SOC480 – Literature Review – 100 points
Research your topic choice and write a scholarly literature review on the social problem in the United States.
Literature Review must:
1.) Synthesize at least 10 sociology and/or criminology peer-reviewed scholarly articles into a literature review on your topic in the U.S.
2.) Connect your topic to at least two categories of identity (race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, etc.) and explain the affects of inequality on people experiencing your social problem.
3.) Utilize one sociology or criminology theory as the framework for your social problem.
4.) Include sociological concepts throughout.
Paper requirements:
1.) Well organized and clear, including cover page, introduction with thesis statement, literature review, conclusion, & reference page
2.) At least 10 sociology and/or criminology sources (articles or books) are cited properly according to APA or ASA standards, both in-text and in reference page. Sources must be no older than 2014 – no master’s thesis, dissertations. or conference papers allowed
3.) Grammar, spelling, and sentence structure are error free
4.) Double spaced, 10 to 12 point font, 1 inch margins
5.) Minimum of 7 pages and a maximum of 10 pages (not including cover page or reference page)
6.) Each resource in your reference page must be cited in the paper. Likewise, every resource cited in the paper needs to be included in the reference page.
Structure of the Paper
I. Introduction
The topic is introduced, and the thesis statement gives clear direction to what factors will be discussed throughout the paper. Includes current data reflecting social problem status.
[Suggested length: 2-3 paragraphs – 1 page]
(15 points possible based on content and style)
II. Literature Review
Demonstrate your ability to locate, identify, and write about sociology/criminology scholarship related to your topic/social problem. The result should be a detailed discussion of what the scholarly literature tells you is the current status of your topic/social problem. Synthesize don’t summarize. Clearly discuss the social problem using sociological concepts throughout. Analyze your topic/social problem through the lens of at least one sociology or criminology theory. Discuss how inequality is related to at least 2 social factors or categories of identity (race/ethnicity, class, sexuality, gender, religion, etc.). Scholarly, sociology/criminology, peer reviewed sources must all be fairly recent (2014 – present).
[Suggested length: 5-6 pages]
(50 points possible based on content and style)
III. Conclusion
Make succinct and precise conclusions based on the literature review and introduction. Insights into the problem are appropriate and implications are clear.
[Suggested length: 2-3 paragraphs – 1 page]
(15 points possible based on content and style)
IV. References
Use the American Sociological Association (ASA) or American Psychological Association citation styles (APA). Must be in correct format, both in-text and reference page. Any sources cited in-text MUST be included in reference page and any sources included in reference page MUST be cited in-text. No sources over 10 years old, no dissertations, master’s thesis, or conference papers allowed.
[Suggested length: minimum 10 scholarly sources that you independently located and used]
(20 points possible based upon content and style)
Goals of the Paper:
Please note that Soc 480 is a “capstone” class and is meant for you to demonstrate all that you have learned in the major. The department wants you to be able to do all this by the end of Soc 480:
Student Learning Objectives for Sociology:
1. Analyze and interpret the diversity of social experience associated with criminology and social justice issues, especially as they relate to race, class, gender, age, sexual preference, religion, and nationality.
2. Assess competing theoretical approaches to criminology and social justice issues of publics with differing and multiple interests; specify structural or institutional sources of these criminology and social justice issues; and propose and assess policies, interventions and/or modes of advocacy that will enact positive change.
3. Locate, analyze, assess, and communicate criminology and social justice scholarship.
4. Articulate the ethical and social justice implications of criminology and justice studies.
Student Learning Objectives for Soc 480:
1. Demonstrate competency in key sociological theoretical approaches and concepts.
2. Apply concepts of diversity including but not limited to race, class, sexual orientation, age, religion, and nationality, physical abilities.
3. Formulate a research question within a sociological framework.
4. Compile academic research articles from academic databases for sociology and related fields (e.g. women studies, race and ethnicity, etc.).
5. Demonstrate knowledge of a full scope of research methods including application.
6. Write a literature review that conforms to professional standards of scholarship.
7. Envision areas and ways for future social change.
8. Develop civic values and skills.
