SOC 306 NIU Sociology Question

Please choose ONE of the following options for your final paper:

1. Interview a professional who works directly with people who identify as

women/trans/nonbinary/queer. Construct questions theoretically informed by course readings.

For example, what are the key challenges that people they work with face? How do they help

others to achieve their goals? What kind of success and/or struggles have they experienced?

2. Research an organization that works on gender-related issues (e.g., Brave Space Alliance,

Chicago Abortion Fund, Assata’s Daughters, Sarah’s Inn, Chicago Foundation for Women,

Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, Between Friends, Incite!). Analyze their mission, vision,

programs, and services. What issues do they focus on? How would you evaluate this

organization?

3. Analyze a feminist/women-led movement. What are the goals of the movement? What

strategies do participants use to advance their goals? What challenges do they face?

4. Research an issue that we did not cover in class, or only reviewed minimally. Think of the

issue like a research question. For example, how do transgender students navigate higher

education? As you write, include relevant literature, useful data, and recommendations for

change.

In addition to our class readings, you should include at least two outside sources in your analysis.

One of these sources can be from the popular press (e.g., New York Times, Rolling Stone,

Atlantic), but the other must be from an academic journal or book. Your paper should be 5 pages,

double spaced.

Final Paper Outline

I. Introduction

a. Provide a draft of the introduction to your final paper

II. What is your plan for completing the assignment?

a. Write a few sentences about what you will do

i. “I will analyze the literature on the experiences of transgender students. I

will search scholarly peer-reviewed journals, and look to the popular

press…”

ii. “I will interview a staff member at Sarah’s Inn. I will ask questions

about her responsibilities, experiences, and challenges. I will also ask

about the women she works with…”

III. What readings will you use to support your analysis?

a. Include authors’ names and write a sentence or two about how their work

connects to your project