Part 1-Thesis
Title your paper at the top of the first page (no separate title page) with your thesis statement-the social problem you are investigating (remember this is not a chapter title, but must be mentioned in some chapter of our textbook).  Think about the all of the parts of the the full project below as you develop your thesis statement (see below).
For example, “homelessness” is not a fully developed social problem statement, but “Homelessness limits opportunities in life, resulting in children and families lacking the basic necessities to survive.” is.
This mentions two things that would follow: lack of opportunity, lack of basic necessities. The parts of the project that follow would develop this.
As I look at Parts 2, 3, and 4, I see that I will need to investigate the history of homelessness, apply a theory from our class, research the causes and consequences of homelessness, critique things that have been tried to reduce homelessness, and propose a new and innovative solution to homelessness. Lastly, I would need to find a politician to write a letter to about this problem and my solution.
Substantiate why this topic is in fact a social problem, 1-2 well-formed paragraphs. Use information from your textbook, supplemental readings, and videos from class, no outside sources. Cite sources in APA style.
Tell why this social problem interests you as a group. 1 well-formed paragraph.
What one theory from class materials (do not use outside sources here) might be useful for understanding your social problem? Tell about the theory (no need to make connections, just explain it). At least one well-formed paragraph. Use information from your textbook, supplemental readings, and videos from class first and supplement with outside sources. Cite sources in APA style. We have been practicing this in the forums.
APA references with all sources used in sections 2 and 4 (for APA format, references start on a new page and are headed by the single word References).
Remember that you cite and reference what you read
Do not lift citations and references from your sources
If it’s listed in your references, you read this original source
Timeline: Tell me Who will do What and by When (be sure the “by when” is at least a couple of days before it’s due so that everyone has time to proofread and edit the entire project–don’t just proofread your contribution, read and edit the entire project-all parts; you can also take the project parts, before or after the peer reviews, to the TLC tutors for some feedback). This is really just one project that is broken down into four major parts as you can see below.
Part 2-History and Theory
The Problem (up to 1 full page, 5 pts).
This is a revision of what you turned in for the Social Problem Thesis assignment, sections 1 and 2 (and of course any references you used for sections 1 and 2 will be in your final references).
History (1-2 full pages, please no more than two full pages-be concise, 10 pts).
This section involves outside research (articles, websites, etc.) and also incorporates sources from class. At least five (5) sources should be used in this section.
I suggest you contact or check websites for any agency that works with people who have this problem as part of your research
Cite all sources in APA format
Remember that you cite and reference what you read
Do not lift citations and references from your sources
If it’s listed in your references, you read this original source
You may want to use the subtopics listed below as subheadings to help organize this section
Discuss the history of your social problem and how it came to be a social problem.
Who is benefiting from, and who is being exploited by, this social problem?
How has the problem changed over time? and What has caused it to change?
Discuss any stable features of the problem and what has caused them to remain stable (i.e., features that have not changed over time)
Theory (2-3 well-formed paragraphs, about 1 full page, 10 pts). This section comes from the textbook and your critical minds:
Incorporate a discussion of theory.
At least one well-formed paragraph explaining all of the elements of the theory, as we have been practicing in the forums.
Create at least one well-formed paragraph to make very specific linkages between the elements of the theory you just explained to your social problem, as we have been practicing in the forums.
References (10 pts) in APA format, references start on a new page and are headed by the single word References.
*** In your answers to the above, define and discuss specific concepts from the class textbook and outside sources (articles, websites, etc.) and cite where you got your information in APA style. When you discuss concepts or ideas from class materials or other sources be sure to define them in your own words and cite the source in APA style.  Do not quote I want to see your words and how you process the ideas of others.
Part 3-Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
This part of the project involves outside research (articles, websites, etc.) and also incorporates sources from class. At least five (5) sources should be used in this section. some of the prior sources may be useful but you may have to find additional sources also.
Think about starting with a thesis statement, such as “The causes are A, B, and C.” Then elaborate on A, then B, then C. The consequences section might start with “The consequences are A, B, and C.” Then elaborate on A, then B, then C. You might have a heading for Causes and a separate heading for Consequences to help organize your writing. Apply this same information to any paper you write with several sections.
Address the major sections below; use the major topics as headings:
Causes and Consequences (1-2 full pages, 10 pts).
Be sure to work in the social problem here so the reader is oriented as to what you are discussing.
This section comes from class materials and outside research (multiple sources should be used in this section)
Cite all sources in APA format
Remember that you cite and reference what you read
Do not lift citations and references from your sources
If it’s listed in your references, you read this original source
You may want to use the subtopics listed below as subheadings to help organize this section
One comprehensive statement that clearly states the problem.
What are the main causes of this problem?
What are the resulting consequences of this problem?
Possible Solutions (1-2 full pages, 10 pts).
This section involves you critiquing past solutions and proposing your own new solution
Cite all sources in APA format
Remember that you cite and reference what you read
Do not lift citations and references from your sources
If it’s listed in your references, you read this original source
You may want to use the subtopics listed below as subheadings to help organize this section
Critique past and current solutions that have been tried in order to alleviate this social problem. Tell about some things that have been tried and tell why they didn’t work.
As a way to better accommodate members of society, what new solutions can you suggest? This is something brand new, not something that has been tried before. Be creative here. Explain thoroughly what this would be and why you think it would work.
Who are the major participants in the possible solutions? Who has to do what to make this happen?
Summation (1 well-formed paragraph, 5 pts). This section comes from your critical minds:
Your thoughts about this problem and the possibility of it being solved in your lifetime.
Part 4-Letter to Public Official
Look up the appropriate public official https://www.usa.gov/elected-officialsLinks to an external site.
.
Write the letter (about 1 page single spaced).
Address the official appropriately.
Fully describe the social problem by giving information from the organizations you researched and information that you learned in in your group project (10 points).
Fully discuss what social change you would like to see take place (10 points).
Discuss why you are interested in making this change.
Tell who will benefit from this change.
No need to cite sources in the letter, but I have had students provide a page with a list of resources for the public official. This is optional.
Send the letter.
Submit the letter to Canvas below.
Tips for Constructing a Letter or Email
Do not begin your letter by telling your audience that you are a student writing this letter for a class project!
Use correct address and salutation. Do not address the letter “To whom it may concern”; find out who it may concern and address it to that person specifically!
Type the letter.
Use your own, carefully chosen words.
Stay focused in constructing your claim.
Be brief (no more than one page, single-spaced).
Be specific in constructing the problem and what you want your audience to do about it
Think about logos, ethos, pathos—which would be best for your audience?
Know your facts. Do some research and know what you are writing about.
If you are writing to a politician, find out how this person voted in the past and reference that in the letter.
Do not be threatening or intimidating. Be positive. Do not use negative or condescending language.
Say thank you.
REMEMBER: All sources must be cited and referenced in APA format, but do not rely on the “cite” feature in the library database, it is often not correct. We are not using MLA, Chicago, or you own creative style. This is a 200 level class and it is important to learn how to use a style guide as you continue your education
General Guidelines
Do not include a cover page, running head, or abstract; you don’t even need to put your names.
Use headings/subheadings to help you organize your paper and to orient me as to what you are discussing.
Do not quote I want to see your words and how you process the ideas of others.
Double space the paper and use a 12 point font.
You do not need a separate introduction, just address each section. Each section should be a series of fully formed and cohesive sentences and paragraphs focused on the topic of that heading. Include specific concepts, definitions, explanations, and links to class materials and outside sources as specified in the project prompt.
Use college-level English writing skills. Proofread your papers.
Proofread and edit each other’s work.  Every student is responsible for every word, comma, citation, reference, etc.
Recall that for APA, every citation must appear in the references and every reference must be cited.
APA does not use long signal phrases such as “John Smith (2012) says in his article The Sociology of TV in the Journal Sociology…” Instead APA format would state “According to Smith (2012)…” APA does not care about first names, and the publication and article titles are in the reference list so do NOT state them in the text.   Do not do this to make your paper longer. I will notice and you will be marked off.

Related posts: