Your final paper should include a problem statement or

Question

Your Final Paper should include a problem statement or description of the social problem you have selected, a discussion of the scope and consequences of the problem, and an assessment of society's responses to the problem (including public policies and other less formal responses). Papers should also present a clearly reasoned alternative that is supported by scholarly research.

While the following example can be modified to suit your needs, using this outline as a guide will likely result in a high quality final paper:

1. Title
2. Describe the social problem.
3. Explain why this problem qualifies as a social problem.
4. Indicate the sociological theory or theories that may explain this social problem.
5. Discuss the individual and social implications of this problem. Your discussion of implications should be supported by accurate research data.
6. Summarize what social science experts have to say about this social problem. Are their conclusions methodologically sound?
7. Explain what we, as a society, have done about this problem, considering public policies and other less formal responses.
8. Explain how well societal efforts to solve the social problem are working.
9. Describe an alternative.
10. Discuss why the alternative is, or can be, an effective response to the problem. Remember to consider negative consequences of the alternative response.
11. Conclude with reflections and thoughts about your chosen social problem.
12. References