Description
Overview
The final project will represent a deeper dive into a topic related to our course, and should include a central argument for which you will build a case throughout your project. The argument can be in support of/ opposition to an argument/claim made by one or more people on the syllabus or it can be tangentially related to course materials. It can focus on the U.S. and/or another context, as well as on primary/ secondary school and/or “higher ed.” Regardless, it must somehow relate to a sociology of education.
Multiple Drafts & (Peer) Review Process
The final project is broken up into first and second drafts, with a review process in between. During the review, everyone will provide feedback to three other students. Everyone will also receive feedback from three other students, as well as the instructor. This process will provide an opportunity to develop skills in providing/ receiving feedback, as well as incorporating feedback into a project to revise it. This will likely produce a more “polished” project that you may wish to use in future applications that require a work sample.
Format
The project can be presented in written, audio, or video form. Written formats can include visuals (like with a zine) or be a “straight” academic paper. Audio and video formats are open, but some style options include podcast (audio), documentary or narrative short, or a talk-show (video). It is also okay to present your work in formats beyond papers, audio, and video, so please talk with me if you have an alternative idea.
Here are the recommended lengths for your final project based on format:
paper: roughly 2,000-2,500 words
Those who are doing “W” credit must write a longer paper and follow other specific guidelines.
Email me by October 30th if you want to pursue this
zine: about 1,000-1,500 words + images/design
see resources for making zines here:
podcast: about 15-20 minutes
video: about 8-12 minutes + visuals talk to me about an alternative idea you have!
Requirements
All projects, regardless of whether they are papers or not, should include central argument that is supported by a variety of sources, including at least three sources not listed on the syllabus,
a written list of references (any consistent citation style is fine; APA is one example: ), and significant revisions (we’ll talk more about what this looks like).
