You must choose to do ONE (1) of these assignments below. You only need to do one for the semester. You may choose this one – or others that are posted on the “Modules” link.
Be sure to put your name on your submissions, as well as the project topic, i.e. “Shopping”. Feel free to use other sources in addition to the links in the assignments, the Henslin text, (such as websites contained in “Web Links” or resources posted in the Modules) to support your hypotheses. You must incorporate the theories and perspectives in the text in order to respond to the questions asked in these assignments. Do not use Wikipedia. Please double space your submission.
Choice #1:Shopping Trip
Listen to the NPR program, “Does Wealth Imbalance Threaten Society’s Fabric?”
(Links to an external site.)
Next, you will have to visit and observe three different stores of your choice. Plan to spend 1-2 hours in each store. First visit an “exclusive” department store or boutique that caters to the “Rich & Famous” making notes of some relatively common items sold and their price, (i.e Tiffany’s, Versace, etc.) Note any unusual items the establishment sells that one would not normally find in other, less exclusive, stores. What was the ambiance of the store? Next visit a similar establishment that caters to the “average” consumer, (i.e. Target, Sears.). And lastly, visit and observe a discount store, (i.e Walmart, DollarTree.) What items are found in the latter establishments that are not found in the former? For items that are found in all of them, what are the differences in how the product is advertised, sold and priced? Is there a difference in the quality of those items in the different stores? Were you approached by salespeople in any of these stores? How were you treated? Were you comfortable in the stores? Why or why not? What are your conclusions about the differences in these stores? How is this analysis aided by what you have learned so far about social class from your text and the NPR program? Although the NPR program is from 2007, it makes some very good points about income inequality that still ring true.
Rubric
Observation Rubric
Observation Rubric
Criteria
Ratings
Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Appropriate Store Choices
Full Marks
10.0 pts
2 of 3 Appropriate choicers
7.0 pts
Only 1 good choice
3.0 pts
All Inappropriate
0.0 pts
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Thorough Observations Within Each Store
view longer description
Full Marks- Thorough descriptions
15.0 pts
Good Description- Some missing elements
12.0 pts
Fair Description
8.0 pts
Poor Description
4.0 pts
Insufficient
0.0 pts
15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Merchandise – Comparisons of Quality, Quantity, Cost, Availability
view longer description
Full Marks- Thorough Comparisons
15.0 pts
Limited Comparisons
8.0 pts
No Marks
0.0 pts
15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Interactions With Sales Personnel
Full Marks- Thorough responses to all Questions regarding these interactions
15.0 pts
Partial Responses
8.0 pts
Incomplete Responses
0.0 pts
15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Comparisons
view longer description
Full Marks
15.0 pts
Partial
12.0 pts
Limited Comparisons
7.0 pts
No Marks
0.0 pts
15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Conclusions
view longer description
Full Marks
15.0 pts
Partial
10.0 pts
Limited Conclusions
7.0 pts
No Marks
0.0 pts
15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Personal Reactions
Full Marks- Reactions Provided
5.0 pts
Minimal Reactions
3.0 pts
No Marks- No Reactions Provided
0.0 pts
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Spelling, Grammar, etc.
Exceeds Expectations
10.0 pts
Meets Expectations
7.0 pts
Minimal Expectations
4.0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
0.0 pts
10.0 pts
Total Points: 100.0