INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY –– FINAL EXAM
Professor Larry Stern
Spring 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.  It should be type-written and stapled together with a cover page.  Use no larger than 1 inch margins and 12 point font (Times New Roman or Courier) in your essay.  The cover page should include your name, my name, the course number and section, and date. There is no minimum length required.  However, I would think that in order to answer these questions satisfactorily you would need at least 750-1,000 words (3-5 typed double-spaced pages).

Bring your essay to class on the day and time that your final is scheduled (listed below)..

 

Final Exam Due
Dates

Section 05 that meets MW 1 PM: Wednesday, May 15th Section 06 that meets MW 2:30 PM: Monday, May 13th Section 12 that meets TR 2:30 PM: Thursday, May 16th