The topic for your paper is sociological identity (remember this is not a psychology paper). This could be centered around one’s identity concerning culture, socialization, social class, group identity, gender/sexuality, racial/ethnic identity, etc. It can certainly be a mix of all of those if you wish.

Include all these components or points will be forfeited: 

• Pseudonym for your interviewee 
• Briefly describe the interview setting (A small cafe on N. Main Street, Providence, RI in the middle of the busy lunch rush)
• Ascribed Statuses: (list at least 3 – this assumes you will ask this of your interview subject)
• Achieved Statuses: (list at least 3)
• Analysis/Application of your 8-10 questions: (DO NOT type word for word what is said, I’m not asking for a transcript, use sociology concepts throughout your writing)
• Reflection of interview (a paragraph or two at the end of your paper on YOUR thoughts – what you learned, what intrigued you about the interview)

You may record the interview (with permission) but it may be best if you don’t. Use it as an opportunity to jot down key terms and phrases during the interview on a notepad instead. Immediately afterward, write up a fuller description. Write up the conversation descriptively. Conclude with your reflections on the interview: the interactions and dynamics between you and the person interviewed, your analysis of topics explored, any other observations you have. Approach your writing from a sociological point of view at all times. 

Include the questions you asked throughout your essay and include a list at the end (this list is NOT part of your minimum page count). For full credit, you must be able to take what your interview subject said and apply it to key sociological terms and concepts you have learned in this class. Failure to do so results in major points deduction. 

Format:

The paper should be MINIMUM 4 full pages and not more than 6 pages); double-spaced; 11-12-pt font; Margins: 1” (top, bottom, left & right). You should use terminology learned in class and in the texts and be sure to properly cite when appropriate. Please use your own words! Grammar and spelling ARE important.