Center For Writing Excellence

SUSAN J. MARNELL WEAVER

INTRODUCTION TO SEQUENCED WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

SOC/WMS 203

The sequenced group writing assignment was designed for the CWE workshop in 2004.  The project is one that I used last semester, but this one has refinements that address problems encountered by students. This introduction will briefly explain the project and the goals of the redesigned assignment.

The project provides cooperative experience while retaining individual control and accountability for each student. Each student has a specific area to address in an individual paper that explains one aspect of the topic. The assignment requires that students incorporate key concepts such as ideological hegemony and systemic imperative. This guides students toward incorporating theory and understanding of the influence of social structure on both individuals and social systems. It also asks that students indicate potential for agency by considering pivotal issues and opportunities. 

After completing the first part of the assignment where students serve as “specialists” within their group, they meet with others with the same specialization from other groups.  This enables students to seek recurring themes as well as unique themes that are based in particular cultures.

The response from students last semester was very positive, but almost everyone had to rewrite their papers because they overlooked the required concepts. Term papers normally do not require as many specifics as this paper. The unique and changeable aspects of this paper guard against plagiarism.

 

SEQUENCED WRITING ASSIGNMENTS FOR STUDENTS

SOC/WMS 203

 

JIGSAW LEARNING PAPER

Global Perspective of Gender Roles

The goal of this paper is to provide a global perspective of gender roles.

 Each student does an individual paper (5-7 pages using format described under “Written Work”) on the aspect of the topic agreed upon in the group; present the information to the class, and participate in further discussion with members of other groups.

Jigsaw Part I

 


Information

To Collect

Assignment

Grading & Criteria

Due Date

Group Decision

Form a group with three other individuals in the class.  Select a country that you will use for the context of your paper.  Each individual will select an area to study.  Suggestions include focus on male and female role expectations; gender and extended family systems; gender and power; political/military expectations; religion

Approval

Week Two

Sources and a photo

Bring in 5 sources (at least 3 should be from refereed journals such as the ASA Review or Journal of Sex and Gender.)

Bring in a photo that you will use in a presentation

5 points

On Time?

Complete?

Meets APA style?

Relevant?

Week Three

Annotated bibliography

Working notes and outline.  Be sure to include reference to values, norms, class, ideological hegemony.

5 points

Week Four

Peer Review

Bring in  5-7 page typed draft for peer review

Exchange papers with another student.  The critique is expected to have a positive tone and serves only to provide feedback based on the rubric.

5 points

Typed paper?

Participate in discussion with group?

Week Five

MONDAY

Submit Paper

Bring in a 5-7 page paper (excluding title and reference page).  This should follow the guidelines for written work as outlined on page 3 of the syllabus.

35 points

Introduction?

Clear thesis statement?

Theoretical framework?

Presents key concepts in a meaningful way?

Appropriate format?

Spelling and grammar?

Organization?

Five references from academic sources?

Week 6

FRIDAY

Presentation

Presentations – Maximum time – 5 minutes per person

Use overhead or computer (email to yourself as a back up to your disc) or an overhead

5 points

Use of technology?

Organization?

Photo?

Meets time limit?

Week 6

 

JIGSAW PART II


Information

To Collect

Assignment

Grading Criteria

Due Date

Group Decision

Meet with others who chose the same topic.  Discuss findings that you share and findings that are unique to your country.  Briefly share the results with the class.

5 points

On Time?

Reflection?

Insights?

Week 7

One Page Paper

What did you learn from this project?  Did anything surprise you?   Identify at least one conclusion that you drew about gender roles.

How did you feel about this project?  What did you like most and what did you like least?  How can this assignment be improved?

5 points

On Time?

Complete?

Reflective?

Week 7

General writing instructions

Format:

Set margins to .9 inch on all sides. Use 11 point font and 1.5 line spacing and double column. If you have trouble doing this, I will be happy to help.

Style:

References should be done in APA format. The citations can be done through “Miami-link.” Go to http://www.lib.muohio.edu and select “catalogue,” then “annotated bibliography.” The prompts will arrange the citation so that you only have to cut and paste it onto the reference page.


Jigsaw Part I Content:

Be sure to incorporate the following items:

introduction

clear thesis statement

ideological hegemony

how “the personal is political and the political is personal” applies

conclusion

Jigsaw Part II:

Paper is on time, well organized, and thoughtful.

RUBRIC

Introduction

Thesis statement ____

History or background information  ____

Theoretical framework

              Indicate sociological theory  ____

Explain how it applies ____

Ideological hegemony

              Influences ____

              Norms ____

              Values ____

              Sanctions ____

Gender role changes

              Social movements or resistance ____

              Systemic imperatives ____

Conclusion

              Summary ____

              Insights  ____

References

              5 academic references ____

              APA style ___

General

              Submitted on time ___

Organization ____

              Style (flow) ____

              Format ____

Spelling and grammar __


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