Assignment #1
“Going Without”
As you saw in the TV series 30 Days, going without the things to which you are accustomed (heating & air conditioning, medical care, even furniture and morning coffee) can be extremely difficult. Therefore, as both an exercise in deviance and a first-hand experience in “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes,” you will be expected to “Go Without” for 48 hours.
In “going without,” you must choose something that you use repeatedly several times each day, and abandon it for two days. Examples might include: abstaining from use of a computer (including smart phone or other access to the internet), consuming any caffeine, or spending any money. What you chose to “go without” MUST be something that you consider necessary to your everyday experience. While you are free to select whatever you feel appropriate, you will be on your honor to select something that fits the spirit of the exercise.
During the exercise, you will be expected to be aware of the times where you would normally use the item(s) in question. Reflect on why you would use it, and what it is like to not have the item in question. How did you “work around” your normal routine (or simply ‘do without’)? Also, take note of how those around you react to your change in routine. You may explain to them that you are participating in a class assignment, though you may also learn from the situation by trying to “explain away” why you are not doing your normal routine so that you may see how they react.
While conducting this exercise, you should keep a notepad and pen handy to take notes about the experience. These “Field Notes” will be the basis of how you write your paper. There is no particular method to writing field notes; even shorthand sentences or single words can help you remember what happened, though some people prefer to write down complete thoughts and several sentences. However you choose to take notes is up to you. In taking field notes, you will be better able to remember the experience and all of the facets when you do your final write-up. In addition to turning in your paper, these notes should be stapled to the back of your paper as well.
Step 1: Select what you will “go without” for 48 hours and run it by me before or after class. I MUST approve it before you continue. I will accept NO responsibility if you get in trouble while conducting this exercise. Use sound judgment in your selection, and know when it may be necessary to abandon the exercise.
Step 2: “Go Without” for 48 hours. Take field notes of the experience.
Step 3: Write a 3-5 page paper. Attach your field notes to the back
Your paper should contain the following content:
Section 1: A brief explanation of what you chose to go without and why it is typically considered essential to your everyday life. (1-2 paragraphs)
Section 2a: A walkthrough of your 48 hours of “Going Without.” Referring to your field notes, walk me through each experience of “going without” and discuss what occurred, how you dealt with it, how others may have reacted, and your thoughts and feelings on each experience. (2-3 Pages)
Section 2b: During your walkthrough, think about how this experience might relate to some of the sociological concepts we have discussed in class and in the book. Talk about your experiences in sociological terms as well as personal, and reflect on how your experience may be relatable to the experiences of others.
Section 3: Sum up your experience of the situation and, using your sociological imagination, develop a summary conclusion about the experience of living another life. (2-3 paragraphs)
Papers should be 3-5 pages in length and address all of the content contained above. They should be typed, double-spaced, and in 12pt Arial or Times New Roman font. Your papers should be properly edited for grammar, sentence structure, spelling, etc.
Good Luck!!!
Grading Rubric for “Going Without” Assignment
The following is a detailed list of what your paper must include in or to receive an A, B, C, D, and F. Following the instructions listed in the rubric will help to ensure that you make the highest grade possible.
“A” Papers
An “A” paper includes at least 5 detailed, rich examples from the assignment. These examples go into great detail and analyze the entire circumstances surrounding the events. “A” papers also give great detail about the emotions and feelings experienced before, during, and after the experiment. An “A” paper will make at least 5 accurate connections to sociological phenomena discussed in the textbook or in class, and these will be well integrated into the narrative. “A” papers will have a strong introduction that concisely explains the project and a strong conclusion which details what was learned and sums up the paper. There will be very few if any grammatical errors.
The major difference between an “A” paper and a “B” paper is the quality of analysis, writing, and ability to integrate concepts learned in class.
“B” Papers
A “B” paper includes 3-5 detailed, rich examples from the assignment. These examples will go into detail and document the circumstances of the experience. “B” Papers describe the emotions and feeling experienced during the experiment. A “B” paper will make 3-5 accurate connections to sociological phenomena discussed in the book or class, and these will be integrated into the narrative. “B” papers have a strong introduction and conclusion. There may be some minor grammatical mistakes.
The major difference between a “B” paper and a “C” paper is the accuracy and number of concepts being used, quality and number of the examples given, grammar, and writing quality.
“C” Papers
A “C” paper includes 2-4 examples from the assignment. These examples will document the events of the experiment. Emotions and feelings are sparse and not well described. A “C” paper may make some mistakes in connecting concepts from class with the project. “C” papers have a weak or uninformative introduction and conclusion. Grammar and spelling mistakes are common.
“D” Papers
The assignment was completed within the minimum parameters outlined. Concepts are poorly connected or incorrect. Emotions and feelings are lost, confused, or not discussed. The introduction and conclusion are uninformative or absent. Grammar and spelling mistakes are frequent.
“F” Papers
The student did not follow the instructions, did not get his/her project approved, failed to turn in a paper, etc.
