Overview
Urban Sociology Midterm
Soc158
The midterm consists of two short essays no longer than 500 words. All students will answer the first prompt. They will select one of two options from the second set of prompts
Submission format: Exams will be submitted on Canvas’s Assignment portal. Exams should be entered into the body of the assignment textbox just as you do with your weekly responses. Please include the prompt number you are responding to above each essay.
Length Limit: 500 words for each response (1000 words total). Responses over 500 words will be penalized a half-letter grade.
Grading: See the Rubric in the "Files" folder for a detailed explanation of A, B, and C, and lower grades. We will be using this as our guide of evaluation. Be sure to deploy each of the elements listed on the reading response guidelines. “B” level papers and higher should include
- A clearly identifiable thesis statement.
- At least two key quotes from the texts supporting your argument. (not two for each text, but across all of them)
- At least two specific examples from the texts supporting your argument (not two for each text, but across all of them)
- You must reference each of the "required texts" listed in each prompt to support your thesis. You may use other course texts in addition, but those listed under the prompts are required.
- All quotes and specific examples MUST be derived from the assigned excerpts of the texts.
- A reference to lecture (even if only briefly). Note - the references from lecture should NOT be those covered in the assigned readings (otherwise cite the readings directly). Instead, they should feature examples or concepts introduced by the Professor from cases or texts outside those assigned on the syllabus.
Citation Format:
- Page numbers are important when referencing quotes and specific examples. Formal citations are not required, such as authors last name and year. We just need to be able to see you cite the appropriate author and, when relevant, page number. For example: The low wages, high rents, and need to live near work centralizes the working class in impoverished and crowded slums (Engels, p.20). Listing the page number is fine if it is clear which author, you are attributing the claim, example, or quote. Otherwise, list authors last name. e.g. As Dubois prophetically stated “The problem of the twentieth century, is the problem of the color line” (22).
- When referring to examples made in lecture simply cite (lecture).
- No need for a list of references at the end of the paper.
- No need for listing the year of publication since we are all drawing from the same texts.
AI Policy: AI/LLM models may NOT be used on this exam. Unlike the final where AI will be allowed to be used to aid in research, the midterm is designed to assess comprehension and critical thinking. It is specifically designed to evaluate student’s abilities to synthesize, compare, and connect multiple texts and lectures that students have been practicing in their weekly reading responses and section discussions.
Essay Prompts.
*All students will respond to Prompt #1. Students will Chose between prompts 2 and 3 to respond to. In sum, students should respond to two prompts total.
- Each of our foundational approaches to urban sociology (Chicago/Marxian/Dubois) have different explanations of the causes of urban inequality. In some ways complimentary and in others contradictory. How is Dubois analysis of urban inequality different to that of the Chicago School AND Engels?
- Required: (1) Zorbaugh, (2) Selection from Chicago School (Burgess or Mckenzie),
(3) Engels, (4) Dubois, (5) Lecture
The second part of the course has traced the rise of the postwar suburbs and the decline of the inner city, while also drawing attention to the critical role of the state. Please respond to one of the following . . .
- How did government shape postwar suburbanization?
- Required: (1) Logan & Molotch, (2) Jackson, (3) Lecture, and (4) at least one from this list: Laslett, Wacquant, Yamahtta-Taylor.
- How did government shape the inner-city after 1945?
- Required: (1) Logan & Molotch, (2) Wacquant, (3) Lecture, and (4) at least one from this list: Laslett, Jackson, Yamahtta Taylor.
Tips
- Before submitting use this checklistfor each of your essays.
- Outline!Models can be found on page 21 in this linked document.
- The rubric is based off this essay guide we put together as UC Berkeley Graduate TA's, which provides some further examples of what distinguishes A level vs. B and C level essays on page 41: “Expectations of Great, Good, Fair, and Poor Writing”
For further guidance on writing for Sociology: http://sociology.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/documents/student_services/writing_guide/Writing%20for%20Sociology%20Guide%20Second%20Edition.pdfLinks to an external site.Greater care in formulating a thesis that speaks directly to the prompt
Outlining your essays so they are clearly organized and reflect clear reasoning. Assure that (a) each point is supported with well-selected evidence and quotes from the texts, and (b) each point/paragraph that you make supports the essays overall thesis.Avoiding vague statements and language.
Reading back over the completed essays critically with an eye towards adjustments, as well as thorough proofreading.