Summation Essay

With the semester winding down, I wanted to walk you through our final assignment, the final summation essay, which is now available.

First, this assignment is only for students who did not complete the book report. So, if you did not do the book report, you will want to complete the final summation because that grade category is worth ten percent of your final grade in the class.

Second, there is a length requirement for the final summation, three to four pages. The essay prompt has three sections, which should be about 1-1.5 pages each.

Third, it is due on Wednesday, December 9th, at 9.30am. No late work will be accepted, with no exceptions given. You have two full weeks to turn it in.

Now, let me explain the prompt and give you some tips on content….

“First, begin by defining culture. Describe, using specific examples, the sociological elements that comprise a culture. What effect does culture have on socialization and group membership?” A definition (and elements) of culture can be found in chapter three; it will be your working definition for the entire essay, so make sure it is sound. Socialization is discussed in chapter five and groups is the focus of chapter six.
“Next, how does culture affect social inequalities? Choose a theoretical approach to help explain your answer.” The social inequalities are chapters nine through thirteen; pick two or three that you are comfortable with discussion. Choose one of the three major theories, which are discussed in each chapter to help (symbolic interactionism, functionalism, or conflict theory).
“Lastly, how does culture help form social institutions, such as family, religion, education, politics, economics, etc.?” Chapters fourteen through eighteen describe our social institutions. Again, choose two or three to discuss.