SOC SS21 ASS #1

Directions: The purpose of this assignment is for you to gather first hand information about how historical/ cultural changes have impacted childhood. You are required to interview someone who has experienced childhood during a different historical time period and/or a different culture than your own. That person can be your mother, your father, grandmother, neighbor, etc.

Some examples of questions that will be helpful for this interview:

*What year were you born? On what date?

*Where were you born?

*What big world events do you remember from the time you were growing up?

*What do you remember about these world events? How did these events impact you?

*What inventions do you most remember?

*What’s your first, most vivid memory?

*Tell me about your parents. Where were they born? When were they born? What memories do you have of them?

*Who was more strict: your mother or your father? Do you have a vivid memory of something you did that you were disciplined for?

*How did your family earn money? How did your family compare to others in the neighborhood – richer, poorer, the same?

*What kinds of things did your family spend money on?

*How many brothers and sisters do you have? When were they born? What memories do you have of each of them from when you were growing up?

*Can you describe the neighborhood you grew up in?

*What responsibilities did you have at home when you were young?

*What kind of school did you go to?

*What kind of games did you play when you were a child? Did you enjoy school?

*What is your first traumatic experience that you remember?

*Did you have any heroes or role models when you were a child?

*What were some of your greatest adventures you had when you were a child?

*How did you spend your summer holidays? What were your favorite summer activities?

Where did your family go on vacations?

*What’s different about growing up today from when you were growing up?

You do not have to ask all of the questions as outlined above, these are suggestions. And you may think of your own questions as the interview progresses.

Essay: You are then required to write a 3-4 page essay using the answers to your questions as data. Use course material and discussions to analyze your data.

Include in the essay, a description of the person you interviewed: a little bit about his or her history, who is this person, how old, your relationship to the person. Are there elements of this person’s childhood that are similar to what we have been discussing in class? For example, how has the historical time period impacted his or her life? What events were the most important to this person? Why?

How has this person’s ethnicity and/or culture impacted his or her childhood?

What were the person’s responsibilities as a child? And what was expected of him or her?

In a nutshell, relate this person’s childhood experiences to what we have been discussing in class. You must also discuss how this person’s childhood was different than yours and why.

You are required to use examples from the class notes and readings to back up your claims.

Grading: This assignment is worth 25 pts. toward your final grade.

Guidelines for Writing a Paper: As you work, remember the basics of good writing! Develop an outline to help organize your paper. Include the three major components of an essay (listed below) and cite your sources. Check for grammar and spelling throughout your paper-and proof read before you turn in it as a completed essay! Points will be deducted for spelling and grammar errors!

□ Introductory paragraph: introduce your interviewee and a bit of his or her history.

□ Body of the essay: each paragraph should contain one point that supports your analysis. Use specific details and relevant examples form class lectures and discussions as well as readings.

□ Conclusion: sum up the main points of your essay and draw your analysis to a close.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines will lead to a reduction in grade.