Critical Discussion #3

This assignment is meant to prepare us for the Critical Core Signature Assignment. We are required to carefully read the article and apply the questions from Critical Thinking Guide Three, using concepts from the textbook The Real World: An Introduction to Sociology (9th edition) by Kerry Ferris and Jill Stein. This work is based on Chapters 7 through 9 of the textbook, and we are expected to apply the key concepts and theories from those chapters in our analysis.

I completed Part A, but I am not completely sure if I approached it correctly according to the instructions. Based on what was required in Part A, I would like to continue developing the rest of the essay following the same line of thinking, since all sections are connected and build on each other. Although my response to Part A may not be entirely correct, I hope it reflects the direction of my analysis.

I am also including the assignment instructions, the required questions, the article, the textbook slides, and the three guides that have been shared so far. I am not completely sure whether the three guides specifically apply to this assignment; however, I am including them in case the information is relevant and helpful in understanding my work.

Use APA style.

Some Comments:

We have now learned the information that highlights the social cycle of deviance and how this leads to the macro-level presentation of deviance in the form of social stratification. This week, we will learn the critical thinking needed to examine the social inequalities of classism and racism. Classism is perpetuated through institutional design, cultural formal and informal norms, and social practices that maintain privilege for some while disadvantaging others who are not a part of the class in-group. Racism is the social inequality that many students struggle with, since many have never had a proper conversation about the critical difference between race and ethnicity and the difference between systemic racism and system prejudice. Sexism and Genderism are very hard to analyze if you do not use proper sociological, critical thinking (the same goes for racism since the complexities of racism, sexism, and genderism change based on the sociological level that is being examined). Be sure to read the Critical Thinking Guide for these chapters to be sure you are discussing this information properly in your writing assignments.

If you have been following the directions provided to you since Week One, you should have a great deal of your work completed for the Critical Core Signature Assignment. Essentially, this week with the structure of your Critical Discussion #3: I am forcing those of you who have not begun your work yet to begin since this assignment is so important for your grade. If you have not began your work, I cannot stress how your grade will be impacted if you do not put in the needed work this week. This is not a paper to wait until the last minute to complete due to the scientific, technical nature needed for your work. This assignment is more than just a paper. It is essentially you creating a scientific journal article relating to the sociological complexities related to each section of the assignment. Also, keep in mind that your Critical Core Signature Assignment cannot be extended for any reason, unless you have a medically documented reason why you did not submit your work by the deadline. This is a department paper, and you should take this very seriously as mentioned. This is also a student-led assignment, and you were responsible to ask me questions and keep up with your work since the assignment was given in Week One.

At the point in the course, your critical, sociological thinking skills should be at a moderate level. This means, you should be able to have sociological based conversations without the need to look up definitions or application processes. This is something that is vital to properly complete your Critical Core Signature Assignments. Be sure you are up-to-date on all the required readings that are in the course textbook and other required reading that are uploaded to Brightspace.

Major tip: I have noticed that a few of you have a habit of providing definitions and presenting stereotypes or bias in your work, and you should not be doing this at this point in the course. You should be showcasing that you understand how to apply the concepts, term, and theories you have been learning about in the course and the complexities of society due to the hegemonic aspects created by those in the in-group on a macro-level. I would suggest that you read all the critical guides that have been given to you throughout the course, especially since it is a full review of the course from Chapter One to Chapter Nine. This is to assist those of you who may be struggling with the scientific aspects and requirements of this course.

These instructions for this assignment

Since Week Two, you were to begin your process of completing your Critical Core Signature Assignment that is due to the department at the end of this course. This is critical discussion will require you to discuss each part of the assignment, and how you plan to present your sociological thinking toward the article you are analyzing for the assignment, by answering the questions provided. Your work should discuss all four parts (i.e. Part A THROUGH Part D) and each part should have at least 75 words (300 words total).

Part A

Which social inequalities did you find in the article? How do you know this is sociologically correct?

Part B

Which offshoot theory do you plan to use to analyze the article? What made you choose this theory?

Part C

Which sociological concepts do you plan to use for those who socially would not agree with the information presented in the article in connection to the sociological truth in Part A?

Part D

How do you plan to analyze the micro-macro continuum impacts in relation to what would socially happen if the author’s purpose for the article were to be taken into consideration?

Note: If you are unsure of the requirements for the assignment, or where to find the article, these are located in the Text and Resources for the course.

Point Distribution (Rubric)

• Critical Thinking (15 points)- Evaluation statements should be thorough, based on evidence, and stay on topic by directly discussing the sociological processes needed to analyze the question being asked.
• Assignment Completed (15 points): Each question is attempted and fully completed to the best of your ability upon submission.
• Critical Understanding (10 points): Points will be given based on your standing in the course with critically understanding the sociological information required for the assignment’s expectations.