The following out of class assignments require the student to define/utilize/and apply many relevant sociological concepts presented in the course. These activities are intended to be interesting, fun, and enlightening. Your written response for each assignment below should be between 1.5 and 2 pages in length (typed, double spaced, 12 point font).

Question 1: Evaluate a book, movie or television show episode. In writing the brief paper, do not simply summarize, but rather interpret the book/movie/episode in terms of sociological concepts, phenomena, and research addressed in the text and/or in class.

Question 2: Conduct a brief participant observation or ethnographic study wherein you study and/or participate in a particular group event or social organization. Samples of events could include an Indian powwow, a visit to a religious group other than the one you usually attend, hang out at a greasy spoon café or coffee shop, attend a sporting event, or any volunteer organization. To complete the assignment simply write down your observations, note any patterns you observe, or point out any observations or patterns that particularly surprise you.