Sociology of Education

Fall 2020

Dr. Arend

Application Paper #3

4-5 pages

Instructions: Remember that there are no exams in this course, so use this writing assignment as an opportunity to show what you learned.

Sociologists of education often reflect on the dual role that education plays in society, as both a source of social change and of the reproduction of social inequality. Reflect on this paradox in relation to higher education. How does it perpetuate social inequality? How is it a source of social change? What would you recommend for improving its potential? Remember to use the assigned reading and videos on stratification in higher ed (between and within colleges and universities), neoliberalism, and student loans. You are also welcome to include additional sources where needed, but make sure they are reputable or scholarly sources, such as a peer-reviewed sociology journal. Make sure to cite your sources when quoting or paraphrasing and include a works cited section. You should also take care to have an introduction that includes a statement of your main point or thesis and a conclusion that sums up your work.

Grading Rubric

A:

Answers the specific central questions that were asked. (They do not have to be answered one after another. Organizing them into a coherent whole or a way that makes sense for your particular issues is fine.)

Incorporates pertinent information from assigned reading, including relevant quotations

Maintains focus/avoids being sidetracked

Presents information clearly and in an organized manner

Avoids merely restating the question with a short response

Good grammar and spelling

B:

Answers the specific central questions that were asked, but not as well as an “A” paper

Incorporates material from the assigned reading, but not as thoroughly as an “A” paper

Usually maintains focus, but may occasionally digress from the specific topic

Presents information fairly clearly, but may have minor organizational problems

Does more than restate the question and offer a brief response

May contain a few distracting grammar/spelling/etc. problems

C:

Addresses the questions in part, but not fully or directly or does not address all required elements.

Does not adequately incorporate information from assigned readings, and may rely on unsupported statements or generalities. Does not include quotations.

Sometimes strays from the specific topic (more often than a “B” essay)

Presents information in a manner that is sometimes unclear, and/or has significant organization problems

May merely restate the questions and offer brief, undeveloped responses

May tell a story about their engagement with the assignment rather than following directions.

May contain a few or a significant number of distracting grammar/spelling/etc. problems.

D:

Does not directly address the questions asked or does so incorrectly.

Does not incorporate information from assigned readings, or does so minimally and/or irrelevantly.

Substantially digresses from the specific topic

Has significant problems with clarity, concision, and organization, making the information presented difficult for the reader to understand

May merely restate the questions and offer irrelevant or undeveloped responses

May contain substantial distracting grammar/spelling/etc. problems that muddle the information presented.

F:

Does not address the assignment instructions in any way

Does not incorporate information from assigned readings

Provides no information that can be understood or related to the specific topic

May lack any recognizable organization

May contain enough distracting grammar/spelling/etc. problems to make it substantially incomprehensible