Essays I The Apathy Syndrome: How We Are Trained Not to Care about Politics
Regardless of the article you choose, your essay should have a specific and clear line of argumentation. In other words, do not just define an issue but also try to explain (some aspect of) it. Think, for example, in terms of causes, processes, mechanisms, and predictions.
a. For essay I: Choose an article and lay out its main argument. This should include definitions of important terminology, explanations of relevant concepts and theories, examples to illustrate the argument, and any contextualization necessary to understand the argument.
3. Communicate your line of argumentation early on in your essay using argument statement. The argument statement should directly, clearly, and succinctly summarize your essay’s argument and the major points you are making in support of the argument.
4. More than making points, you need to evidence them. Use studies, statistics, quotations, images, lyrics, examples, etc. to bolster your points.
5. Utilize class materials when relevant and conduct additional research. Limit your research online and in the library to scholarly sources (books by professors, scholarly journal articles, think tank research reports, talks by professors at U. Albany, etc.) and primary material (e.g. news stories, artwork, music, literature, autobiographies, etc.).
6. Cite sources when necessary (i.e. when including information that is not common knowledge) and include a bibliography at the end of your essay. Sociology primarily uses the Chicago citation style, but feel free to use the citation style most familiar to you (e.g. MLA, APA, etc.). Keep the style consistent throughout the essay.
7. Think about the possible weaknesses or gaps in your argument. What would a skeptic say? Then, try to preempt and refute said criticisms in your essay.
8. Feel free to use sociological and other scholarly concepts (e.g. political generation, apathy syndrome, quiet mobilization, breakdown, political opportunities, threats, resources, framing, framing contests, counter-framing, SMOs, social movement institutionalization, micromobilization, tactics, repertoires, biographical availability, biographical consequences, etc.) to make your argument. If you use a concept, though, be sure to define the concept when you introduce it and demonstrate why the concept supports and advances your argument.
9. Overall, focuse, specific, and detailed as possible throughout your essay. Note dates, locations, and names. Define terminology. Include relevant quotes and examples. And consider each essential aspect of an issue.
10. Do not neglect writing skills. Make sure your essay is organized, make sure it flows, and make sure you use correct grammar.
