Overview
Choose a topic that is clearly related to the course. a specific research question or thesis statement; II) a planned theoretical approach – that is, locate your argument within a sociological analysis, (how will you explain the issue using Sociological concepts discussed in class?); III) a properly formatted, complete bibliography on five (5) peer reviewed social science journal articles (sources not on the course reading list and not text/books) that are directly relevant to your research question; and IV) a short paragraph about how each source will help you answer your research question. If you can’t find good social science sources (outside of the course reading list) on your chosen topic, change your topic. You will be graded on the quality and appropriateness of your sources, so choose them carefully. Criteria of evaluation: relevance and focus of your research question, an appropriate and applicable sociological approach and the quality and relevance of the sources and annotation of sources.
Choosing a topic: Choose a topic that is clearly related to the course. For example:
- you can choose one specific topic from one of our sessions, or you can choose to address broader issues that connect multiple themes from our course,
- But whatever you choose, you need to base your research on the learnings from this course, by using topics/themes from our sessions.
Structure of the Proposal: Guideline
Word Limit: 1200/1500 words
- Title of the research (the key words and main idea should be reflected on the title) 1 point
- Relevance of the topic: you will explain the reason/s behind choosing this topic, its connection to the course. 2 points
- Specific research question: only one question. 1 point.
- Thesis statement or the main argument: you will present your main argument that you wish to present through your research in the paper. 2 points.
- A literature review of the main topic/concepts: this section establishes the background and existing knowledge on the topic/s and key concepts that you wish to pursue. Usually, the keywords are covered in this section to frame the research. 5 points.
- Bibliography: A properly formatted, complete bibliography which should include 5 sources from your course reading list, and at least five (5) peer reviewed social science journal articles (sources not on the course reading list) that are directly relevant to your research question. 1 Point.
- Class women and health: you can choose one specific topic from one of our sessions, or you can choose to address broader issues that connect multiple themes from our course,
The course topics:
Class Topic: Population control: Women’s bodies as sites of control
Class Topic: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Maternal Health and reproductive rights
Class Topic: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Menstrual Hygiene management
Class Topic: Violence Against Women and Health impact
Class Topic: Women with Disabilities