The Controversial Topic paper is the culmination of the work and research that you have done on the controversial issue that you chose during the first week of class. You will be writing a six to eight page final paper which analyzes the issue using the theories that you identified in Discussion Forum 1 and further developed in Discussion Forum 2, instructor feedback, and peer interactions from the discussion board. The paper should fully explain the issue and controversy, fully articulate the conflicting arguments, identify which demographic groups benefit and which are harmed by the social issue, identify which demographic groups support and oppose the issue, compare how the issue is manifested in the United States compared to several other selected countries, your personal stance on the issue, and how you propose our society meaningfully works to solve this issue. Demonstrating your understanding of how theory and course materials connect to your issue through your analysis is important. Course concepts like statuses and roles, culture and subculture, deviance, inequality, gender, race, dramaturgy, socialization, etc. will be combined with our major theories of structural-functionalism, symbolic-interactionism, race-conflict theory, gender-conflict theory, and social-conflict theory to provide a rich sociological analysis of the controversial issue.
Example Outline of Paper Construction
Introduction
Explanation of issue
Relevance (why is this issue important and why is it important today)
Current news story illustrating issue
Nature of Controversy
Effects of issue (who is harmed, who benefits)
Conflicting Arguments
Major arguments in favor of the issue
Theoretical connection to those arguments
Multiple demographic dimensions of those likely to side with these arguments
Explanation of why these groups fall on this side of the issue using theory and course concepts
Major Arguments against the issue
Theoretical connection to those arguments
Multiple demographic dimensions of those likely to side with these arguments
Explanation of why these groups fall on this side of the issue using theory and course concepts
Global Analysis
High-Income Society other than the United States
Explanation of how the issue is manifested here
Similarities and differences between the USA and this country on this issue
High-Income Society other than the United States
Explanation of why the issue is notmanifested here or how it was previously resolved
Similarities and differences between the USA and this country on this issue
Middle or Low-Income Society other than the United States
Explanation of how the issue is manifested here
Similarities and differences between the USA and this country on this issue
Personal Stance and Solutions
Personal Stance on the issue
Reasoning
Connection to course materials and theory
Solutions
Using real and practical methods, how can this situation be resolved?
Are there continuing barriers to a solution? Explain.
Conclusion
Works Cited Page MLA Format
Technical specifications of paper:
PDF or DOC(X) file to Canvas submission link only. Email or print submissions are not accepted.
Paper length requirement is six to eight double-spaced pages of written content(approximately 1800 – 2000 words). Content is defined as the introduction, conclusion, and student-written text in between.
12-point Times, Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Arial font. 1-inch margins on all sides. Proper grammar, spelling, and APA or MLA structure
In addition to the textbook and instructor provided documents, a minimum of four sources be integrated and cited within the paper. Books, academic journals/articles, formal organizations, newspapers, etc. are acceptable. No Wikipedia (sources cited are ok), no social media, no tv news websites (CNN, FOX, NBC, etc).
Paper Checklist:
Introduce the issue and explain why it is controversial. Why is this relevant to us and relevant now? Use current news story to illustrate.
Connect issue to readings and relevant theory
Explain the differing sides of this issue, flesh out conflicting arguments (what do people think about it and why). In which theoretical perspectives are these arguments grounded?
Use sociological imagination to identify which demographic groups (rich/poor, white/non-white, men/women, urban/rural, LGBT/Straight, etc.) are likely to think/act which way on your issue. Are rich people or poor people more likely to support/oppose? Why? Are White people or racial minorities more likely to support/oppose? Why? Etc. Explain why demographics influence opinions on this issue.
How is this issue manifested in societies around the world?
Explain your position on this topic, take a side and explain why
Support your position with sociological theory, sociological imagination, sociological perspective
Can this issue be resolved? Now that we know about it, what can be done?
Minimum of four sources listed on a separate works cited page in MLA format and cited within the paper body
College-level writing – Spelling, grammar, use of language, and formatting/technical aspects of paper are correct.
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