PART 2: INDIVIDUAL FORMAL OUTLINE. Formal outlines will include subject matter for most (or all) of the items listed in Part 3 below. Each bullet point shall have at least two subsections below it. Individual formal outlines are due in hard copy on MONDAY OCTOBER 21st in class. PART 3: INDIVIDUAL FINAL RESEARCH PAPER. a. Introduction: Provide general background on your social problem. Define the terms sociology and sociological imagination. Explain the value of using sociological imagination to understand social life. Cite your sources. The last sentence of your introduction will be your thesis statement. b. Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should be a concise and narrow explanation of what you will be exploring in the rest of your paper. c. Literature Review: Conduct a review of relevant academic literature pertaining to your institutional social problem. Remember to compare/contrast methods, findings, etc. from similar sources, and to highlight key differences/conflicts between dissimilar sources. d. Considered Position/Coherent Argument: Name and describe ONLY ONE social issue or problem that you are focusing on in your paper. Explain why you consider it to be a social rather personal issue or problem. e. Data and Methods: Show how relevant, widespread or significant your selected social problem is by reviewing the method of data collection in your academically relevant sources. Include important findings that you may have setup in your literature review. Be sure to cite your sources. g. Theory. Explain and apply ONE of the three core sociological theories (functionalist, social conflict, or symbolic interactionist perspective) to your particular institutional social problem. Remember that a well-argued theory section not only advances one position, it also argues against the other two core theoretical perspectives. h. Conclusion. Restate your thesis statement, and express any conclusions you have reached throughout the course of preparing your research paper. Final research papers are due in hard copy on MONDAY OCTOBER 21st in class. MECHANICS: In writing your paper, be sure to follow these instructions: 1. Use APA format. That means proper punctuation, in-text citations, and works cited page referencing all sources of information contained in your project, whether directly or indirectly cited (text, books, the internet, class notes, or other sources). Be sure to use complete sentences and formal writing style (margins, page numbering, font size 12, double line spacing, etc). 2. Cover page. You MUST include a cover page with the following items: a creative/informative title, your name, instructor name, course name and section number, and project due date. 3. Format. The written portion of this project is to be typewritten or word processed, double-spaced and using 8.5x11` paper. In the interest of being green and environmentally conscious, you may use both front and back sides of the paper (duplex printing) if you like. Use computer font size 12. Projects are to be stapled in upper left corner. No slip covers or binders. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are included in the grading of this project. Number your pages (except for cover page).

PART 2: INDIVIDUAL FORMAL OUTLINE. Formal outlines will include subject matter for most (or all) of the items listed in Part 3 below. Each bullet point shall have at least two subsections below it. Individual formal outlines are due in hard copy on MONDAY OCTOBER 21st in class. PART 3: INDIVIDUAL FINAL RESEARCH PAPER. a. Introduction: Provide general background on your social problem. Define the terms sociology and sociological imagination. Explain the value of using sociological imagination to understand social life. Cite your sources. The last sentence of your introduction will be your thesis statement. b. Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should be a concise and narrow explanation of what you will be exploring in the rest of your paper. c. Literature Review: Conduct a review of relevant academic literature pertaining to your institutional social problem. Remember to compare/contrast methods, findings, etc. from similar sources, and to highlight key differences/conflicts between dissimilar sources. d. Considered Position/Coherent Argument: Name and describe ONLY ONE social issue or problem that you are focusing on in your paper. Explain why you consider it to be a social rather personal issue or problem. e. Data and Methods: Show how relevant, widespread or significant your selected social problem is by reviewing the method of data collection in your academically relevant sources. Include important findings that you may have setup in your literature review. Be sure to cite your sources. g. Theory. Explain and apply ONE of the three core sociological theories (functionalist, social conflict, or symbolic interactionist perspective) to your particular institutional social problem. Remember that a well-argued theory section not only advances one position, it also argues against the other two core theoretical perspectives. h. Conclusion. Restate your thesis statement, and express any conclusions you have reached throughout the course of preparing your research paper. Final research papers are due in hard copy on MONDAY OCTOBER 21st in class. MECHANICS: In writing your paper, be sure to follow these instructions: 1. Use APA format. That means proper punctuation, in-text citations, and works cited page referencing all sources of information contained in your project, whether directly or indirectly cited (text, books, the internet, class notes, or other sources). Be sure to use complete sentences and formal writing style (margins, page numbering, font size 12, double line spacing, etc). 2. Cover page. You MUST include a cover page with the following items: a creative/informative title, your name, instructor name, course name and section number, and project due date. 3. Format. The written portion of this project is to be typewritten or word processed, double-spaced and using 8.5x11` paper. In the interest of being green and environmentally conscious, you may use both front and back sides of the paper (duplex printing) if you like. Use computer font size 12. Projects are to be stapled in upper left corner. No slip covers or binders. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are included in the grading of this project. Number your pages (except for cover page).