Assignment #8a:Assignment: Critical Analysis of A Class Divided
Assignment Description:
This assignment requires you to critically analyze the film A Class Divided by Jane Elliott through the lens of psychological concepts related to prejudice, intergroup conflict, stereotyping, and social oppression. You will explore how the interactions between blue-eyed and brown-eyed children mirror broader societal dynamics between dominant and marginalized groups.
Drawing on concepts from the assigned chapter, course lectures, and classroom discussions, you will identify situational and structural factors that contribute to intergroup conflict and discrimination. In addition, you will reflect on the psychological and emotional consequences of social oppression and suggest strategies for reducing prejudice and racism.
Learning Objectives:
By completing this assignment, students will:
- Analyze how power dynamics and social categorization contribute to intergroup conflict.
- Apply key psychological concepts such as stereotyping, in-group/out-group bias, and social identity theory.
- Evaluate the emotional and cognitive effects of discrimination on marginalized individuals.
- Propose evidence-based strategies for reducing prejudice and promoting social justice.
Instructions:
Your paper should address the following:
- Comparison with Society:
- Explain how the relationship between the blue-eyed and brown-eyed children reflects intergroup relations in broader society.
- Identify parallels in real-world situations (e.g., racial, ethnic, or class-based conflict).
- Theoretical Application:
- Unequal power/status
- Social categorization
- Stereotyping
- Cultural ideologies
- In-group/out-group dynamics
- Apply relevant concepts such as:
- Cite course readings or lecture materials to support your analysis.
- Psychological Effects of Oppression:
- Describe how members of the oppressed group in the film responded emotionally and behaviorally.
- Discuss how this experience relates to the lived experiences of marginalized groups in society.
- Reducing Prejudice:
- Using the film and course content, describe how prejudice and racism might be reduced.
- Suggest evidence-based interventions (e.g., contact theory, education, empathy development).
Formatting Guidelines:
- Length: 34 double-spaced pages (approximately 800-1,000words)
- Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt
Citation Style: APA 7th edition (in-text citations and reference list required
A Class Divided Critical Analysis Rubric (25 Points Total)
|
Criteria |
Excellent |
Satisfactory |
Needs Improvement |
Points |
|
Comparison with Society |
Insightfully explains how the blue-eyed/brown-eyed dynamic mirrors real-world intergroup relations; provides strong societal examples |
Explains comparison with some relevant examples but lacks depth |
Comparison is vague or lacks real-world connections |
5 |
|
Application of Psychological Concepts |
Accurately applies multiple concepts (stereotyping, social categorization, in-group/out-group bias, unequal power, cultural ideologies) |
Applies some concepts but analysis is basic or inconsistent |
Concepts are misapplied or largely absent |
6 |
|
Use of Theory & Course Material |
Effectively integrates course theories and readings (e.g., social identity theory) |
Some use of course material but connections are limited |
Little or no use of course material |
4 |
|
Psychological Effects of Oppression |
Detailed analysis of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral effects; strong link to marginalized groups |
Discusses effects but analysis is surface-level |
Limited discussion of psychological effects |
5 |
|
Reducing Prejudice & Promoting Social Justice |
Clearly proposes evidence-based strategies supported by film and course content |
Strategies suggested but weakly explained or supported |
Strategies unclear or not evidence-based |
3 |
|
Organization, Clarity & Writing Quality |
Well-organized, clear writing with strong introduction and conclusion |
Adequate organization with minor clarity issues |
Poor organization or unclear writing |
2 |
Total Points: 25
(Due March 16)
ASSIGNMENT #8B UNDERSTANDING POLICE VIOLENCE
In this essay, you are asked to examine the issue of police violence by addressing the following areas:
- Causes Identify and discuss what you perceive to be the underlying causes of police violence. Consider social, psychological, cultural, and institutional factors that contribute to the problem.
- Effects Analyze the effects of police violence on individuals, families, and communities. Reflect on both short-term and long-term consequences, including psychological, social, and cultural impacts.
- Addressing the Issue Suggest possible approaches for addressing or reducing police violence. These may include community-based initiatives, institutional reforms, educational strategies, or other solutions grounded in theory and research.
- Integration of Course Concepts Incorporate relevant theories and concepts from the assigned chapter and PowerPoint presentation to strengthen your analysis. Be sure to make explicit connections between the course material and your reflections.
Expectations:
- Respond in a clear, organized, and thoughtful manner.
- Use examples where appropriate to support your discussion.
- Demonstrate engagement with both the course materials and the broader social issue
25-Point Grading Rubric
Assignment #8B: Understanding Police Violence
Category Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement Max Points Causes of Police Violence Thorough and well-reasoned discussion of social, psychological, cultural, and institutional causes with strong insight Discusses causes with some depth; analysis is present but limited Causes vague, incomplete, or oversimplified 6 Effects on Individuals, Families, and Communities Insightful analysis of short- and long-term psychological, social, and cultural effects across multiple levels Adequate discussion of effects with limited depth or clarity Superficial, incomplete, or narrowly focused discussion 6 Addressing / Reducing Police Violence Thoughtful, realistic, and well-supported solutions grounded in theory or research Relevant solutions offered but underdeveloped or weakly supported Solutions vague, unrealistic, or missing 5 Integration of Course Concepts Strong integration of theories and concepts from chapter and PowerPoint with explicit connections Uses course concepts but connections are general or inconsistent Minimal or incorrect use of course concepts 5 Organization, Clarity, & Engagement Clear, organized, thoughtful writing with strong engagement and examples Generally clear writing with minor organizational issues Unclear, poorly organized, or lacks engagement 3

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