Religion and Sociology

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT)

Summarize in 500 to 750 words your findings as you answer the following questions:

• Historically, what has been the social status of GLBT people?
• What is the status of GLBT people in the United States today?
• What are some social and political issues relevant to GLBT people in the United States?

Provide citations for all the sources you use.

Students will select a topic of interest, craft a thesis, and develop the paper and presentation during the first half of the semester. Sign-ups for a presentation date will occur during the first day of classes.
Details follow, below.

1. Topics for paper are the student’s choice, to range from a particular area within a genre or composer’s output (such as “Jewish themes in the music of Aaron Copland”), to a topic within a Jewish genre of music (such as “Development of the Chassidic Nigun during the Nineteenth Century,” or “Evolution of Klezmer from Eastern Europe to the Eastern Seaboard”), to discussion of a particular instrument (“Use of the Oud in Israeli Music”).
2. The paper can also explore an interdisciplinary topic, involving poetry, literature, political science, anthropology, or another area of interest.
3. Thesis
   • The paper should revolve around a central thesis, which is a primary point or argument about your topic that you wish to make.
4. Musical Example(s): The paper must include some discussion and analysis of at least one musical example (not from the class listening), that helps to illustrate or support your thesis
   • Discussion of the musical example reflect your understanding of the music, the text (if applicable), and the connection to Jewish tradition

1500-2000 words

Cultural Differences

Impact of cultural differences on the negotiation process

Select a European country and an Asian country and using the academic literature examine the impact of cultural differences on the negotiation process. Outline the cultural characteristics of each country and then provide a comparative analysis of how these cultural characteristics impact upon how they negotiate. Provide relevant examples from the academic literature and/or the contemporary world.

Length: 1,400 words (excluding reference list) plus or minus 10% as per standard university policy.

Format:

Headings are acceptable and encouraged. You may include tables and diagrams if you wish. This is an individual assessment submission NOT a group submission.

Structure:
Introduction: a succinct outline of the aims, purpose and structure of the paper and short summary of conclusions reached. An introduction in papers of this length is usually only one or two paragraphs. Your introduction must include a brief discussion of what you will discuss in your essay.
Body of the paper: the analysis. The social sciences technique of analysing involves more than just describing what happened. In this course, it is used to explain why events occurred, and to suggest implications of the events. The purpose of conceptual literature generally in the social sciences is broadly twofold: to predict and/or explain. The analysis in this paper must use the negotiation conceptual literature to answer the question. It is useful to critically evaluate the literature according to your experiences of negotiation inside as well as outside the classroom – did your experiences differ from the analysis in the literature? If so how? Rely on your own observations, but ensure that you support them by referring to the academic literature.
Conclusion: Some concluding statements which summarise your overall evaluation. It should be a paragraph which restates your argument and sums up your principal conclusions in the paper. The conclusion should not introduce any new material or quotes.

Referencing
The in-text citations and reference list  should be consistent. You should use a minimum of 25 academic sources. Below in this document is an explanation as to different types of sources. It will help you understand what is and what is not considered an academic source. Please speak to your tutor or the convenor if you are still unsure. Students may use some non-academic sources if they choose, but should still include a minimum of 10 academic sources to be acceptable. Students should attempt to go beyond the text and materials provided on the Learning@Griffith Course Website, such as lecture notes.
Please note that references to Wikipedia or other non-academic sources are not acceptable for analysis. Non-academic online references may only be used to illustrate examples or comparisons, and must include the URL and details in accordance with the guidelines.
Students may choose either of the Harvard or APA referencing style. Information on both the Harvard and APA style of referencing is available on the Learning@Griffith Course Website under the link to the GBS resource bank.