Reference no: EM133316631

Throughout this course, we have used the concept of power as a central theme to help introduce ourselves to each of the major social sciences. By looking at the social sciences through the lens of power, we are better able to appreciate both the strengths and weaknesses of each of these individual disciplines, their approaches to studying human behaviour in the world, and the broader significance that this research makes to society. 

   This essay question presents you with an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the relationships between the various social sciences and power, please follow these instructions:

   Choose any TWO of the social sciences that we examined in the course (ie. anthropology, sociology, psychology, geography, history, political science and economics) and answer the questions below for BOTH of these disciplines in essay format, with an introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a brief conclusion.

   1) In a few sentences, introduce your your two chosen social scientific disciplines by explaining each of their general approaches to questions about human behaviour, as well as how these two fields are related to the concept of power.

   2) For the body of your essay, use two paragraphs to compare and contrast some of the major ways that your chosen two social scientific fields do research, devoting one paragraph to each of your chosen disciplines. In other words, explain what it is that social scientists in your two chosen fields actually do in their research, and compare them on the basis of how they each analyze power in the world in different ways. (You may write more than two paragraphs if you would like to, but be careful about managing your time when answering this question). 

   3) In the concluding section of your essay, use a few sentences to explain why your two chosen disciplines are significant and worth studying. In other words, what are some of the important contributions that researchers in these two social scientific disciplines make towards understanding human behaviours and power in the world around them?

Grading Criteria for Short Essay Question

The answers that students give to the Short Essay Question will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Content:

• Did the student fully answer the questions for the short essay for TWO social scientific disciplines?
• Were the descriptions of both of these social scientific disciplines accurate?
• Response is adequately supported with evidence from the readings, lectures, current events, and Power Points.

Understanding:

• Did the student demonstrate a solid understanding of the concept of power and how power shapes social scientific research?
• Did the student demonstrate a solid understanding of how their chosen social scientific disciplines make contributions towards analyzing power in the real world?

Communication:

• Does the student clearly and concisely answer the different components of the essay question?
• Is the student's answer to the question logically organized?
• Is the student's answer written in full sentences?
• Is the student's answer relatively free from spelling and grammar errors?