INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY –– FINAL EXAM
Professor Larry Stern
SUMMER 2019

As has been argued throughout the semester, sociology is a way of “seeing things.” How has the sociological perspective contributed to a deepening of your understanding of the social world? You will answer this question in two parts:

 In part 1, choose one of the theoretical perspectives that sociologists use (structural-functionalist, conflict, symbolic interactionist), outline its main features, and demonstrate how it leads YOU to focus on aspects of the social world that you haven’t previously considered. Next, briefly discuss some of the insights that you have gained from applying the theoretical perspective you have chosen.

For part 2, illustrate how three specific sociological concepts (ie., the ubiquity/inevitability of conflict; status-sets; ethnocentrism; cultural relativity; multiculturalism; unintended/unanticipated consequences; impression management;  social construction of reality; the interdependence of social institutions; looking-glass-self;  reference groups; institutional discrimination; structurally-induced inequality; feminization of poverty; self-fulfilling prophecy; the Matthew Effect; hidden bias; etc) have enlarged your view of the social world.

Refer to the assigned readings, film presentations, and class discussions in your essay. There is no minimum length required.  However, I would think that in order to answer these questions satisfactorily you would need a minimum of 750-1,000 words (3-5 typed double-spaced pages).

Your Final Exam must be submitted in Canvas no later than 5PM on Thursday, July 11thUpload your paper in the Turnitin Assignment Inbox.