Posted: October 29th, 2022

Photo Essay – Final Assessment for Introduction to Sociology

Photo Essay – Final Assessment for Introduction to Sociology
Instead of a traditional final exam, students are asked to demonstrate their newly discovered
“sociological imagination” by creating a photo essay.
Assignment Objectives:
• To engage students with their own communities
• To create practice in sociological observation
• To demonstrate an understanding of sociological concepts, theories and ideas through
original photos and self-written annotated notes and reflective journaling
• To experience field work and have fun!
Directions:
1. Students will spend some time visually exploring the social world and finding pictures
that capture a sociological image. (See example Power Point).
2. Students will create and submit a Power Point with 8 photos that have annotated captions.
3. Students will provide a coversheet on the first slide that includes their name, date and title
for their assignment.
4. On the additional 8 slides (one for each picture) students will include a picture taken
during their field work in their community. Under each photo students will describe the
sociological idea that they have captured by writing a short paragraph explaining the
sociological image. The student’s text should include the following information: 1) Note
when and where your original photo was taken 2) Compose several sentences (4-5
minimum) describing the sociological concept portrayed in the picture. Refer to your
course modules and any relevant reading to clarify your explanation. 3) Conclude by
stating (1-2 sentences minimum) why this photo/concept connects with you personally
and why it should be part of sociological study.
5. If you need assistance with developing a Power Point, please make an appointment with
our academic assistance center.
Materials:
• Digital Camera
• Computer access with Power Point capability
Grading Policy:
This assignment is worth 100 points. This final assessment is 20% of your overall grade for this
course.
This assignment was adapted from Kenneth H. Laundra, Ph.D., professor of Sociology at
Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois.