Blog

The whole essay directions will be in the upload files. You can download it and get a better idea. My professor is a bit strict. I recommend you read it.
The textbook is needed for the essay
I’ll provide textbook log in or screenshots by the end of the day(just ordered)
Textbook: Discover Sociology – Vantage Slimpack
Objectives:
This exercise is considered a way to play jigsaw puzzle in which you have to place different pieces
(materials in your textbook, research materials and covid-19 social phenomena) together, so that a big
picture (your answers in a short paper format) that can make sense (all the elements talking to each other
in a logically flowing fashion in terms of arguments and organization) is created.
Instructions:
1) Each answer must be in the scope of sociology which is “the scientific study of human social
relations, groups and societies” (Eglitis and Chambliss, 2021, p. 2). Proper in-text citation format.
2) 2 double-spaced pages for each question plus reference pages; put all the references in the end of
ALL the answers.
a. If you can delete a sentence or a few words in your paper that won’t weaken your points,
those words are useless. That is how you can write concisely.
b. Don’t bother to state: According to xxx’s book, entitled yyyyyy, conflict theory is
defined……, since you have all the book info in the reference. Why waste the space, while
more useful materials can be presented in the answer.
3) Focus on theories and concepts from Chapter 1, 2 and 3 to illustrate your competency. At least two
external peer-reviewed materials are required for concepts and theories plus assigned readings for
each question (see each individual question below). Most non-fiction books are considered peer
reviewed. Whether the article is a peer-reviewed, it is indicated in your search results. It either
states: news, conference, review, peer reviewed and so on. Make sure your materials fall into the
last category.
4) Sources: Theories, concepts, definitions MUST come from the textbook, and peer-reviewed
materials. NO .com, .org, .edu sites would be accepted, except approval from the professor. Data
(such as statistics), current events etc can come from creditable news sources such as New York
Times, BBC, Washington Post, the Guardian. Data from Census, Pew Research Ce

nter, Gallup Poll,
etc are good.
a. Not following this requirement could lead to a failing grade of the whole exam.
5) “I, You, We” cannot be used in the paper.
6) This is a research-based answer for the question. Personal opinion is not considered scientific.
Every point in the paper must be supported by peer-reviewed sources.
7) Just a summary of the reading materials will not work. A good summary will receive no more than a
C.
8) Citation format APA. Consult the two videos on how to do in-text citation and reference page
posted on Blackboard. Your paper can fail, if you fail to cite accurately.
9) Only Word document will be read.
10) Use paragraphs. One idea or argument in one paragraph.
11) Clearly indicate which question you are answering.
12) Use link words to show the flow and connections of ideas: however, moreover, therefore, although,
but, in short etc.
13) This is not a natural science or math course at college level where more likely a right or wrong
answer can be delivered. This is social science in which there is clear cut answers. The analysis must
convince the reader that it makes a point with supporting evidence.
Questions:
1) Argue with evidence (in news reports and/or peer-reviewed articles on Covid-19) which sociological
paradigm (structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism) offers a better
explanation on how a society is operated, under the threat of Covid-19 crisis. (3 double-spaced
pages)
a. Make good use of Table 1.1 in your textbook to help understanding of the assumption of
each paradigm.
b. There is no straightforward answer. Each paradigm has its own strength and weakness.
c. It is a bit challenging when applying symbolic interactionism to the crisis. Here are some
hints: Is Covid-19 a hoax? What about views on wearing a mask?
d. State the theories and their assumptions and use them to explain the reality that is what is
going on in our current everyday life.
e. Remember a theory is to explain what is going on in our society. Yet no single
theory can explain everything. Therefore, sociologists come up different theories to
explain the same social phenomenon. That means each theory offer different views
on the same social phenomenon. This is what you need to debate these theories
when applying them to the Covid-19 crisis.