17 Jul Field assignment # 2
There are a total of 2 field assignments for this class, and each assignment has several options listed below. You only need to choose one topic for each assignment. The purpose of these assignments is to observe, to listen, to understand, and to reflect on our culture and life experience, rather than to judge and to defend everything from our own perspectives. If you did not achieve the goal of these assignments, you will receive no points for your assignments.
As you write these assignments, try to answer one important question: how does sociology help you to make sense of the phenomenon you have observed. The length of each paper is about 6-8 pages (double space, typed only). Before you do these assignments, please review chapter 1, chapter 2, and the writing guidelines of this class. Creativity and sociological insights are greatly valued in these assignments.
Try to interview/observe people with diverse backgrounds. For example, do not just interview people like you, the same age group, the same gender, the same occupation, the same religion, the same ethnic group, etc. You should interview/observe different people in order to broaden your perspective.
Option 3: What Makes Jokes Funny
Try to find some interesting jokes from the internet, books, television programs, conversation, etc. What makes them so funny? Share some jokes with others, some individuals, or a group of people. Are these jokes universal? Is it possible that some people find them funny but others do not? Why? Under what situation will people laugh about some jokes? What makes jokes funny? (Do not spend more than two pages just listing your jokes, what I value most are your sociological insights.)
Writing Guidelines
Excellent writing is an important part of college education. To write an excellent paper for this class, please follow the steps closely. Any violation of the following points will result in point deductions.
1. All of the papers in this class are about 6-8 pages (double space, type only). If you have many excellent ideas, you can write more than 8 pages. However, a paper less than 6 pages implies that students either have insufficient observations or have not yet developed enough arguments or insights. Therefore, students will lose some points. Please do not try to fool the instructor by enlarging the font sizes or margin, or any other unnecessary spaces.
2. For each paper, you should have an introductory paragraph that attracts readers’ attention, point out the main points and purpose of this paper, the importance or significance of the paper.
3. I suggest you write down the outline of the paper before you start a paper. List the major points you want to express, and organize these points in a logical format. A good paper requires clarity, organization, and coherence.
4. It usually helps the paper become more organized if the author inserts some subtitles for each major section or main points. It not only helps the author concentrate on the main points, but also helps readers understand the paper.
5. Generally speaking, each paragraph should express one major point. Unless with special reason, a paragraph should not be too short (less than two sentences) or too long (more than 15 sentences).
6. Grammar or spelling mistakes will result in point deductions.
7. You should have a conclusion that summarizes the major points of your paper.
8. One way to improve your writing style is to read and follow a good example. This textbook can serve as an excellent example of writing. Imitate the style you see from this textbook. If you have any citation or quotation, follow the style you have observed from the textbook. It helps you improve your writing style.
9. Quality papers usually come from revision. Therefore, start your paper as early as possible, so you can have an opportunity to revise it.
10. After you finish your paper, you should have other persons read it to see whether everything is clear to the readers.
11. You will always improve your writing skills if you consult with a writing professional. If possible, take your paper to the writing center to see whether you can get any advice from them. You will be glad you did. The benefit will follow you throughout your lifetime.
12. There is no specific format for these assignments. Just make sure you follow the guidelines above.
Grading Criteria for Field Assignments
Each field assignment is worth 120 points. The grading will be based on the following criteria:
1. Data collection: (40 points)
Have you collected enough information based on the requirement of the assignment?
Is your observation accurate?
2. Sociological insights (20 points)
Have you provided various reflections on your observations?
Have you offered sociological insights based on your observations?
Did you describe your personal discoveries about society and social interaction?
3. Writing Style (60 points)
(1). Organization of the paper (20 points).
Do you have an introduction and conclusion?
Do you have an outline or subtitles that help you organize your paper?
Are your major points well-organized into paragraphs?
(2). Clear and Logical argument (20 points).
Are your sentences logically connected?
Are your arguments clear?
Do your arguments make sense?
(3). Grammar and spelling mistakes (20 points).
Do you have any incomplete sentences?
Have you checked your spelling and grammar?
“This assignment is the 2nd field assignment and only one option was needed to write the paper on.
Option 1: Ethnic Minority
Please interview at least 6 people that belong to ethnic minority groups (except the instructor). Try to find out any different experiences they have because of their ethnic minority status. If you belong to an ethnic minority group, please interview some people from different ethnic groups.
Option 2: Women at Work
Please interview at least 6 women who have high social economic status of their own (that is, they are not the homemaking wives of their prestigious husbands). These women should have either high educational degree, or jobs with high income or high prestige. Find out any difficulty they have experienced because of their gender.
Option 3: What Makes Jokes Funny
Try to find some interesting jokes from the internet, books, television programs, conversation, etc. What makes them so funny? Share some jokes with others, some individuals, or a group of people. Are these jokes universal? Is it possible that some people find them funny but others do not? Why? Under what situation will people laugh about some jokes? What makes jokes funny? (Do not spend more than two pages just listing your jokes, what I value most are your sociological insights.)
Option 4: Religious Diversity
Please go to a religious service with which you are totally unfamiliar. Describe the service as detailed as possible. What are the differences and similarities between this service and other services you know? If possible, you can also talk to other participants, ask them about their religion, why they joined this religious group, and how do they feel about this religious group, etc. You need to describe this religious service and participants as objectively as possible. You should also objectively compare this religious group with any other religious group you know.
Option 5: How do people meet their spouse?
Please interview at least 8 people who are married. Find out how they met each other? If someone who has not met their soul mate and would like to find one, what would be your advice for them to meet their soul mate?”
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