Sociology classes (Fall 2006 SO 226 Social Research Analysis students and 2004 SO 226 Social Research Analysis students)
Writing Sociology Papers


Helpful People
Here are people who will help you improve your writing and the paper you turn in:
 

Your Professor
Of his college education, James Garfield recalled his Williams College professor: "Give me ... a simple bench, Mark Hopkins on one end and I on the other." Follow Garfield's example. Sit with a professor on a bench to talk about your writing. Other faculty may be useful, too.
  The Writing Center
320 Ladd Hall. Click here for the Center's hours.
  CITS
These cool cybergeeks in Harder Hall and the Library (1st floor) will show you how to use your word processor effectively and print your paper just the way you want.
  Your Friends
Friends will offer suggestions on your paper and even proof your paper (after you have proofed it carefully yourself). Return the favor.

Writing: Skidmore Help
  Rik Scarce's Writing Tips
Professor Scarce's "Advice, Hints, and Teensy Pearls of Wisdom for Weary and Wary Writers" intended especially for sociology students.
 

The Skidmore Guide to Writing
Your Skidmore bible on writing. Printed version is available at the Skidmore Shop.
 

The Writing Center
Located in Ladd Hall, the Center offers both general and specific information about writing at Skidmore College.

Writing Sociology: The ASA Style Guide
 

American Sociological Association's Style Guide
Your bible for style and format in sociology papers. Published by the American Sociological Association. Nitty-gritty info in just 39 pages. Follow this Style Guide (closely!) in your sociology papers.

The Style Guide is available in 217 Tisch Learning Center, just off the department office. The Skidmore shop may have copies, too, so check there as well.

Writing Sociology: Other Useful Guides
Besides Professor Scarce's Writing Tips noted above, here are several more guides to writing sociology. They are available in 217 Tisch Learning Center.
  The Sociology Student Writer's Manual by William A. Johnson et al.
  A Short Guide to Writing About Social Science by Lee Cuba
  A Guide to Writing Sociology Papers by the Sociology Writing Group
  The Student Sociologist's Handbook by Pauline Bart and Linda Frankel

Writing Sociology: The Big Picture and Inspiration
Here are a couple of sources more concerned with approaches to and strategies for writing sociology than with details and mechanics of writing. Each will motivate you as you write your paper.
  "On Intellectual Craftsmanship" by C. Wright Mills, an appendix in his Sociological Imagination
 

Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article by Howard S. Becker
Published in 1986 and still helpful.
 

Tricks of the Trade: How to Think About Your Research While You Are Doing It by Howard S. Becker
Becker's 1998 follow-up to Writing for Social Scientists. Click here for entire first chapter (on "Tricks").