Sociology Question

This assignment is a short essay that utilizes the perspective(s) of ONE of the three core sociological theorists (Marx, Weber, Durkheim). The topic, however, remains the same: the controversy over mask-mandates in the wake of COVID-19. Specifically, you will apply the ideas of ONE of these core theorists to this ongoing controversy. The goal is to indicate how the theorist you have chosen would analyze this phenomenon.

Sources
To complete your paper, please use these sources:

1. Choose the relevant assigned reading (ie., from chapters 2, 3, or 4 and/or lecture notes) as the source for the theorist;
2. The links to the news source provided below as your source for the topic.

Citing Sources
Be sure to use properly cite your sources using both in-text citations and a list of references following the convention of the American Sociological Association (ASA)*. It is important that you use in-text citations throughout to indicate the source of ideas or data. It is important that you use in-text citations throughout to indicate the source of ideas or data. Do so even when you are not using direct quotes. [Example of statement followed by an in-text citation: A number of Neo-Marxists were critical of the economic determinism of early Marxists (Ritzer 1996).] If you’re citing class notes, simply type (Lecture Notes.) Do not use footnotes or endnotes. Note that I use Turnitin—an online plagiarism detection tool. I’ll permit 20% “unoriginal” work.

*https://www.asanet.org/wp-content/uploads/savvy/documents/teaching/pdfs/Quick_Tips_for_ASA_Style.pdfLinks to an external site.

Note: This is an exercise in applying a theory. My main interest is in the degree to which you can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of meta-theory as explained in this course–more so than the topic.

The paper should contain three sections:

Section 1: Introduction (One paragraph):

Define theory. Above all, what does social science theory seek to do? Why is theory important? [See lecture 1 for the preceding.] Indicate which theorists you have chosen for your paper and introduce your topic thus, “For this paper, the ideas of ____________ will be used to analyze the ongoing controversy over mask-mandates in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Section 2: Body

1. Provide a brief overview of the theorist’s main ideas and indicate what is his meta-theoretical orientation. (No more than two paragraphs.) You need not mention every single argument made by the theorist, but in your overview be sure to include the specific argument/concept that will be applied to your topic.
2. Provide an overview of our topic (mask-mandate controversy) that describes main issues involved: What is it all about? What are the different “sides” or “positions” and what evidence is used to support these positions? [Here you may use the summary provided for memo 1 [revised, as needed, based on feedback from the professor or TA].
3. Of all your theorist’s arguments/ideas/concepts, select the specific one that you are using to analyze your topic. Then, thoroughly discuss the argument or idea or concept as it relates to the topic. To do so:
   1. Think about what the concept or argument means. How does Marx/Weber/Durkheim use it?
   2. If applicable, indicate, show how this specific argument/ concept addresses related issues. [E.G.
   3. Then, apply one or more of these arguments/concepts to your topic.
   4. Show how this theorist’s perspective/s helps you understand the topic. That is, does the theory help you look at the topic in a new way? If so, how so?

Section 3: Conclusion: (About one paragraph)

1. What are your final thoughts about this theorist?
2. More specifically, are his ideas useful for explaining this topic? In what way/s?
3. Is there any aspect of the issue that this perspective does not account for.
6. Source : https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/2021-in-r…
   

   Instructions

   1. Review the Assignment prompt in the section above.
   2. Write out your response in essay format.
   3. All submissions should be in a Microsoft Word Document, two-to-three pages typed, double-spaced, and using 12-point font.
   4. When you are finished submit the document with your responses.
   5. Refer to the attached rubric for grading details.
      

      Analytical Memo Rubric (2)

      Criteria	Ratings	Pts
      This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContentAddresses every section of the prompt and does so correctly and comprehensively. Thus, the topic and theorist–either Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, or Max Weber–is clearly identified, the theorist’s main ideas and event are accurately described, and an idea of the theorist is used to analyze the event/issue. [The latter part may not be accurate, but it is attempted.]	40 to >36.0 ptsVery Good/Proficient 36 to >29.0 ptsSatisfactory/Competent 29 to >0 ptsDeveloping/Missing	40 pts
      This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeApplicationApplication of theory as analytic tool is accurate. Shows understanding of the perspective. Here the use of theory to analyze the event must be accurate.	40 to >36.0 ptsVery Good/Proficient 36 to >29.0 ptsSatisfactory/Competent 29 to >0 ptsDeveloping/Missing	40 pts
      This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritingWell-written. Grammar and punctuation are accurate. Contains few or no typographical errors. Ideas are clearly communicated. Sources are properly documented using the ASA’s conventions. Contains no more than 20% “unoriginal work.”	20 to >16.0 ptsVery Good/Proficient 16 to >9.0 ptsAverage MarksSatisfactory/Competent 9 to >0 ptsDeveloping/Missing	20 pts