Photo Essay – Final Assessment for Introduction to Sociology
Instead of a traditional final exam, students are asked to demonstrate their newly discovered
“sociological imagination” by creating a photo essay.
Assignment Objectives:
• To engage students with their own communities
• To create practice in sociological observation
• To demonstrate an understanding of sociological concepts, theories and ideas through
original photos and self-written annotated notes and reflective journaling
• To experience field work and have fun!
Directions:
1. Students will spend some time visually exploring the social world and finding pictures
that capture a sociological image. (See example Power Point).
2. Students will create and submit a Power Point with 8 photos that have annotated captions.
3. Students will provide a coversheet on the first slide that includes their name, date and title
for their assignment.
4. On the additional 8 slides (one for each picture) students will include a picture taken
during their field work in their community. Under each photo students will describe the
sociological idea that they have captured by writing a short paragraph explaining the
sociological image. The student’s text should include the following information: 1) Note
when and where your original photo was taken 2) Compose several sentences (4-5
minimum) describing the sociological concept portrayed in the picture. Refer to your
course modules and any relevant reading to clarify your explanation. 3) Conclude by
stating (1-2 sentences minimum) why this photo/concept connects with you personally
and why it should be part of sociological study.
5. If you need Helpance with developing a Power Point, please make an appointment with
our academic Helpance center.
Materials:
• Digital Camera
• Computer access with Power Point capability
Grading Policy:
This assignment is worth 100 points. This final assessment is 20% of your overall grade for this
course.
This assignment was adapted from Kenneth H. Laundra, Ph.D., professor of Sociology at
Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois.
Explain how your proposal will directly and indirectly impact each of the aspects.
Literature Evaluation Table Student Name: Change Topic: Nursing shortage Criteria Article 1 Article 2 Article 3 Article 4 Author, Journal (Peer-Reviewed), and Permalink or Working Link to Access Article Bridges, J., Griffiths, P., Oliver, E., & Pickering, R. M. (2019). Hospital nurse staffing and staff–patient interactions: an observational study. BMJ quality & safety, 28(9), 706-713. […]
