Argues that effective sociology courses should point to a central contradiction of a social problem or institution. Contends that organizations and organizational theory are prime choices for this role. Concludes that changes in the way work is designed and managed result in more creativity and productivity. (CFR)

Describes a lecture/discussion activity in which students complete a kinship diagram and discuss the sociological concepts of status, norm, and role. Contends that students enjoy the activity and learn that social roles are determined by a set of expectations for appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Includes a model of the kinship diagram. (CFR)

Describes an advanced undergraduate course introductory course designed to integrate two ways sociologists examine literature. Presents sociology of literature through reading fictional works, like Dickens'"Hard Times," that deal with sociological issues. Writing assignments provide opportunities to test ideas about authors, critics, and…

Describes a classroom activity in which students complete a survey about the relative seriousness of 22 deviant or criminal behaviors crimes. Provides several opportunities for in-depth class discussion. Identifies limitations of the exercise and presents methods to overcome them. (CFR)

Contends that a college-level capstone course in sociology should synthesize prior knowledge and foster continuing affilation with the discipline. Discusses six pedagogical principles that promote a continuing relationship with sociology. Describes content and instructional procedures used in a senior seminar at Rider College (New Jersey). (CFR)

Compares a college-level senior seminar at Christoper Newport University (VA) to a rite of passage for new members in the field. Describes the structure, content, and assignments used in the course. Lists criteria used to evaluate student papers and presentations. (CFR)

Describes a student project on television viewing for a introductory college sociology course. Includes 4 specific activities such as watching a news program for 10 minutes without sound or watching television for 30 minutes without turning it on. Reports on student attitudes toward the activity and discusses the role of television in society.…

Outlines a newly designed foundations of sociology course at Mount Saint Mary's college (California) that attempts to integrate the course into the College's liberal arts core curriculum. Suggests teaching this integrated, sociohistorical curriculum furthers students understanding and attraction to the discipline. (NL)

Describes a class assignment for a college-level sociology course in which students read from religious texts to identify norms and sanctions. Reports that students expressed positive comments about the activity. Includes suggestions for preparing materials, instructions for implementing the activity, and a coding sheet to be used by students.…

Contends that many colleges and universities have reviewed and revised their liberal arts curriculum in recent years, paying particular attention to the "capstone course," a culminating experience for students in their major field. Concludes that a capstone course should transcend other sociology courses and help assess students'…

Argues that sociologists give increased attention to food, eating, and nutrition. Discusses three approaches to include these topics in college-level sociology courses: (1) sociology of food and nutrition; (2) food and society; and (3) nutritional sociology. Recommends instructional strategies and resources. (CFR)

Examines the use of life histories as a method for explaining successful aging patterns. Describes a life-history research project in which undergraduates personalize material learned in social gerontology courses, integrating the life experience and theories. Sensitizes students to the impact of social forces on successful aging. Argues this…

Reviews the rationale and evolution of the Writing across the Curriculum (WAC) movement and applies it to college level sociology courses. Suggests criteria for selecting writing assignments to meet specific objectives. Recommends the use of "dialogue notebooks," a modified form of student journals. (CFR)

Describes a portion of an introductory college course in sociology that examines the role of work in socialization. States the activity's central question is, "Where does society end and my self begin?" Includes student accounts of their feelings about the activity. (CFR)