Details for Sociological Portrait: Final Paper

Please review the grading rubric to review the expectations for the assignment.

While it is expected that most of the paper will be written in first person perspective, be sure to include evidence from credible sources in your paper to support your ideas. One way to incorporate research is to make a comparison of your socialization process to what is considered the "normal" process experienced by most people in your group. Be sure research from other sources is cited appropriately.

Be sure to explain your understanding of the sociological concepts used in your paper prior to making the application and cite this information. By this it means, be sure you demonstrate understanding of what the term means by how it is included in your paper

To get help with proper formatting for your citations, check out the Writing/research course link or go to the site listed below. It allows you to input information and it makes the citation for you. You should be using APA format. You might consider using the Smarthinking tutorial service to review your paper prior to submission. Be sure to give ample time for this service.

Here are some specific details to help you as you write the paper.

• Your paper should be 5-7 pages long, (no counting the works cited page)

• Since this is a self-analysis, you may write in first person using "I" statements.

• Include an opening that includes a clearly stated thesis which sets the purpose of the paper. In this instance, the

purpose is to apply sociological concepts to your personal experiences. Also, be sure to briefly mention the topics that will be included in the paper: education, family and social structure.

• Don't just tell about your experiences; analyze their impact on your life. Make strong connections between the functions of education and your life.

• You must include a minimum of at least seven sociological concepts. This is the minimum. To work toward earning top points, you must exceed the minimum requirement.

• Be sure to explain the concepts (and cite them) and make clear applications between the concept and your experience. These do not count towards the evidence requirement.

• Be sure to include at least four pieces of cited evidence that authentically relate to your experiences. You may use the textbook, but it will not count as one of your three credible, scholarly sources. To work toward top points, you must have at least five pieces of evidence. Wikipedia is not an accepted source.

• You may use examples from your previous papers. Be sure they have been revised if you have been given feedback that they need more detail or analysis. Be sure to organize your ideas in a way that flows well and make sense. Include transition sentences between ideas.

• Quotes are not necessarily evidence. Evidence is information that lends credence and validity to your ideas. Be sure to explain the significance of the information, don't assume the reader knows why the evidence you have included is important.

• Be sure to include a closing paragraph that summarizes your ideas and re-states your thesis.