Social Problems Papers Basic Instructions and Topics

Social Problems Papers: Basic Instructions and Topics

Read all paper documents, instructions, and tips slowly and carefully, so as not to miss or misinterpret anything important. Most specific questions on the paper can be answered by doing this. (One of the most common root causes of problems in a paper appears to be a simple failure to read or absorb the instructions, or the tendency to misinterpret instructions in order to minimize one’s work.)

Think of this paper as a tool for sharpening your knowledge and understanding (of social problems) so as to be an informed citizen, not a “job” to get out of the way as quickly as possible.

To maximize your chances of writing a strong paper, carefully review and use the syllabus (especially p. 10-11) and the paper task list.

Choose one of the seven paper topics below for each paper. With permission in rare circumstances, you may be able to formulate your own topic.

Make a general argument about social problems through an analysis of at least two specific social problems on the syllabus for each short paper (at least 5-6 pages each) or four such problems for the long paper (at least 10-12 pages). One problem not in the syllabus but in the textbook may be used for the long paper or the second short paper. Use different social problems for the second short paper.

Address your topic question fully and coherently. See the syllabus and handouts for detailed guidelines and tips on writing papers. Ask for clarifications as necessary.

The short papers should be at least 6 pages in length, excluding endnotes and bibliography. The long papers should be at least 12 pages in length, excluding endnotes and bibliography. Papers should be double spaced with 1 inch margins and 12 point font.

Frequently use and cite all relevant assigned reading. For each 5-6 pages of paper, use and at least three of the relevant materials on the syllabus listed as “in class” or for extra credit.

Basic outlines can be submitted for feedback at least one week in advance of the paper due date. Rough drafts will not be accepted, but they can be submitted to a CASA tutor for feedback.

Papers should be submitted in the form (e-mail or hard copy) specified in the syllabus on the schedule. See the appropriate due date.

Course Impact: How, if at all, has your view of the causes of and solutions to social problems been affected by the systemic perspective examined in the course? How in general has your view of the causes of and solutions to social problems overall been affected (changed, unchanged, confirmed, or refined) by our exploration of the possible role of our social system in social problems? Fully explain your initial view, the perspective examined in the course, and how the latter has affected the former.

Systemic Solutions: Could social problems be substantially reduced by changing our social system? Evaluate the argument (from our textbook, movies, articles, handouts, and lectures/discussions) that social problems in our country (or world) mostly are caused by the orientation of our social system, and that the problems largely could be reduced by a change in that orientation. Is that argument convincing? Why, or why not?

Linkage: How might a variety of social problems be reduced or solved through solutions that address their direct interconnections and common, deeper systemic causes? It often is suggested that serious social problems in our country cannot be solved or substantially reduced because there are too many of them and they are too complicated. How might a clear understanding of the common roots and interconnections among these problems at a deep systemic level increase our confidence in the possibility of relatively simple, general solutions? Explain using course ideas and materials.

Cross-national comparison: How might we reduce or solve social problems in our society and world by following the example of other societies with different social systems and less severe social problems? We Americans may have a desire to escape certain social problems by moving to other countries in which these problems appear to be less serious. This may be a very difficult or even impossible thing for most of us to do, considering immigration restrictions, the multiple other challenges of successful immigration, and the global nature of some serious social problems. However, learning about how these other societies work could give us ideas about how our own society could be changed in ways that would reduce social problems both in our country and in the world as a whole. With the aid of course materials, explain how this could be so.

Systemic Change: Is it really possible to change the social system in order to reduce or solve social problems? Evaluate the argument (from our textbook, movies, articles, handouts, and lectures/discussions) that, despite major obstacles, it is possible to make changes to our social system that may substantially reduce social problems in our society and world. Is that argument convincing? Why, or why not?

Social dimension: How might a general change in our social system help you to reduce or solve some of your personal problems now or in the future? How may our exploration of the role of social systems in social problems help you to better understand how our society may have helped create key personal problems or challenges that you have experienced or may experience in your life? In turn, how could those problems or challenges be solved or at least reduced by a change in the orientation of our social system? Explain using course ideas and materials, as well as your own observations on your past, current, and possible future experiences.

Social Construction: Does our social system work in ways that distort popular understanding of social problems? Evaluate the argument (from our textbook, movies, articles, handouts, and lectures/discussions) that our social system may operate in ways that foster popular misperception of the severity, causes of and solutions to social problems. Using the above course materials, assess the role of corporations, government, media, and culture in this process, and whether this may reflect some deeper bias of our social system.

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