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Not every writing assignment has to be about a text. This section provides materials for several engaging sociological writing projects. I have used them with HS students, but you can adapt them for MS students with more scaffolding.
Check this out: Leaning into AI to Create More Meaningful, Rigorous Research Projects.
Materials for each of the following projects can be found in the Download Zone:
INTERVIEW PROFILE:
Students interview someone they respect and write a profile that makes an argument about this person.
The goals of this project are as follows:
1) To learn how to conduct an effective interview
--Design appropriate questions
--Take good notes
--Treat the interview subject with respect and gratitude
2) To learn how to write an interview profile that is both engaging and convincing
HYPOTHETICAL JUNE SITUATION:
It is June. You have just earned a high school diploma. Unfortunately, college is not yet an option for you because you did not plan for it. Here is your situation:
- You cannot live with your parents or any other relatives.
- You have $1000 in the bank and $20 in your pocket. No credit cards. No generous friends. No assets other than what you currently possess. If you own a car right now, then you have it for the purpose of this task. But you must pay all costs associated with it, or else sell it.
- You do not have a job. The place where you were working (meaning your real-life current job, if you have one) just went out of business.
Given your situation, how will you support yourself?
SCHOOL OBSERVATION PROJECT:
In small groups, students conduct an observation of an area on/near school grounds. They take notes, draw maps, and compare their notes and maps. This project clarifies the difference between observations and assumptions.
JOB OBSERVATION PROJECT:
Students select someone to observe on the job and write a description of what they observe and learn about the job.
IN THE DOWNLOAD ZONE for Sociological Writing:
