Project Preview and Theory Application

1. Introduction: In this section you will introduce your audience to the crime and violence issue you have chosen.

(Decriminalization of responsible drug use)

You will develop a statement that establishes your position on your chosen issue. Be sure to employ appropriate ethical considerations and best practices when communicating your introduction.
A. Provide a brief overview of your chosen issue regarding crime and violence. Explain the impact of the issue related to social roles within social institutions.
B. Based on your chosen issue, discuss the focus of this position paper in terms of how it aligns with the ultimate goal of the social advocacy group. In other words, what are you trying to accomplish by exploring this crime and violenceissue?
C. Briefly discuss the evidence that you will use in the analysis of theissue.
D. Briefly introduce the theory that you will use in the analysis of the issue.
E. Develop a statement that communicates your social advocacy group’s position on the issue.

2. Analysis: Now that you have identified a crime and violence issue, analyze evidence and apply sociological theory to communicate and support your position. Be sure to employ appropriate ethical considerations and best practices when constructing your analysis.
A. Articulate, in detail, your social advocacy group’s position regarding the issue. Your description should be written in a way that leads into your evidence and theory application.
B. Evaluate prevalent stereotypes regarding the issue. Be sure to address the validity, effects, and persistence of these stereotypes. (Use examples from news articles, popular media, or personal experience.)
C. Describe recent social change regarding the issue and support your response with examples. (Also, use examples from the media and personal experience.)
D. Analyze historical interpretations of the issue within relevant social structures (i.e., social institutions and culture) and support your analysis with evidence. In other words, where did the stereotypes originate in relation to society at the time? (Use scholarly sources as evidence.)
E. Analyze modern interpretations of the issue within relevant social structures (i.e., social institutions and culture) and support your analysis with evidence. How has this issue changed in society and where do we stand today? (Use scholarly sources as evidence here as well).
F. Apply appropriate sociological theory to historical and modern interpretations of the issue to support your overall analysis (Use scholarly sources or relevant course material needed to support).

Last Completed Projects