The goal of this assignment is to evaluate theories and to understand the differences between theories.
Emile Durkheim and contemporary functionalists
Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Karl Marx
Emile Durkheim and Karl Marx
Karl Marx and Max Weber
Description of Assignment: We will choose two theories/theorists we have learned about and write an essay comparing the similarities and differences between these theories. Some possible pairs are are listed in the box below. These topics are suggestions. You may choose a different pair.
Here is what you do. Review again the class readings and other materials about these two theories/theorists. You can write the paper solely based on class readings. Additional research is welcomed but not required. Any additional sources used must be “scholarly” sources written by researchers. After understanding the material, develop an essay first describing each theorist and their signficance in sociology, and then comparing them in terms of their strengths and limitations. The paper should have the following sections:
Title: Write a catchy/interesting title that captures the topic. “Paper Assignment 1â€� is not an acceptable title. Doesn’t count toward the page requirement.
Introduction: Write an introduction in which you will state the theories/theorsts you will discuss, explain why they would make a useful comparisons, and the objectives of your paper. (0.5 page)
Description of the Theories/theorists: State which theories/theorists you are using and describe their theories one by one. Give definitions for the core concepts in their theories, and summarize the main idea/argument/proposition made by them. (2 pages)
Compare and Contrast: Discuss the similarities and differences between these two theorists, their theoretical orientations, and their main concerns. Where do they make similar arguments and where they are likely to disagree? While making the comparison, include your authentic voice in evaluating their strengths and limitations as theories. This is not about which theory you “like”; your evaluation should focus on whether they accurately and comprehensively represented and explained social facts of their times, whether their theories reflected empirical realities, and/or in what ways their concepts are useful even today (applicability over time). (1 page)
You must cite sources including the class readings. Reference list should be prepared in APA style, or in ASA style. Reference page Emile Durkheim and contemporary does if NOT count toward the page reent.r APA style guide: