Overview
Objective: This essay, which can be written individually or with a classmate, is your final assignment and an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of key concepts and issues discussed throughout the course. The essay (minimum 5 pages, maximum 15 pages, double-spaced) will focus on how symbolic interactionism, functionalist-structural theory, and conflict theory interpret and analyze the roles and functions of family, religion, and education as social institutions in our society.
Essay Focus:
- Compare and Contrast Theoretical Perspectives:
- Examine how symbolic interactionism, functionalist-structural theory, and conflict theory describe the roles and functions of family, religion, and the educational system in society.
- Determine if any of these theories provide a more accurate description of these social institutions, or if a combination of theories offers a more comprehensive understanding.
- Discuss your personal likes and dislikes of each theoretical perspective and suggest how these theories could be improved to better analyze the complexities of family, religion, and education.
- Structure of the Essay:
- Introduction (10 points):
- Introduce the topic, state your thesis, and outline how your essay will be organized.
- Description of Theoretical Perspectives (25 points):
- Describe the basic assumptions, beliefs, and expectations of symbolic interactionism, functionalist-structural theory, and conflict theory.
- Introduce Social Institutions (25 points):
- Introduction (10 points):
- Discuss what are social institutions.
- How do these relate?
- Comparison and Contrast (30 points):
- Discuss how each theory views the roles and functions of family, religion, and the educational system in society.
- Construct an argument about how these theories complement or differ from one another in explaining these social institutions.
- Highlight the strengths and limitations of each theory.
- Conclusion (10 points):
- Summarize your findings and provide final insights based on your analysis.
Integration of Concepts:
- Make sure to integrate concepts from the course readings and videos regarding family, religion, and education.
- Your essay should be clear, well-organized, and provide insightful and thoughtful analysis