The purpose of the response papers is to encourage thoughtful and engaged reflection on the course materials. In this assignment, you should demonstrate an understanding of the authors main arguments and discuss the mini-lectures and/or interviews posted for the week. Your discussion can include your own personal reflections and connections you make among the weeks ideas, issues that are important to you, and other courses you have taken or are taking. You can use the first-person pronoun I in this assignment and all other assignments in this course.

CRITERIA:

The aim of these assignments is to critically reflect on the materials for the designated weeks. These are not summary papers. You should succinctly demonstrate an understanding of the authors major arguments but dedicate the majority of the paper (at least 3/4) to noting major common themes and reflecting on your own perspectives about key concepts and ideas. Prioritize the connections between the pieces. How do they overlap? How do they differ?

You need to clearly show you have done a close reading of the materials, rather than simply scratching the surface. Integrate short quotes from both the authors assigned for each response papers. Be specific about what stood out for you. Provide details to show that you understand the authors theses (major argument or intervention). You should also relate the materials to your own life and consider how the material builds upon, or complicates, your understanding of sociology. No outside materials are required. 

SPECIFICATIONS:

4-5 pages (4 pages minimum, 5 pages maximum), 12 pt font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced. APA or ASA citation style. No references list is required unless outside sources are used. No cover page required. (Put title, name, student number, and date on the first page, top left corner). Include page numbers. An introduction and conclusion are required. The prose should be coherent and cohesive throughout. As with all assignments, marks will be lost for incorrect spelling and grammar.