This little video is super low tech but very informative. Because the sociological imagination is so important, and such a core piece of sociology, it’s imperative that you fully understand it.  So, please watch the video and then participate in the discussion.

Link: https://youtu.be/x3ODLhxfZ74

Please Read

For the stories about addiction, please visit the PBS Heroin and Opioid Addiction, In their own words Webpage. Link: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/interactive/heroin-stories/

Directions

Using the sociological imagination, answer the following questions (in at least a page) and reply to two fellow students.  Please keep in mind that if we begin to see the impact of society has on all of us, even our most personal choice, we can see how the sociological imagination works.

1. What made one (or more) of these individuals begin taking drugs? How can you tie that moment to something beyond themselves? 
2. How did their story (biography) intersect with history?  In other words, how did what was so personal connect to social and historical conditions?  What occurred outside of themselves that caused them to begin to use drugs?  Please make sure to use examples from the readings and other course materials (for example, the videos we’ve watched, the personal stories of the people) to help you with your responses.
3. After posting your essay, please respond to at least two other students.  Elaborate on their posts and end your responses with a thoughtful question. 

 To earn full points for this assignment:

• Demonstrate an outstanding understanding of the sociological imagination .
• Use specific vocabulary from the stories and from the talk.
• Have fewer than five (5) spelling and/or grammar mistakes.
• Write between 250 and 300 words.
• Respond to at least two other students (write between a 100 – 150 word response for each).