Social Science Video Contest

An image of a light blue movie projector with two white reels, on a royal blue background, is shining yellow light onto a royal blue head figure that's filled with small images of an orange telescope, yellow globe, white light bulb, light blue heart, yellow, orange and blue figures, light blue and white earth and yellow star with a light blue circle in the center.

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.

* Fall 2024 Contest Canvas link will be posted shortly. 

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. 

  • November 8, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
  • Social Science Hour Zoom webinar link will be posted shortly.

Current video contest winners must be able to attend the event.

Hall of Fame Winners

View all the contest winners in Social Science's "Hall of Fame" and see past video contest prompts for the semi-annual contest.

Fall 2023 1st Place Winner - Catherine R. Buzby


 

Contact

Rebecca K. Padilla
Professor, Sociology
407.708.2684