How are sociology papers different from other types of papers Ive written at UW?
Most sociology papers ask you to evaluate (critique) arguments. Rarely is it sufficient to simply summarize an argument or describe a phenomenon. Instead, we want you to critically consider the explanatory value and real-world relevance of different theoretical arguments or perspectives. Sociology as a discipline seeks to explain social phenomena, such as social trends or events, institutions, or group properties. Therefore, your papers will generally focus on social rather than individual-level outcomes. Since sociology is aimed at explaining the social world, our assignments tend to emphasize empirical evidence (data on social processes and outcomes) rather than opinion. If you are asked to argue for or against a particular perspective or theory, this generally means your opinion should be grounded in evidence and logic, rather than personal values or beliefs. Assignments vary, so check with your instructor if you are confused.
