1 SOC 320 Final Project Guidelines and Rubric Overview The final project for this course is the creation of a position paper to illustrate the position of a social advocacy group on a gender-related issue. You will assume the role of a researcher for a social advocacy group that focuses on issues related to gender. You will assume that your manager has tasked you with writing a position paper that clearly articulates the group’s stance on a given gender-related issue in an attempt to justify the ultimate goal of the social advocacy group. You will select an issue from the options provided or submit your own issue for instructor approval. You will then analyze the issue through the incorporation of evidence and the application of sociological theory. You are encouraged to choose your own topic to address in the position paper and will be guided through this process in the early modules of the course. Some gender-related issues to you might consider focusing on in this project include the following: • Fraternity hazing • Equal pay for women • Allowing children to transition to their self-identified gender • Adoption rights for same-sex couples ******************* • Gender-neutral bathrooms in the workplace The project is divided into two milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to provide you opportunities to conduct research and work on elements of your paper. These milestones will be submitted in Modules Three and Five. The final product will be submitted in Module Seven. In the position paper, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes: • Analyze views of gender from a historical perspective for their impact on today’s societies and individuals • Challenge current stereotypes of various gender expressions using evidence from observations and other resources • Determine how reactions to expressions of gender and gender identity have evolved over time supported by sociological theory • Communicate results of analyses on gender issues adhering to ethical requirements and other best practices regarding sociological research 2 Prompt For your position paper, you will represent the position of your social advocacy group on a specific issue related to gender and support that position through the application of sociological theory and evidence. Your position will challenge preconceived notions around this issue by investigating its history and how it has evolved over time. The goal of this paper is to promote awareness around your chosen issue and encourage support for your social advocacy group. Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed: I. Introduction: In this section, you will introduce your audience to the gender issue you have chosen. You will develop a statement that establishes your position on your chosen issue. Be sure to employ appropriate ethical considerations and best practice.