Family Issues: Domestic Violence and Foster Care Systems

A social problem is a condition (situation, policy,
trend, public issue, etc) affecting large numbers of
people in ways that are regarded as harmful (or
considered undesirable) by some population.
See last page for a list of possible
ideas for a topic.
1
v v v v v v
Term Paper Instructions:
In this paper, you will describe some social problem and discuss solutions
to it. Your paper is divided into the following two sections:
Section 1: Introduce your paper by identifying and defining a social problem
that interests you. Why is it a social problem? Specifically, build a case on why
the rest of us should care. Use statistics and/or other sources of information to
describe the situation (cite your sources). Suggest where the problem might
originate from, what social forces (or social institutions) may cause it (or make
matters worse)?
Section 2: What are some solutions? What might individuals do to contribute to
solutions (or avoid contributing to the problem)? More importantly, what steps
might our society do to work towards a (social) solution? What is already being
done about this (what groups are doing the work, and are they missing
anything)? Do we need to create, reform or eliminate social policy (e.g., laws,
programs, services, support systems, etc)? Conclude your paper by considering
what the future of the social problem is, in what direction are we heading?
1 No more than two (2) people can write on the same topic. No one can pick homelessness as a topic.
Introduction to Sociology
Term Paper assignment (Due May 12)
Term Paper Workshop:
The term paper workshops are on May 5 and May 7. These class periods are
set aside for the discussion of each student’s term paper topic.
You need to sign up and identify your topic2
(the sign-up sheet will be by the
on-time sheet).
These workshops consist of informal presentations and a round table discussion
of the overall topic, including any points of interest and/or concern. There may
also be an opportunity for questions on points unclear; this could give an
opportunity for last minute revisions before submitting the final paper. Prepare
a concise overview of your term paper (4-5 minutes) for class presentation.
Paper Length and Penalties:
This paper must be at least three (3) pages long to fulfill the requirements of
the assignment. Typically, it is not necessary to write more than five (5) pages.
Papers must be typed and physically turned in on May 12.
Penalties include: (A) 15 points deducted if submitted after class (no
submissions after 1pm the next day) and (B) 10 points deducted if emailed.
Grading:
Both sections (detailed on previous page) will be assigned a score between 0
and 25 and the workshop (detailed above) is worth the remaining 10 points (see
the breakdown in the score sheet on the next page).
The potential score for this paper is 60 points (or 20% of your final grade).