Overview
Prompts:
- In "Chains of Affection," Bearman et al. discovered that the sexual network at Jefferson High looked like a spanning tree. First, what is the interpersonal mechanism that they believe generated this network? Second, if somehow we were to have access to data on the romantic/sexual network among students at UCLA, do you think it would also look like a spanning tree- or some other structure? Why?
- First, identify and explain the three causes of homogeneity (segregation) in mating patterns. Second, if you had the power to make one change to society in order to encourage greater heterogeneity (integration) in mating patterns, what would it be- and which of the three causes does this change affect? Focus your discussion on a single attribute, such as racial background, religious affiliation, or socioeconomic status.
Please select and respond to ONE of the two prompts above. Your response should be 1 page long (no longer), double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins on all sides. Don't include a title or header (we know the submission is yours so this will just take up space). The assignment will be graded out of 10 points total. It is intended to be enjoyable for you- please show what you know and be creative! A detailed grading rubric is here:
All writing assignments are worth 10 points and will be graded in full-point increments (i.e. no partial points will be awarded). The ideal-typical submissions for a 10, 9, 8, and 7 are described below. Additionally, if you don't follow the formatting guidelines exactly (for all assignments: double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins on all sides), a point will be deducted; for papers that are longer than 1 page (i.e. there is any writing on a 2nd page), a point will be deducted; and for papers that are considerably longer or considerably shorter than 1 page, 2 points will be deducted. Overall, so long as you make some reasonable attempt at completing the assignment (and follow all formatting guidelines), I don't expect anyone to receive less than a "7" (but we will award such a grade for particularly egregious submissions).
- 10: Stylistically, the paper is beautifully written with no errors. Substantively, the paper responds thoroughly to all aspects of the prompt and demonstrates a flawless understanding of course material and an ability to apply it appropriately, and perhaps creatively.
- 9: Stylistically, the paper has (at most) a few errors. Substantively, the paper responds solidly to most (if not all) aspects of the prompt and demonstrates a mostly accurate understanding of course material and an ability to apply it appropriately.
- 8: Stylistically, the paper may have several errors and/or is slightly difficult to follow. Substantively, the paper responds adequately to the prompt and displays some accuracy in terms of understanding the course material and applying it appropriately.
- 7: Stylistically, the paper may have many errors and/or is rather difficult to follow. Substantively, the paper responds only tangentially to the prompt and displays many inaccuracies in term of understanding course material; applications may even be inappropriate.