Social and Cultural Theory—Final Theoretical Essay 2015

Click here for the introduction to the Round and Square series "Assignments"

On this date on Round and Square's History 

22 November 2014—China's Lunar Calendar 2014 11-22

22 November 2013—China's Lunar Calendar 2013 11-22

22 November 2012—Displays of Authenticity: Thanksgiving

22 November 2011—Fieldnotes From History: Opinion

[a] Society RF

This is the last assignment for the Social and Cultural Theory course. Students have written a wide variety of papers, and engaged the study of social and cultural theory from several angles. Their task in this assignment is to explain something in detail...and to use "theory."

Social and Cultural Theory 

Anthropology 206

Final Paper 

Using Theory and Explaining Stuff

[b] Explaining RF

The Shorthand Version

1. Explain something. 

2. Use theory. 

3. Show how it helps to understand the subject more deeply.

3,000 words (minimum).

Due by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Paper copy in my office (MI 111) unless otherwise arranged.

[c] Culture RF

Possible Format A—Appendix

1. Explain something in detail, using “thick description” techniques (reread Geertz).

2. Add a theoretical “appendix” discussing how the reader might deepen her understanding. 

3. Show how it helps to understand the subject more deeply.

Possible Format B—Integration

1. Explain something in detail, using “thick description” techniques and integrating theoretical perspectives as you proceed. 

2. Add a succinct conclusion that explicitly… 

3. …shows how your theoretical perspective helps to understand the subject more deeply.

Possible Format C—New Vistas

1. Masterfully blend all elements together in a striking narrative form (previously unimagined) that will be anthologized in theory readers and read by students like you for generations. What if you knew you were writing a classic?

Summary 

1. Explain something in detail. 

2. Use “theory.” 

3. Explain why it—the explanation and the theory—matters.

Sorry—it’s really that straightforward.

We’ll discuss strategies in class, but this is a serious assignment, and is meant to make you reflect upon your approach to social and cultural theory. It only seems “glib” and lighthearted. I could write ten pages of detail for the assignment, but this is really all you need...without clutter.

Due in my office by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 

(the last "moment" of finals week).

[d] Pathways RF