1. You will write a 6-page research paper applying sociological theories to real life examples. Choose from these 2 options:

Option #1: Research Paper: (6 pages) (15% of grade) (due Wednesday of Week 10: March 11th): In this 6-page double-spaced research paper, using and citing sociological sources, you will choose a sociological theory and apply it to a social issue young people face today. The outline for the paper should be as follows:

1. Introduction to your topic and research question.
2. Explanation of what three or more sociology articles or books have argued concerning your topic

III. Offer empirical evidence of this issue citing online articles and news reports

1. Interview 3 other De Anza Students and quote them concerning their beliefs or attitudes about this issue and what they think causes it
2. Conclude by explaining the origins of the social issue, how it affects young adults today, and your suggestions for how to improve this situation based on what you read (citing your sources)

The following rubric will be used to grade your research papers:

1-20 points: Theory application: Accurately and thoroughly apply the chosen sociological theory(ies) we have learned in class to this social issue facing young people today.

1-20 points: The Interviews as Evidence: Theory-based analysis of the 3 interviews critically focused on the topic. How can you frame your interviews and social realities youth are facing using social theories we learned in class?

1-20 points: Who is affected and at what level are people affected: Fully identifies and explains the causes and extent of an objective social issue, including global, national, state, and local relationships as appropriate to the topic.

1-20 points: Writing Mechanics: Paper is organized, with strong, consistent voice, thoughtful word choices, and smooth sentence fluency – in short, well written and carefully edited with no grammatical errors. Cites sources correctly (author, year of publication and page number for quotes) and consistently with a correctly formatted works cited page.

1-20 points: Depth of Analysis: Analysis is at the appropriate depth of analysis overall for a college course and completes all pages.

Option #2: My Face-Work Paper (6-pages) (15% of grade) (due Wednesday of Week 11):

At the micro-level, define Erving Goffman’s conception of the ‘facework’, ‘taking a line’ and ‘the way we manage the impression others have of us’. Sociologists have used his concepts to analyze the traffic rules of social interaction (Goffman in Massey and O’Brien 2019:202). Also apply Goffman’s ideas about ‘commitments’. Who are the people you have regular interactions with? Describe these ‘commitments and explain why and how you are committed to these people. Goffman explains that we maintain social order by maintaining our own roles and status while allowing others to maintain their own roles and status through often subconscious interactional strategies. Give an example of a time you were in each of these types if interaction and explain how you resolved the situations where you or someone you know was: (a) in wrong face; (b) out of face; (3) shame faced; (c) allowed someone to take a better line. Finally reflect on the patterns of commitments and interactions you maintain now? Compare and contrast them to your childhood in terms of how much ‘agency’ you have today compared to your childhood when you had less agency. Do you feel empowered to do what you want and get your needs met now that you are older and you better understand your patterns of interactions? Are you able to be more diplomatic now? Does Goffman’s theory of ‘face-work’ help you better understand your self and motivations in life? Explain the strengths of Goffman’s symbolic interactionist theory of ‘face-work’ and its weaknesses as a social theory of identity and society.

The following rubric will be used to grade your face-work papers:

1-25 points: Writing Mechanics: Paper is organized, with strong, consistent voice, thoughtful word choices, and smooth sentence fluency – in short, well written and carefully edited with no grammatical errors. Cites sources correctly (author, year of publication and page number for quotes) and consistently with a correctly formatted works cited page.

1-25 points: Theoretical Concepts explained: Theory is correctly defined and analyzed.

1-25 points: Theory is correctly applied: Effectively frame your example interactions using facework theory. The examples were appropriate and meaningful.

1-25 points: Depth of Analysis: Analysis is at the appropriate depth of analysis overall for a college course and completes all pages.