian Americans),
ageism and the treatment of the elderly, expecting a baby at this moment in history,
relationships and intimacy now (people away from significant others, the toll on
marriages, etc), unemployment, food insecurity and hunger, self-harm, the trappings
of domestic violence and incest and assault amidst quarantine, health care, effects on
friendships, technology, creativity that emerges during these rocky periods in history-
–art, music, literature, dance, film, poetry, etc…).
c. you MUST include at least one appropriate quote (with page numbers) from your
chosen theory from our textbook/class readings in your analysis
I anticipate 2-3 double-spaced typed pages for this assignment. Essays should comply
with standard formatting rules (1-inch margins, 12-pt font, double-spaced text).
You can write an excellent and interesting essay by relying solely on class texts. Or you could
draw on other course materials (videos, class notes…) to help frame and/or inform your paper.
***DO NOT USE PAPERS/BLOG POSTS/OR ANY WRITINGS FOUND ON THE
INTERNET WHILE WRITING YOUR PAPER; RELY ONLY ON YOUR NOTES AND
CLASS TEXTS WHEN DISCUSSING YOUR CHOSEN THEORY; ANY HINT OF
PLAGIARISM WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE HONOR COUNCIL***
Below are two links that discuss how to be successful in writing a paper that applies a particular
theoretical perspective to a social issue:
https://soc.washington.edu/writing-papers-apply-sociological-theories-or-perspectives
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/sociology/
(for the second link, look under the heading Application or testing of a theory or concept)
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