Understanding+U.S.+Social+Stratification

**// Understanding American Inequality //** **// Due: Tuesday 03/30* //**
 * //__ Wiki Assignment #3: __//**

1.) Learn to summarize and synthesize previous research 2.) Connect previous research to a theoretical framework 3.) Understand the causes and consequences of poverty in America 4.) Synthesize this data to draw conclusions Student groups will be assigned a theory (structural-functionalism, social conflict, symbolic interactionsim). They will then review the appropriate literature available __on Blackboard__ in order to propose a research paper regarding the following research question.
 * __Learning Goals:__** This assignment will offer students the opportunity to develop their research skills while learning about the economic structure of the United States. We will concentrate on both substantive goals (such as learning fundamental concepts) and non-substantive goals (such as critical thinking and writing). Specifically, students will:


 * __Research Question:__** Is the American Dream equally available to all American citizens?

Jackson, Robert Max. (2007). “Keyword: Inequalities” //Contexts.// American Sociological Association. Rank, Mark R. (2003). “As American as Apple Pie: Poverty and Welfare.” //Contexts.// American Sociological Association
 * __Literature:__**

1. Introduction to the problem: a. Brief introduction to your topic. Conclude with a road map of the wiki and a statement of the research question 2. Theory: a. How does your theory see the world? b. What variables does it point to? 3. Literature Review: a. What does previous research say about the issue? 4. Methods: a. What are your independent and dependent variables? b. What is your hypothesis? 5. Results: a. What can you conclude from the data regarding your research questions?
 * __Stages of the Wiki:__**

Does Not Meet Expectations || Meets Expectations || Exceeds Expectations || Professionalism of Writing (no grammar mistakes, clear and concise writing, appropriate citations) || || || || Mastery of Concepts (appropriate usage of terms, appropriate definitions, ability to discuss issue using class concepts) || || || || Synthesis of Work (clear point to your wiki, tells a story, flow between concepts/sections, comprehensive treatment of concepts/literature) || || || || Evidence of Group Work (evidence of collaborative thinking, annotated bibliographies from each group member) || || || ||
 * __Assessment:__** The following rubric will be used to assess your grade on this assignment