Critical Response Papers

Because the class is based on discussion, a critical response paper of 1-2 pages (single-spaced) is due every day that a scholarly reading is due (you should not write about The Brief Penguin Handbook, but I expect you to be able to discuss the material from that reading in class, and to show evidence of having read it in your papers). The first paragraph (of about 150 words) should summarize the reading, but the rest of the paper should address the following questions:

• In your own words, what is the main argument or point of the reading(s)?
• What do you agree with in the reading and why?
• What do you disagree with in the reading and why?
• What examples do you have from your own life related to the author’s argument? What counter-examples do you have?
• How does this reading support or connect with any of the other readings so far? How does it contradict the other readings, if at all?

If you find it difficult to understand the reading, do your best and try to unpack the introduction and the conclusion, sentence by sentence. Note terms you don’t understand or are confused by.

The critical response papers are worth 38% of your grade. I am looking for evidence that you have done the reading and thought about it. Papers will receive a check (satisfactory), check plus (very good), check minus (bordering on insufficient), or no credit.  The marks will be used to determine your grade within the grade range (e.g., A=90-99, B=80-89, etc.) You may miss three or fewer over the course of the semester and still receive an A; six or less and receive a B; nine or less and receive a C; twelve or less and receive a D. Incomplete or insufficient critical response papers will receive no or partial credit.

General Guidelines for Paper Assignments

In this class, you will be honing the following set of skills:

• writing a clearly organized paper with an argument;
• proving your argument with detailed observations; and
• using sociological theory (from the readings in class) to analyze a real-life situation (actual conversations, a description of a conflict, interactions between waitstaff and customers).

Good papers in this class have a clearly stated argument at the beginning and use concrete evidence in the form of quotations or details from your observations to prove your point. Papers that do not draw on the sociological theories discussed in the class readings to analyze their data will receive a grade lower than a C.

All papers should be typed on a word-processor in 12-point font, double-spaced, with standard one-inch margins and page numbers.  Please put your name, date, course name or number, my name, and the title of the paper on the first page.  Please avoid using funky fonts or colors other than black: these strain my eyes.  I’d recommend Times New Roman, Courier, Arial, or similar fonts.  Always print out an additional final copy for your records.

I will not accept assignments after their due date because turning in assignments late will make you and me hopelessly backlogged. Obsessively back-up all your computer files for this course and keep paper copies of all your work.  Stock up on back-up media, paper, and printer ink.

As you will note, I have not taken into account religious holidays.  If you have a conflict with any of the dates for the assignments because of your religious background and beliefs, please see me the first week of class and we will arrange something convenient for both of us.

Paper #1: Self & Social Relations
Directions
Due: February 11th (10%)

Paper #2: Analyzing a Frame
Directions
Due: February 27th (10%)

Paper #3: The Performance and Display of Gender
Directions
Due: March 11th (10%)

Paper #4: Deference and Demeanor
Directions
Draft due: March 29th (1%)
Due: April 8th (10%)

Paper #5: Habitus and Social Class
Directions
Draft due: May 3rd (1%)
Final version due: May 6th (10%)

Participation and Attendance

Your civil and respectful participation in class is much appreciated, as much of the learning that takes place in the classroom will be through discussion. Participation involves not only sharing your opinion and thought, but also listening carefully to what others have to say, asking questions about things that puzzle or confuse you, synthesizing or summarizing various comments that have been made, and saying where you think the conversation is going. These ways of participating will require your attention and concentration in class.

A definition of an excused absence: I am informed prior to class that you will be unable to make it AND on the day that you return, you provide me with documentation for your absence. If these two conditions are not met, your absence will be considered unexcused. Participation and attendance together will be 10% of your grade.