Discretionary Assignment Instructions



The purpose of this assignment is to allow you to have the major say (discretion) in the kind of work you would like to do...in both substance and form. You have 100 points to fulfill through a variety of options. The options you choose must total 100 points...exactly and of course, will be graded. In other words, you may combine any of these options in any way you want to add up to 100 points.

NOTE: 50 Points worth is due 10/14 and the other 50 is due 11/18

OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM

I. Topical Research Paper (TRP)---50 Points (Proposal Needed)

This is to be a short formal paper to be written in a formal style (i.e. in-text footnotes, etc.). The topic needs to be approved. See me if you choose this option. (Length = 5-10 pages)

II. Book Report (BR)---50 Points

You can pick any book on a Course topic you want...fiction or non-fiction. The BR will consist of the following:

------Summary of the book
------Personal Reaction to the book
------5 quotes from the book...with reaction/analysis of them
------Conclusion

III. Article Analysis (AA)---25 Points (No Proposal Needed)

You can analyze any article from the Conrad Reader which is NOT a Required Reading for the course.

Please Use the Following Format:

1. Cite the Source (i.e. C#??) and give Name and Author(s)

2. Summary of the Article

3. Critique/Assessment of the Article

4. One (1) quote from the article (with page #) and your reaction/analysis

(Length = 2-3 pages)

IV. Analysis Paper (AP)---20 Points (No Proposal Needed)

Provide an analysis...more than a mere opinion...on any topic from our readings, the news, issues discussed in class, or anything on your mind relating to our Course. Examine the topic, don't merely describe (attack or defend) it.

Length = 2-3 pages

V. Opinion Paper (OP)---(5 or 10 Points) (No Proposal Needed)

Here's your chance to give your opinion on anything, sociologically-speaking. It can come from class, readings, or just about anything. I'll evaluate it on how well you explain it, not on whether I agree with it.

(Length (5 pt) = 1 page

Length (10 pt) = 2 pages)

VI. Student Suggestions (SS)---(10-50 Points)

You may suggest anything you might like to do...a small project, a limited survey, a review of a relevant movie or documentary, etc., on a topic related to our course. Let your imagination go to work on this option. A Proposal and suggested Point Value is needed...see me.

***Label your papers as indicated: DA (Discretionary Assignment) and the type of paper it is...(TRP, BR, AA, AP, OP(5 or 10), or SS(amt).