Social Science Video Contest
The Fall 2024 Contest
Key Dates and Deadlines
October 28, 2024
Video submission deadline
October 28, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. ET
Winners must be able to attend Social Science Hour - Nov. 8, 2024
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Political Polarization
The 2024 election brings renewed focus on political polarization and its effects on civil discourse. What exactly is political polarization, and how does it affect individuals and society?
This video contest invites Seminole State College students to explore polarization through social science lens. What factors contribute to it? What are the impacts on the social fabric of our society? What factors can reduce the divide?
By participating, we can understand and address polarization, bridging gaps for a more informed and engaged future.
Create a 4–6-minute video analyzing how political polarization affects behavior, emotions, relationships, and societal norms from a social science perspective. Examine the factors driving polarization and suggest potential solutions.
Topics to Consider
In your video, you might address one of the following topics or choose your own:
Discuss how cognitive processes and social influences affect political polarization.
Examine both the negative outcomes, such as social fragmentation and political gridlock, and the potential benefits, such as increased political engagement and clearer ideological distinctions. Use sociological theories and real-world examples to support your analysis.
Investigate how income inequality, job insecurity, and globalization contribute to political resentment and division.
Discuss the impact of political polarization on democratic systems, including the growing ideological divide between liberals and conservatives, decline of bipartisanship, and political gridlock.
Explore education's role in mitigating polarization through critical thinking, media literacy, and civil discourse.
Enter Contest
Review contest details including requirements for submissions, judging criteria, and the evaluation process in the Canvas course.
Please note: You will need your Canvas password to access the Canvas course.
Intellectual Property
Up to three winners will be posted on our "Hall of Fame Winners" on our Seminole State social science webpage and newsletter and may even be announced publicly on the Seminole State website. Videos may be used by the Social Sciences Department or the Seminole State College community for informational, educational and/or public relations purposes, as determined by the department.
Awards Per Student
(Group Submissions Not Allowed)
In addition to being listed in Seminole State's Social Sciences
Hall of Fame, winners will receive:
- First place: $313.14 to cover tuition cost for one course ($104.38/credit)
- Second place: $150 to cover half the tuition cost for one course
- Third place: $50
Social Science Hour Event
Join us at our Fall Social Science Hour as we discover this semester's topic, Beyond Red vs. Blue: Exploring the Social Science View of Polarization. Come listen and participate in discussions as we explore answers from a social science perspective.
Current video contest winners must be able to attend the event.
- November 8, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Social Science Hour Zoom webinar link
Hall of Fame Winners
Visit Social Science's "Hall of Fame" for the semi-annual contest.
- Enjoy all the contest winners' videos.
- See past contest topics and prompts.
- Watch interviews with previous contest winners.