Important: This assignment should be written entirely in Google Docs. You will need to start a Google Doc, use the Google Doc for all writing and editing, and submit the paper as both a Google Doc and a PDF. Following this requirements is critical to receiving a passing grade for this assignment.
PrisonPandemic
The PrisonPandemic archive—composed of hundreds of calls and letters from people incarcerated in California’s 35 prisons—provides the first window into how those incarcerated are experiencing the pandemic. The purpose of this project is to increase public awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic in carceral facilities, to contribute to research and knowledge about the pandemic in these facilities, and to inform litigation about incarceration conditions during the pandemic.
Explore the Stories on PrisonPandemic
- Choose one of the following topical areas that you would like to investigate: (1) prison conditions, (2) family, (3) infection, (4) stress, and (5) programs. You can find these stories corresponding to these topical areas by going to the Facilities page, choosing a specific California prison, and then navigating to the themes under “Refine your results”.
- Listen to at least 10 stories related to the theme of your choosing. You should choose stories from multiple prisons.
Writing Assignment
Write a paper that addresses the following three questions:
- What did you learn from PrisonPandemic about your topical area?
- How does what you learned from PrisonPandemic correspond to what you have learned from course lectures, course readings, and resources outside of class (see below)?
- To what extent does incarceration serve as a social determinant of health? How so?
Some course topics that are illustrated in the PrisonPandemic stories include the following: the social determinants of health, stressors and health, health behaviors and illness behaviors, and social networks and health. Choose at least one of these topics (or another relevant course topic) to elaborate upon. Be specific in linking the stories from PrisonPandemic to course materials. It may be helpful to draw on direct quotes from the PrisonPandemic stories in writing your paper.
Use your sociological imagination.
“The sociological imagination enables its possessor to understand the larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life and the external career of a variety of individuals … the idea that the individual can understand his own experience and gauge his own fate only by locating himself within his period, that he can know his own chances in life only by becoming aware of those of all individuals in his circumstances.” -- C. Wright Mills (1959).
Details
The assignment should be three to four pages in length, double-spaced, with 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and proper citations (both within the text and with a ‘works cited’ or ‘references’ section). At a minimum, your paper must include the following: (1) a clear introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, (2) body paragraphs that support and extend your thesis statement with analysis, and (3) a concluding paragraph that summarizes what you have discussed.
Additionally, you must use three resources from outside of class. These resources must be from academic journals (not newspapers or magazines).
You may use any style of citation (such as, APA or MLA), but please be consistent throughout the paper. The ‘works cited’ section does not count toward the page limit. You will be graded on your ability to prove your main argument or thesis. You will also be graded on spelling and grammar, as incorrect usage can inhibit your ability to communicate your ideas.
Please submit the following two items: (1) a PDF of your Google Doc paper and (2) via Google Docs (on the assignment submission page). The assignment will be considered late if we do not receive these two items by the deadline. Please see the late policy in the syllabus.
Also note that this course uses TurnItIn. You will receive a copy of your TurnItIn report after your assignment has been graded.
Rubric
Writing Assignment
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|---|---|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFollowing "big" directions.This includes an attempt to answer the three questions posed in the assignment guidelines. | 10 ptsFull MarksAddress all three questions clearly.8 ptsPartial CreditOnly address two of the three questions. 6 ptsPartial creditOnly addresses one of the three questions.0 ptsNo creditDoes not address any of the three questions. Paper is off topic. | 10 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFollowing “small” directionsThis includes length, font, double spaced, margins, references/works cited, etc. -.5/1 point for each direction that is not followed. | 10 ptsFull MarksFollows all the small directions.0 ptsNo Marks | 10 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganizationThere are body paragraphs that support the thesis statement. | 10 ptsFull MarksBody paragraphs that support the thesis statement in a logical order. A strong, cohesive paper. Topic sentences support thesis and body paragraphs support topic sentences.9 ptsPartial creditMost of the body paragraphs support the thesis. 8 ptsPartial creditOrganization needs work.0 ptsNo Marks | 10 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar & spelling.Paper has been proof-read for grammar and spelling mistakes. -.5/1 for mistakes that are distracting to the reader. | 10 ptsFull MarksNo grammar or spelling errors.0 ptsNo Marks | 10 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUse of readingsAppropriate use of readings from outside of class. Students who do not using readings from outside of class (or who do not use readings from academic journals) will not receive higher than an 80%. 3 academic sources. You must not only cite academic sources but also engage with them throughout the paper. | 20 ptsFull MarksCites at least three academic sources from outside of class and engages with all materials throughout, correctly.15 ptsPartial creditIncludes two academic sources and/or engagement with material is somewhat limited. 10 ptsPartial creditIncludes one academic sources and/or does not engage with cited material.0 ptsNo Marks0 ptsNo creditDoes not use and/or engage with readings from outside of class. | 20 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdeas, creativity, addressing the questions. | 30 ptsFull MarksEssay has great ideas, is creative, and addresses all three questions exceptionally well.0 ptsNo Marks | 30 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis statementThesis statement is clearly written. | 10 ptsFull MarksClear argument and thesis.9 ptsPartial creditGood thesis. Argument is mostly clear. 8 ptsPartial creditOverall clear thesis and argument, but need a bit more work.0 ptsNo Marks | 10 pts |
Total Points: 100