theory
theory
Essay Questions. You will select one of the following questions on which to write an extended essay.
CREATE YOUR OWN QUESTION: Submit an essay question on which you would like to write to Dr. Holland by Monday 4/20. Prior approval required.
Using one or a combination of theories use them as a critical lens to analyze a movie (sociological movie review), a music video or popular culture.
Compare and contrast Marxs theory with the explanations provided by Fanon and Cesaire.
How did the theory change from the first feminists to the second and third wave feminists
we studied? What changed and what remained the same?
Explain and assess the importance of Gramscis idea of hegemony and examine how it was
adopted by other theorists we studied.
Which theorist we have studied best embodies Gramscis idea of an organic intellectual?
Explain what and how this theorist uses theory to inform consciousness.
Explain Gramscis theory of Hegemony and using it analyze the current situation and
possibilities for social change. Envision how this happens using Gramscis analysis.
Explain what Audre Lorde meant by the Masters Tools and apply it to an analysis of a
particular problem of the social structure.
How does Hartsock argue that women are a colonized other and what consequences
does that have for understanding the position of women?
How is Smiths idea of bifurcation of consciousness similar to and/or different from Dubois
double consciousness? Describe what is meant by both.
Define and explain the similarities and differences between Intersectionality (Crenshaw)
and the Matrix of Domination (Collins). Then write about a real-life example that
illustrates these ideas.
What are the major differences and similarities between the early feminists and
contemporary black feminists?
What similarities and differences are there between the Power of Nonviolent Action and
the Black Panther Party programs for social change and those of Fanon and Cesaire?
How does DuBois provide a materialist explanation of white racism in his writings on the
racial wage? Does Dubois complicate or challenge Marxs account of class and class
conflict (which you will need to explain)?
How do WW Rostow and Immanuel Wallenstein provide differing explanations of how
nations develop economically? Which do you think is the best explanation? Why?
How does Dubois idea of double consciousness relate to James or Meads theories?
How does theory provide a basis to inform action for social change? Be specific and draw
on particular theorists we have examined.
How is the analysis of postcolonial theorist similar to and different from that of feminist
theorists? Be specific.
How does Anzalduas image/concept of the borderlands help to complicate and explain
identity? What relevance does it have for contemporary theory (explanations)?
We know the concept of alienation/estrangement through Marx. Estrangement is
distancing of people from each other or what is important to them or from themselves.
Many of the theorists since the midterm have addressed the theme of alienation. Select one theorist and describe how she/he addresses the theme of alienation or estrangement in their writing.
Ideology and ideological domination have been themes in our reading. Using one theorist as a starting point, assess the importance of ideology as a tool for understanding social life.
Explain Mertons Anomie Theory of Deviance. How useful is it for understanding how individuals and groups make decisions and pursue alternative courses of action? What needed to be updated?
What does Bauman mean by Liquid Modernity? How does this concept relate to one other theorist we have studied this semester?
How does the idea of performance of self relate to theorists in the feminist or symbolic interaction traditions? How credible and/or useful do you find these theories?
