- 18 Mar, 2021
- 0 Comments
- 3 Mins Read
The Sociological Approach to Abortion and Immigration
Your essay will be evaluated on how well you show engagement with course, the
crafting and thoughtful presentation of your writing, and how you demonstrate
assimilation of the lectures (strong papers will avoid simply summarizing lectures)
AND the readings, and other audio-visual examples presented in the course.
This course has offered an introduction to the sociological views of Karl Marx, Emile
Durkheim and Max Weber. One of the primary goals of this course was to examine
views and concepts of the classical sociological theorists and how their theories provide
frameworks for theorizing society and social and cultural issues. By familiarizing
ourselves with these founding theorist’s views, we develop an appreciation for how they
contribute to social and cultural interpretation.
In this final essay you are asked to apply the views of these three theorists to two
contemporary societal issues: abortion and immigration.
Abortion and Immigration: These two issues are currently in the news, and they
represent intense concerns, arguments, and debates. They are not simple problems. There
is much in each, but you will need to select a few themes out of the many so that your
efforts are focused. The topics tap into broad passions and contradictory perspectives.
They call forth strong feelings, and for this reason they refract important aspects of the
larger society.
Questions to Address:
How might Marx, Durkheim, and Weber see these two issues? In what ways would they
offer distinctly different viewpoints? Would this amount to basic disagreements with
regard to their accounts? If so, explain. On the other hand, might there be views that
have similar concerns, even though they might use different terms and language? If so,
what might those be? Do you think one of them has a better framework for how to view
these problems? If so, state your reasons for why you think one offers a more helpful
view.
Option for Your Focus:
You have an option of (1) focusing on either abortion or immigration (chose one), or (2)
discuss both abortion and immigration. Be sure to address the questions raised above;
addressing the questions above.
Preparing Your Essay.
Note: there are two Folders (see Week 10) labeled “Abortion” and “Immigration.”
These folders contain several items you will need to read: they are short news articles
and/or opinion statements. You will find that they raise major issues on both topics and
there is enough therein for you to draw them into the views of the theorists. You may also wish to explore other articles, sources, and debates. You do not need to cite these
sources. Your main concern is to be familiar with key issues so that you can discuss
either or both topics from the perspective of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber.
This is a short piece of writing (9 pages). A strong and coherent essay will need to
achieve care and focus, treating the comparison and/or contrasting of the theorists. Be
sure in your discussion to show evidence of engaging the readings (do more than
summarize lecture slides). It is helpful to first outline your key points, and give balance
to the points you want to present. In preparing for your essay please consider these
guidelines.
1. Develop your summary of what is important for each theorist (foundational,
essential), what terms they use for what matters, and how they situate their
fundamental propositions for their view of society. It is strategically good to
select the key concepts and terms early in your writing plan, then demonstrate
your understanding of them, as you turn toward using them—showing how they
apply—in your analysis.
2. Considering the theorists, how do their founding ideas shed light on the problems
you address?
3. Comparison and/or Contrast: To what extent might each theorist suggest very
different interpretations? Are there ways in which you would find them
compatible and in some possible agreement?
4. Given your discussion, do you think one of the theorists has a stronger and more
convincing framework? If so, why?