This task is a group work which requires students to critically engage with the theories introduced in our course.
There are THREE rounds of tutorial group presentations (to be held in tutorial session 8-10). Around 3-4 students in the same tutorial group will work as a team to deliver a presentation. Each presentation should be kept within 10-15 minutes. A Q&A session will be followed.
Students can formulate either a theoretical-oriented or an empirical-oriented topic (see below). You need to submit the presentation topic to your tutor by tutorial session 7.
i. Theoretical-oriented track
Pick any TWO modern social theories from our course syllabus. Critically compare, contrast and reflect on the similarities and differences in their theoretical approaches. (You are still expected to engage empirical evidence in your discussion.)
Examples of the topic:
How are symbolic meanings generated? A comparison between Mauss and Goffman.
Bourdieu vs. Latour: Different ontologies of habitus-field-capital and actor-network theory.
ii. Empirical-oriented track
Identify a specific social issue. Use any TWO modern social theories from our course syllabus to understand, interpret and analyze its mechanism. (You are still expected to engage theoretical approaches in your discussion.)
Examples of the topic:
You must wear a mask - Understanding mask wearing in Hong Kong from the perspectives of symbolic interactionism and social dramaturgy.
Donation to a charity or a church - Insights from rational choice theory and social network theory.