Find a subject. Review the topics covered in class.
Do preliminary research on the subject. This is important because if a topic is too hard to research, you must consider it more.
Ask yourself why this research is essential to you. You may want to sit back after you’ve looked at your Topic and ask, “So what?” Consider why the issue or topic is crucial to narrow it down and decide if you want to pursue it.
Prepare a preliminary bibliography that you will revise and return to often. Note the most interesting reads so that you can use those readings for your Annotated Bibliography.
Take notes from appropriate sources (for some, it helps to use notecards).
Construct a brief draft describing your topic, thesis statement, and relevancy. This will act as a guide to the rest of the research and writing process.
Write a first draft.
Revise the draft.
Make sure there is a clear, strong introduction that maps out the problem/issue you are looking at and tells the reader your intentions for the remainder of the paper.
Have a firm conclusion, discussing options for further research.
Insert your in-text citations at the Revision stage.
Finalize your paper, ensuring you’ve incorporated any feedback from your peer(s) or writing coach
In your paper,
Identify your chosen issue as one that enables you to engage in applied sociology.
Summarize your topic as a social problem that would be improved by social change theory and applied sociology.
Distinguish clearly the group that would be directly impacted by an applied sociological approach to the problem.
Build a plan to resolve the issue that includes collaborating with the impacted group or community.
Describe what you have learned in practicing applied sociology
Your introductory paragraph must do the following:
Contain a clear thesis statement that indicates the purpose of your paper and a clear overview of your topic.
Address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Conclude by reaffirming your thesis or direction of your paper.