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Sociology 1301

Introduction to Sociology

First-Take-Home Exam

Fall Semester 2020

Prof Mike Buhl

 

This is a 100-point, open-book test. Deadline for submitting this Take-home-exam is Monday, Oct. 19th 11:59pm. You must also submit a total of (3) fully completed essays with your ID answers. Failure to submit them can translate into a significant lower test grade!

I.                   Correctly select the proper term/concept/theorist   (30 points –1 points each)

1. Capitalism                                 2. Sociology 3. Conflict/Critical

4. Positivism        5. Comte                                6. Concrete-operational

7. Macro               8. Functionalism             9. Industrial

10. Hunting/gathering                    11. Mead                12.Agriculture

13. Formal/Operational         14. Ethnocentrism                             15. Culture shock

16. Manifesto                       17. Durkheim                        18. Goffman

19. Piaget                         20. Field research 21. W.E.B.Dubois

22. Pastoral                  23. Robin Williams 24. symbol

25. Horticulture 26. Nature/nurture debate        27. Socialism

28. Proletariat                     29.Post-industrial  30. Symbolic-interationism

31. Cooley                              32. Science                  33. Max Weber

34. Qualitative                          35. Metaphysical                         36. Herbert Spencer

37. Pre-operational 38. Counterculture 39. Socialization

40. Bourgeoisie 41. Harlows study 42. Agents of Socialization

43.Quantitative 44. Risk Society 45. Norms

 

Fill in the 30 questions by indicating which term/concept/theorists would make the best fit with the statement. Put a number from the list above in the blank. Some terms/ concepts might fit with multiple statements. You do not have to use up all the terms listed above. Submit a short list with numbers and correct terms with all of your written essays. Failure to include this section together with your (3) required essays equals a loss of 30 points from the 100 possible points. Do Not Submit them at different times!

1.____ is a sociologist who popularized the concept of “survival of the fittest” in sociology.

2.____ for Comte, this the first stage when societies start out and are still in development.

3.____is a major theoretical perspective in sociology which assumes that society can best be described in terms of the kind of functions or stability it provides. At its core, this theory assumes that most of the social institutions make the continuation of a society possible.

4.___this term is sometimes used to describe when individuals or groups think their culture is more or less superior compared to other cultures

5____ are approaches to sociological research that tend to use statistical data rather than interviews or field research.

6. ____ were the first and simple societies that existed with very little tools and technology, and little inequality.

7.____ In the Piaget documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XwjIruMI94 , the cognitive abilities of 5-year old Irene are more likely still at this stage.

8. ____gets credit for coining and inventing the word “sociology.”

9. ______ are Family, School, Peer groups, Mass media etc. and are considered to play a significant role in the socialization process.

10.________ is the Sociologist who authored a list of 15 American Values in 1970.

11._____ was the first sociologist who studied suicide sociologically.

12.______For Comte, this is the last stage when societies have reached a truly developed stage.

13.______ According to German Sociologist Ulrich Beck, this is the type of society we are currently living in.

14.______ In the Piaget documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XwjIruMI94 , the cognitive abilities of 12-year old Popof are still more likely located at this stage.

15.______ are societies that made use of factories and the assembly-line to produce things. Also, most of the founding sociologists like Karl Marx lived through this kind of society or often spoke critically of it.

16.______ are societies which have shifted away from heavy manufacturing and towards a large service-sector economy.

17.______is famous study/experiment on rhesus monkeys that revealed love (nurture) is far more important than food.

18.______is the process in which we begin to actually internalize societies values and norms.

19._______In the Piaget documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XwjIruMI94 , the cognitive abilities of 12- year old Popof are still more likely located at this stage.

20. The worker “has but wages to live upon, and must therefor take work when, where, and at what terms he can get it.” This line written by Marx in 1881 applies to the class position of ________.

21.______are considered culture groups which reject or oppose mainstream values and norms of the majority.

22.______ is considered to be a critical debate between biological and non-biological explanations for human behavior.

23.______ can be anything that carries meaning for people in a culture (flags, uniforms, money etc.)

24.______ are societies in which slavery also first took place (ex: Roman Empire).

25.______ this sociologist once said,” The problem of the twentieth century is the problems of the color line.”

26.______ “ The Capitalist, if he cannot agree with the Labourer, can afford to wait and live upon his capital.” This specific line written in 1881 by Marx applies to the class position of the __________.

27.______for example, this concept can be applied to behavior in the South when children are taught to say “Yes sir/mam” to teachers and other figures of authority in society or when reading a sign posted in a gas station “No shoes, No- t-shirt, No Service”.

28.______ In the Piaget documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XwjIruMI94 , the cognitive abilities of 10-year old Didier are still more likely located at this stage.

29.______ when a sociologist uses this research method, he or she is likely going to a natural-setting like a street-corner in a city and observing and writing about everyday social behavior.

30.______ is a sociologist who can best fit into the symbolic interactionist tradition.

 

II Applying Sociological Theory to United States – Mexico Border fences

Write mini essays over the following (25 points).  Remember, you need a total of (3) submitted together with your ID answers. Citation: For the online book, when using in text citation just say: According to Little(2016), If you use my powerpoints or handouts just say (Buhl Slide 1 etc.).However, if other external internet sources are used please include a WORKS CITED PAGE OR PROPER REFERENCE SHEET (worth 10 points) at the end of your take-home-exam! 

1. In one page or more, explain how a functionalist perspective would likely be applied by a sociologist to explain the functional uses of United States- Mexico Border fences. First, define what is meant by functionalism in sociology or answer several of the questions below. For example, why does the U.S./ Mexico border exist? Why do countries and the state depend on borders for stability? Who benefits directly or indirectly because of the building of walls and fences? What are the manifest, latent, and/ or possible social dysfunctions of borders, fences, and walls between the U.S. and Mexico? Next, outline how a functionalist would likely frame the need for borders and fences as a way produce stability and authority in society. You are are encouraged to use functionalist terms (See list below) and apply a minimum 4 as best as you can in explaining the positive uses of United States- Mexico Border fences. Outside statistics or pro or con websites on borders can be used (including any statistics) but be sure to demonstrate you can make use of the “sociological imagination” (C. Wright Mills) here.

Function

Purpose

System maintenance

Stability

Manifest functions

Latent functions

Dysfunctions

Consensus/ Equilibrium

Example of website filled with popular Pro- border/ wall arguments:

https://immigration.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000778

In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced).

2. In one page or more, explain how a conflict/critical perspective would likely be applied by a sociologist to provide reasons for the United States- Mexico Border fences. First, define what is meant by a conflict/critical approach in sociology or answer several of the questions below. For example, in what ways do border and fences also reflect widening income and wealth gaps between rich and poor countries? In what ways do border and fences also promote unequal physical life chances (See maps below)? How many migrants die or get seriously injured every year trying to cross the border or fence between the United States and Mexico? Do big capitalists and big employers benefit from wall and fences far more than immigrant workers and the undocumented generally? Hence, outline how a conflict/ critical sociologist would likely frame the issue of borders and fences. You are encouraged to use conflict/ critical terms (See list below) and apply a minimum 4 as best as you can in explaining the other reasons for United States- Mexico Border fences. Outside statistics or pro or con websites on borders can be used but be sure to demonstrate you can make use of the “sociological imagination” (C. Wright Mills).

Inequality/

Poverty

Conflict/ Class struggle

Social class/ Rich vs Poor

Racism, Prejudice,

Discrimination

Globalization

Ethnocentrism/xenophobia

Militarism

Power

Example of website filled with popular Anti- border/ wall arguments:

https://openborders.info/

Source of graph above: https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/walled-world?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1

Also, be sure to check the anticipated life expectancies (health outcomes) between people in the United States and people in Mexico and/or Guatemala:

https://www.populationpyramid.net/hnp/life-expectancy-at-birth-total-years/2015/

III Research Methods

Write mini essays over the following (25 points).  Remember, you need a total of (3) submitted together with your ID answers. Citation: For the online book, when using in text citation just say: According to Little(2016), If you use my powerpoints or handouts just say (Buhl Slide 1 etc.).However, if other external internet sources are used please include a WORKS CITED PAGE OR PROPER REFERENCE SHEET (worth 10 points) at the end of your take-home-exam! 

 

3. Designing a Sociological Study:

In this essay, your goal will be to map out a proper sociological study that is either qualitative or quantitative.

-You will pick any one of the six research question options below:

-“Why do some favor tighter gun control while others are opposed?”

-“Why do some favor the death penalty while others are opposed?

-“Why do some favor decriminalizing marijuana while others remain opposed?”

-“Why some favor criminalizing abortions while others are opposed?

-“Why do some think it’s okay for a racist to give a political speech while others are opposed?

-“Why do some think the police should be able to use physical force while others are opposed?”

Note: You can find data to all of these questions from the GSS- if you decide to do a quantitative study: https://gssdataexplorer.norc.org/trends/Civil%20Liberties?measure=cappun

Next, describe how you will go forward with this research project. Answer the following:

-Have you decided whether it is best to do a quantitative or qualitative study? Why?

-Which method and/or techniques do you think could be used to answer your main research question (from above)? ---Interview, Surveys, Field research, Content Analysis, data-mining and exploring data-sets etc.? Defend your method! (Note: If you’re doing an interview, list or write a minimum of 7 specific questions you would ask respondents).

-What might be some limitations to the method or technique that you’ve picked above?

-How are you going to acquire data or interview material that is legitimate and non-bias?

-How are you going to actually use the data or graphs in your paper (if you plan to include data and graph) ?

-What sort of findings do you think you will discover at the end?

- Is there any differences of attitudes based on political affiliation, age, sex, and race?

- Will you be able to fully answer your original research question?

- How are you going to be able to truly remain objective while conducting this research?

- How much time do you think it will take you to fully complete such a research project? (Be detailed as possible )

In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 ¾ page in length (single spaced).

4. In your short essay, you are to briefly chew on what you feel are the current top five widely shared U.S. values in American Society in 2020. Make sure to arrange them according to what you think are high to low. These 5 values should come from the original list of 15 from Sociologist Robin Williams in 1970. Do not make up random values! According to Robin Williams in 1970, the 15 widely shared U.S. values in American society were:

1. Achievement and Success

2. Activity and Work

3. Moral Orientation

4. Humanitarianism

5. Efficiency and Practicality

6. Progress

7. Material Comfort

8. Equality

9. Freedom

10. External Conformity

11. Science

12. Nationalism and Patriotism

13. Democracy

14. Individual Personality

15. Racism

Please bold the 5 values you decide to chew on which you think reflects the shared values in 2020. You should discuss each values you picked for a paragraph. Next, I would like you to briefly pretend you had access to a time machine and could travel to year 2059 America. Please re-list the 5 values which you think would now be the most widely shared and if they would differ with the ones you listed back in 2020. In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced). Note: You are also permitted to make a powerpoint with pictures explaining the 5 values you picked from the list. Just attach the file and title it “5 values.”

III  Culture & Socialization

Image result for Socialization

Write mini essays over the following (25 points).  Remember, you need a total of (3) submitted together with your ID answers. Citation: For the online book, when using in text citation just say: According to Little(2016), If you use my powerpoints or handouts just say (Buhl Slide 1 etc.).However, if other external internet sources are used please include a WORKS CITED PAGE OR PROPER REFERENCE SHEET (worth 10 points) at the end of your take-home-exam! 

5. Nature/Nurture debate: I would like you to carefully answer one of the following sample questions below (add in your preferred topic selection below).  I list your options below. You must also define and use one of the following culture/socialization concepts in your write-up (Nature, Sociobiology, Nurture, Culture*,) You are permitted to use external definitions but make sure you paraphrase correctly or place “ “ around any direct text used. I will also recommend watching this documentary below which should assist in answering this nature vs nurture question :

https://collin.kanopy.com/video/tough-guise-2?pos=1

https://dcccd.kanopy.com/video/tough-guise-2

 

What causes someone to become a(n) (alcoholic/drug addict)

       (video game addict)

       (murderer/ mass shooter)

       (terrorist/ suicide bomber)

       (severely mentally ill)

       (finger-nail biter)

       (racist)

       (political extremist)

       (misogynist/sexist/homophobic individual)

       (animal abuser)

       (hoarder of trash and items in home)

Image result for inside the mass shooters mind" 

In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced).

Important: It is important to explain to the reader how you define words like “nature” and “nurture.” . Ideally, your borrowed definitions should come from sociology or psychology textbooks.

                                                   

6. The Shaping of Self: In our last session we discussed the works of Cooley, Mead, and Goffman and how their sociological concepts helped to explain the formation of self and identity in society. In a page or more, I would like you to analyze the music lyrics of any of your favorite music artists songs were the issue of self and identity comes up. Explain, as best as you can, how the musician you’ve picked addresses issues of self and identity in the lyrics of one or two of their songs. In your write-up, make sure to bold any relevant sociological concepts you decide to use from Cooley, Mead, or Goffman, including “Looking-Glass-Self,” “Self,” “Identity/Personality,” “Significant Others,”“ Generalized others,”Impression Management,” “Front-stage,” “Back-stage etc. For example, in the mid-90s, the hip hop musician 2Pac in his song “Dear Mama,” highlights the positive role of his mother on his own development of self while growing up in the inner-city. The whole song is a tribute to one of his parental figures or what Mead would describe as “significant others.” Meanwhile, the female music artist Pink in her song “Don’t Let Me Get Me,” highlights how her own identity and music style has often been shaped by personal struggles and her non-conforming personality while growing up - and later ,for example, being encouraged to self-censor her songs to fit into commercial industry norms. Cooley would likely describe this theme in Pinks’ song “Don’t Let Me Get Me,” as a fruitful example of “the looking-glass-self.”

Reference*

If you decide to cite or use definitions from our online books paste this at the bottom of your essay somewhere:

Little, William. 2016. Introduction to sociology. (Ebook)

Or

Giddens, Duneier, Appelbaum, and Carr.2019. Essentials of Sociology. (Ebook)

Or if you want to use the same sample nature/nurture long definitions I used and provided inside the module:

Jenks, Chris.1998. Core Sociological Dichotomies. London; Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage.

Or when using in-text citation just say: According to Little(2016), nature is defined as “ “

Or when using in-text citation just say: According to Giddens et al. (2019), nature is defined as “ “

Or when using in-text citation just say: According to Jenks (1998), nature is defined as “ “

  Looking forward to reading your essays,

Prof Buhl

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