WELCOME! Tunngasugit!

Whether your final project is a 10 page paper, a slide presentation, or a web-based project, the steps for designing and developing the project are basically the same. Check the page Dates to Remember for Project Due Dates.

Proposal or thesis statement

What is (are) your question(s)? What are you attempting to explain?

Be ready to find answers other than those you expected. If possible find a catchy title early on. "Compare and Contrast" papers on aspects of society are a good choice for this course. Much of what we read presents a western view of our social world. Contrast these ideas and experiences with the Aboriginal, Northern or Inuit viewpoint of how society works. This will allow you to highlight the aboriginal viewpoint while demonstrating an introductory level awareness of pertinent themes in western sociology.

Remember the course objectives are to develop a sociological imagination which encourages you to re-examine everyday behaviour and familiar ideas with a sociological lens. Start from where you are. The project should show that you are aware of (even though you may not agree with) the basic theories, research tools and language in current use by sociologists. You start with what you know: your life and your experience. Then you weave sociological terms and concepts into your story. Keep your questions at an introductory level to avoid undue stress! (Proposal c. ½ - 1 page 10%)

Concept Map: Outline

How does your argument fit together? Your paper (project) needs to be more than miscellaneous observations on your subject. It should develop a single thesis or a set of closely related points. Think of ways the information can connect. What are the most essential points? The visualization exercise involves using images (stencils, collage, sewing for example) to explore ways of fitting your ideas together. If you are doing a web-based project, each of these elements can be presented in a separate .htm page connected to a Main Menu. (Visualization - Concept Map 10%)

Presentation of the Draft proposal

This should take into account the above. Your presentation would be about five to ten minutes with time for discussion. Fellow students can make suggestions, such as resources, etc and comments to help you in the next stages of your project. (In class 10%)

Development

Your paper could be compared to an hour glass in it shape: The beginning should introduce your topic, state your question and place it in context. Sometimes it is pertinent to also explain in the introduction how and why you did your research. The middle section presents your specific explanations, arguments and examples. The conclusion should relate back to your introduction and summarize how you have responded to your own question. (Readers often skim through papers reading only the introduction and conclusion, to situate the paper and the position of the writer. If they disagree, they will read the body in detail.) The best academic papers present arguments clearly, concisely and persuasively.

What are your Sources

This type of project is designed to encourage students to engage with a set of readings from sources that strengthen their explanations (web-based text, readings, oral*) on a sociological theme. At the introductory level a project like this does not require original research but leaves room for original insights and creativity. Discover the arguments and/or explanations that others offer. Compare these. What arguments strengthen your explanations of the social world around you? With which arguments do you disagree? You need to use both your creativity and your logic to present evidence using pertinent examples. You need about ten sources for a ten page essay and/or project. While you are reading the sources keep your questions in mind.

A first year paper should demonstrate an ability to critically analyse introductory level material on the topic. There is a page on how to use these sources critically. You do not need to agree with or even like the sources. But you should be able to state clearly why you disagree. Sources need to be footnoted and included in the bibliography. (Bibliography is worth 5% of your final mark.)

Start writing

Begin writing even if you do not feel ready. Write to discover and explore. Don't try to write from beginning to end. Write in paragraphs that can later be connected. Use your concept map. Focus on one aspect of it and start writing. Reread your own questions to keep in mind the purpose of your paper and to avoid getting off topic.

Drafts

Make a number of drafts. Change the sequence of paragraphs if necessary to make the transitions smoother. Try to leave a draft for a few days before editing it. Hand in drafts and do not be oversensitive if there are numerous corrections. Editing is an integral part of the writing process.

Finishing

Check and revise sentences. Check common grammar and spelling. Always do a spell check using the word processor. Be concise. Edit out as many words as possible without losing the sense of your statements. Have someone else read your draft a week before it is due so you have time to make changes.