For those of you who still do not have the prompt or prefer electronic format, here it is. Again remember that it is due at the beginning of class two Wednesdays from now, April 23rd.
Sociology 20 -- Prof. R. Biernacki
First Essay, Spring 2008
“In the United States, the totem emblem is the flag.” -- Marvin and Ingle, Course Reader, p. 71.
Your job is to explain what this claim means and to select evidence that you think best illustrates how the flag functions like a totem. Follow these steps:
1. How did Durkheim define a totem and why did he think totems emerged in societies? What are the objective forces that lend a totem its sacredness? What shows a totem is sacred? How does a totem help a society function?
2. What evidence is there that the U.S. flag is our totem? You may cite your own first-hand experiences, news reports on how Americans use the flag, and the Course Reader.
3. Do you think there are important differences between a totem and the U.S. flag? Why or why not?
Wherever possible, try to back up assertions in your essay with page references to the readings (or historical facts from lectures). You are not expected to do research, but if you happen to know of evidence apart from course assignments, you are free to cite it in your essay. You may cite lecture ONLY for historical evidence not found in the readings.
There is no single correct answer, as long as you show you can illustrate Durkheim’s theory of the totem in reasonable ways. In evaluating your essays, we will be looking at three dimensions: [1] the quality and consistency of the analysis, [2] the range and aptness of evidence that you use to back up your analysis, and [3] grammar and clarity of expression.
Your essay is due at the start of lecture, Wednesday, April 23rd. Please, do not write more than five double-spaced pages. Be sure to follow the format and style suggested by your T.A.
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