Take home final exam - 200 points
Getting away with it
Answer each question using at least 45 words of good, clear academic prose. Each correct answer is worth 50 points and it is due via email by 11:59 PM on Monday, 12/16.
01. Listen to Episode 11 of Serial, Season 1, Rumors, located here or if that link doesn't work, here. (Yes, we, as a class are skipping Episodes 9 and 10). Then read Chapter 9 of you Macionis textbook, Deviance. Based on this episode alone, would you consider 17-year old Adnan Syed a social deviant? Why or why not? In order to get your full 50 points here you must reference something specific from Episode 11 and reference the specific section from Chapter 9 of your Macionis textbook where you are getting your definition of social deviance. Also, be sure to explain and defend your response.
02. Listen to Episode 12 of Serial, Season 1, What We Know, located here, or if that link doesn't work here. Who does Sarah K. think killed Hae Min Lee and which sociological theory presented by me in our three meeting sessions do you think her conclusion best captures? Be sure to explain and defend your response.
03. Listen closely to Episode 1 of Ear Hustle, "Cellies" (2016) located directly below. (Do not skip listening to this little piece of audio. It is a podcast that is recorded and produced by inmates at San Quentin State Prison). Based on what you hear, does the culture of San Quentin prison sound like the prison where Adnan is housed? In order to get your full 50 points for this question you must specifically reference the audio posted below, as well at least one episode from Serial Season 1, assigned by me for this course. You can find a complete listing of my assignments here.
04. American high schools and prisons are what sociologist Erving Goffman would call a "total institution." You can find a definition of total institution in Chapter 5 of your Macionis textbook. What is this definition and then make the argument that River City High School is a total institution based on your own sociological observations. Remember, when making a sociological observation you are not offering your opinion of your life at River City. You are offering your opinion of "other people" at River City. Be sure to explain and defend your response.
Getting away with it
Answer each question using at least 45 words of good, clear academic prose. Each correct answer is worth 50 points and it is due via email by 11:59 PM on Monday, 12/16.
01. Listen to Episode 11 of Serial, Season 1, Rumors, located here or if that link doesn't work, here. (Yes, we, as a class are skipping Episodes 9 and 10). Then read Chapter 9 of you Macionis textbook, Deviance. Based on this episode alone, would you consider 17-year old Adnan Syed a social deviant? Why or why not? In order to get your full 50 points here you must reference something specific from Episode 11 and reference the specific section from Chapter 9 of your Macionis textbook where you are getting your definition of social deviance. Also, be sure to explain and defend your response.
02. Listen to Episode 12 of Serial, Season 1, What We Know, located here, or if that link doesn't work here. Who does Sarah K. think killed Hae Min Lee and which sociological theory presented by me in our three meeting sessions do you think her conclusion best captures? Be sure to explain and defend your response.
- A Romeo and Juliet narrative
- Dramaturgical theory
- Conflict theory
03. Listen closely to Episode 1 of Ear Hustle, "Cellies" (2016) located directly below. (Do not skip listening to this little piece of audio. It is a podcast that is recorded and produced by inmates at San Quentin State Prison). Based on what you hear, does the culture of San Quentin prison sound like the prison where Adnan is housed? In order to get your full 50 points for this question you must specifically reference the audio posted below, as well at least one episode from Serial Season 1, assigned by me for this course. You can find a complete listing of my assignments here.
04. American high schools and prisons are what sociologist Erving Goffman would call a "total institution." You can find a definition of total institution in Chapter 5 of your Macionis textbook. What is this definition and then make the argument that River City High School is a total institution based on your own sociological observations. Remember, when making a sociological observation you are not offering your opinion of your life at River City. You are offering your opinion of "other people" at River City. Be sure to explain and defend your response.