**MUST BE NEW AND ORIGINAL WORK. PLEASE FOLLOW BELOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ****Three part assignment: Outline, Bibliography, and Term Paper****Outline and Bibliography Instructions** This assignmen

**MUST BE NEW AND ORIGINAL WORK. PLEASE FOLLOW BELOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. **

**Three part assignment: Outline, Bibliography, and Term Paper**

**Outline and Bibliography Instructions**

 This assignment requires you to write an outline of your term paper. In addition, the bibliography must be attached with a minimum of three sources in APA format and alphabetical order.  

Outline Structure

• Introduction
  • Thesis: Indicate your topic, your main point about that topic, and the points of discussion for that topic.
• Body Paragraph 1: Topic sentence goes here.
  • Supporting evidence: A paraphrase or quote from one of your sources goes here, along with an in-text citation.
    • Explanation of the meaning of the supporting evidence.
    • So what? A direct statement on how the supporting evidence does in fact support the claim made in the topic sentence.
• Body Paragraph 2: Topic sentence goes here.
  • Supporting evidence
    • Explanation
    • So what?
• Body Paragraph 3: Topic sentence goes here.
  • Supporting evidence
    • Explanation
    • So what?
• Conclusion:
  • Rephrased Thesis Statement: Rephrase your thesis.
  • Strong Closing: Close your paper with the significance of this discussion. Why is this discussion important?

**TERM PAPER INSTRUCTIONS**

In an 5-8 page paper, you are going to analyze the changing media representation of the family. Specifically, you must choose 2 sitcoms from 2 different decades that represent the family.

 The two sitcoms are: (1) The Jeffersons (1970s) and (2) The Cosby Show (1980s)

In your paper you must address the following questions (in essay format, not question/answer). 

• What is the structure of the family/families portrayed in your sitcoms (some sitcoms may focus on a single family, others multiple families)?  If there are multiple families, is the structure similar in all, or very diverse?
• How are the family structures different in the two decades?  Explain why they are different by tying your analysis to the text's discussion of how the definition of family has changed  over time.  Discuss some of the recent trends in families including single parents, gay/lesbian families, grandparents as parents, etc.
• Do the families represented in your chosen sitcoms perpetuate any of the myths about the family?  Which ones?  Again, tie this discussion to the course text and readings.
• What are the racial/ethnic based strengths and stresses that are portrayed in your sitcoms?  Have they changed over time?  Give specific examples.
• How are gender roles and gender role socialization portrayed in your sitcoms?  Do the roles of men and women change over time?  Give specific examples.
• What are the romantic relationships included in your families, and how are they represented?  Do these kinds of relationships change over time?  Why?
• Is parenting represented in your sitcoms?  How?  What roles do fathers and mothers play?  Are both mothers and fathers present?  What specific parenting styles are used?
• How is the balance between home and work life represented?
• Are any of the negative aspects of family life represented?  Is there abuse?  Divorce? 

You are required to provide acceptable academic references for any facts, figures, data, or any other assertion you make in your paper.  You are also required to demonstrate what you have learned all semester by supporting your claims using information from the course textbook.  In your analysis you must include at least 5 concepts/terms discussed in class. Please clearly identify those concepts by making them bold or underlined.  Please cite all references used. 

The Changing Media Representation of the Family Term Paper requirements:

• Five to eight typed pages, 1.5 spaced.  The margins must be one inch.  The font size 12 depending on the type of font style selected.
•  Title page (title/topic, name, College of Southern Maryland, Sociology 2110, Instructor: Prof. Lynk and date)
•  The title of the term paper must be on the cover page.  This page does not count toward page number requirements.
•  You must have at least 5 references.  One of those references must be the text, the second an empirical sociological research study, and the remaining your choice, however the references should be a legitimate source.
•  Bibliography is required and does not count toward page length.  All sources used in the paper must be listed in bibliography.
•  You are required but not limited to use eight sources.  You cannot use Wikipedia, Ask Me or any blogs as sources.
•  Remember to define terms.  Do not assume the reader is well address in your topic.
•  Number each page of your paper and include your last name (ex. Lynk, 1)
•  Citation American Psychological Association Manual (APA) style only.
•  Proofread your paper!