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SOC 103 - Naffziger-Hirsch - Fall 2025

To Whom It May Concern…

Overview

Throughout this semester, we’ve explored the causes and consequences of a variety of social

problems. This project is your opportunity to extend that work by researching one problem in

more depth and communicating your insights to an audience outside of our classroom.
 

Your final product will be written as a letter to a public audience, such as:

- A lawmaker (mayor, state legislator, governor, member of Congress)

- An agency or organizational official

- A newspaper editor (letter to the editor)

- An institutional leader (e.g., school superintendent, business executive)

Your goal is to:

1. Identify a social problem.

2. Explain its causes and consequences.

3. Make the case for why it matters.

4. Propose realistic solutions.

Research Requirements

• Use assigned course material for background.

• Include at least 3 additional outside sources:

- 1 scholarly, academic source (book or peer-reviewed journal article).

- 2 other credible sources (news articles, websites, reports, or interviews).

• There is no maximum number of sources—you may use more.

• Provide APA-style in-text citations and a reference list at the end of your letter.

Letter Content Checklist


1. Introduce yourself, identify the recipient, and explain why you chose them

2. Describe the social problem and explain why it concerns you. Clarify whether it is local,
national, or global.
3. Argue why this is a social problem (use both objective evidence and subjective concerns; define
and cite key terms).
4. Explain the causal factors (social, political, economic, cultural) that contribute to the problem.
5. Define globalization and discuss its role in the problem (or explain why it is not significant).
6. Propose solutions and explain why they are feasible. Specify whether solutions are needed at
the macro level, micro level, or both.
7. Identify two organizations working on this issue.
8. Compare how another nation has addressed a similar problem.
9. Conclude by summarizing your concern, evidence, and recommendations.

Sociological Imagination

Keep in mind C. Wright Mills’ idea of the sociological imagination. Ask yourself:

  • How do personal troubles and public issues intersect in this problem?
  • How might they both shape the causes and potential solutions?


Format Requirements

  • Length: 8–10 pages (double-spaced).
  • Font: 12-point Times New Roman or Arial (not Courier New).
  • Grammar, spelling, and organization count toward your grade.
  • APA style for all citations and references. (No title page or abstract required).


Grading
Your paper will be graded on:

- Quality of your argument.
- Integration of course concepts and outside research.
- Realism and thoughtfulness of proposed solutions.
- Organization, clarity, grammar, and APA style.
See the rubric in D2L for detailed grading criteria.

 

Extra Credit Opportunity


Although mailing the letter is not required, you may earn extra credit if you actually send your
letter to the person or organization you address. You could truly be part of the solution!

*This assignment is adapted from one created by Erin Anderson