Note: Unfortunately, there are limitations of how we can utilize this example course. Due to this, we are unable to show you what discussions look like. For that reason, I have included screenshots of what a discussion looks like in SOC 1010. You can learn more about how you'd complete a discussion on the What Does a Discussion Board Typically Look Like? page.

Introduction

The best part about sociology is that it can study everything and anything that is happening in society. In this activity, you will be asked to explore the recent topics that sociologists have completed research on using the website "There's research on That!". This will give you an idea on how broad the realm of sociology is!

NOTE: to get the most out of the activity, I recommend skimming multiple articles so you can see the wide variety of topics sociologists can study.

Task

Browse (or search, there are hundreds) the articles posted to the website "There's research on That!"
Choose an article you find interesting to review and analyze. (Stipulation - you cannot pick a research article that someone else has picked. Make sure you look over the posts before you complete yours so you don't have the same as someone else)
Aim to write at least a 2 paragraph (4-6 sentences each) OR 30 second video reflection. In your reflection please include the following:
1. What article you chose to read (name and author) and why you chose that article
2. summary of the research being introduced
3. what you learned
4. your thoughts on the research
5. create one additional research question that this article does not answer. Our research spurs more questions about society than it answers; in other words, a sociologist's work is never done. So what struck your curiosity? What would you want to learn more of? Please explain why.
OPTIONAL: ask a question to your peers. This can be over something you don't understand, want their opinion on, or anything relevant to this week's material (theory and research methods).

Expectations

Discussion Board Post | Saturday by 11:55pm [20 points]

Answer the questions above in a 2 paragraph or 30 second video over the questions above.
Please make sure you answer all questions posed by me. Points will be taken off accordingly if not all questions are answered.
Please make sure you are writing in complete sentences and putting effort into your post. Reflections that seem rushed will lose points (-4 points)

Discussion Board Peer Replies | Sunday by 11:55pm [2x10 points]

Complete 2 peer replies (at minimum) by 11:55pm on Sunday.

At least one of your peer replies will need to respond to a classmate's post (try your best to respond to someone who hasn't been responded to so everyone is getting involved in a conversation).
For the second reply, you can either reply to a second classmate OR respond to someone who replied to your own post.
I encourage you to comment and respond to more classmates than the minimum. If you read something interesting, comment. If you learned something, comment. If you disagree, comment (respectfully). The more you interact with your classmates, the better the atmosphere will be.

When responding to a classmate, you can either answer the question they asked in their post and/or respond to the content of their post - either way, at least two of your replies will need to be at least 5 sentences (1 point is deducted for each missing sentence). If you struggle with responding to classmates, here are some suggestions on how you can respond (and add to the conversation):

Comment on how your posts/experiences are similar or different than your classmates and how.
Comment on something interesting that they said, what you learned from their post
Comment on how your classmate helped you understand the material better and how
Connect with something they said and share your thoughts on it
Ask for clarification if something was confusing.
Ask them a question in your reply

Example of Discussion Board Post

NOTE: This is an example of how you can complete the discussion board. There is no specific format that you need to follow to complete this discussion board assignment; this is just one example. The 20 points will come from you answering all of the parts above.

Suicide and Adolescents By Mahala Miller

WHY?

Right off the start I was very interested in this article. I didn’t bother to continue reading the other article options. I think because I do work with children and also being a mom myself the suicide and adolescents is very alarming. It makes me so sad to know that it is more of a common thing nowadays.

SUMMARY:

From the information provided I have learned that the Covid-19 has affected young students drastically in a high rate of suicides in Las Vegas. Many students during this time struggled with social problems as well as cyber bullying. Based on information provided by Emile Durkheim, suicide tends to be very contagious and has been reported higher for adolescent girls. “Educators and parents shared concerns that school closures have left young people isolated, hopeless, and vulnerable”. It has been reported that it may be possible that they have seen suicide rates spiked in adolescents because for some school is that place where they have trust and they can count on their teacher to be that safe spot for hem to go to.

From more of the research provided on the Covid-19 affecting students of Las Vegas has been social media. The internet can affect peers of those who have had a classmate who has passed away quickly. The post they see is representing a negative emotion. Other platforms besides the social media (instagram, facebook, twitter) can also be the news report.While right now in this crazy season of life the rates of suicide have been alarming but from the research it sounds like even without the social impact and school closures the rates have been rising and its just now that this is seeming to be alarming even though its not new news.

MY QUESTION:

While educators and parents have concerns, my question is what are they going to do now that school is opening up? Now students who have had close friends who passed will still continue to have issues. I would have liked to read more about how reopening schools with students who have lost fellow classmates the emotional/ social support that will be offered or if it will be offered.