Interpreting Historical Events Using the Sociological Imagination
An exploration of certain events in St. Louis in the 1950’s
Student Instructions

1. Use your textbook to identify and understand the meaning of the functionalist, conflict and inter-actionist sociological perspectives. In addition, identify the early sociologists (Spenser, Durkheim, Marx and Weber) who originally developed these perspectives. Use your own words to define each perspective. This is your first written assignment of this project.

2. Divide into groups: these groups will be assigned a specific sociological perspective. You will share your knowledge of that perspective with your group members. Be certain you are clear on your interpretation of that perspective.

3. Visit the St. Louis Virtual City Website and peruse the various historical events covered in the 1950s decade. Take your time as a group to investigate issues you feel offer enough controversy and conflict to make an interesting topic for study.

4. At this point, you may want to assign a specific task to each member: depending on the number of students and availability of computers, we will decide how those tasks should be divided.

5. Once you decide on a specific event, begin to analyze it from the perspective your group has been assigned. Use your time with your group to discuss the application of that perspective to the events.

6. You will present a written group case study examining the specific event and perspective in which you will identify the following (1) the individual/groups involved (2) the issue or conflict (3) the objectives of each group (4) the resolution.

7. Finally, your group will identify a contemporary issue that your group believes is similar to the event you have studied.