Sociology 545 - Grading Criteria

TESTS

There will be two exams, a midterm and final each consisting of fifty (50) points. The midterm will consist of specific testing on the perspective and vocabulary of the three major approaches being discussed in this class. The final will be a take home critical analysis of the perspective of social psychology relative to the traditional field of sociology. A typical qustion might be to analyse the relevance of exchange theory to the broader version of conflict theory's approach to sociology. Each exam will be worth 25% of your grade, for a total of 50%.

DISCUSSIONS

Every other week, during the first seven weeks of class, we will hold a discussion on one of the perspectives presented the week before. Each of you will be involved in leading at least two discussions during those weeks. These discussions will be based on your interpretation of the basic reading list, which you are assigned to read, as well as a self selected (but pre-approved) reading list of a more contemporary group of articles. You will be graded on both your understanding of the concepts contained in the readings, as well as your ability to elicit discussion from your peers. Your performance in this matter will be worth 25% of your grade.

PAPER

The term paper will result from a critical application of one or more of these perspectives to one or more of the "units" of analysis discussed in class. One example might be the application of attribution to the legal system in general and sentencing practices specifically, tracing the roll of intention in making attribution. I would expect empirical evidence to be gathered to support or refute your ideas. The paper will be worth 25% of your grade.