Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to analyze current events, think critically about those events, and examine whether opinion editorials can be used as forms of public sociology.
Instructions
Op-Eds by Sociologists:
- Pick three to read below. At their core, all of these op-eds represent forms of public sociology and likely reach different audiences. Pick any three of the following Op-Ed’s:
A Compassionate Society Provides Shelter for All. Links to an external site.
My Students in Prison have Complex Pasts, But are Now Creating New StoriesLinks to an external site.
Nevada Brothels Need Reform, Not ProhibitionLinks to an external site.
Pregnancy is Risky. Losing Access to Abortion puts Women’s Lives at StakeLinks to an external site.
The Killing of Ahmaud Arbery Highlights the Danger of Jogging While Black Links to an external site.
The Death of Hobbies is Not Our FaultLinks to an external site.
- Briefly describe the Op-Ed that "spoke to you" the most. What was the sociological importance in each? What type of public audience are the creators hoping to reach by using opinion editorials?
- Did any of these introduce something new that was unfamiliar to you? Did it make you curious about something new? Did it make you explore further, search a new topic, read something more? Explain.
- Discuss whether or not these are effective platforms for Sociologists. How do people access Op-Ed's today and what type of audiences might these be excluding? How can one make an op-ed more effective and reach a broader audience?
Grading Criteria
It should be typed, 12-point font, and no more than 2 pages.
This assignment is worth 100 points.
Grades will be based on how well you address each of the three items and how well you apply the other course materials in your response.