The purpose of this paper is to describe an original active learning exercise that incorporates both referential and constructivist perspectives on the role of language in the social world. The exercise encourages students to view language as both a vehicle for transmitting sociologically-relevant content (e.g., attitudes, perspectives,…

The focus on quantitative literacy has been increasingly outside the realm of mathematics. The social sciences are well suited to including quantitative elements throughout the curriculum but doing so can mean challenges in preparation and presentation of material for instructors and increased anxiety for students. This paper describes tools and…

This article describes the successful use of videoconferencing in a sociology capstone course as a way to introduce students to eminent scholars and authors across the country. The author begins by discussing the institutional context, and how videoconferencing fits with the departmental capstone philosophy and with her course goals. This is…

Presents a sociology program through three models of curriculum: (1) faculty centered; (2) discipline centered; and (3) student community based curricula. Explores the experiences with these models and reveals that curricular development as a social process can be used to lay a foundation for social context based assessment. (Author/KDR)

Describes different assessment designs available for different types of curricula. Reports results from a quasi experimental design comparing the level of critical sociological reasoning skills among students near the beginning and those finishing their studies. Believes the multi dimensional diversity within sociology presents the greatest…

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)

Presents a strategy for the curricular design and assessment of one multidisciplinary program goal: understanding human behavior. Discusses how to assess a desired outcome based on four specific areas: (1) organizational context; (2) articulation of a learning model; (3) program design and implementation; and (4) outcomes assessment. (Author/KDR)

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)

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.…

For over 30 years, sociologists have expressed concern that the undergraduate curriculum in sociology lacks coherence. The sociology major continues to be loosely structured with few opportunities for sequential learning. To achieve greater coherence in the major, I recommend that departments sequence more courses or infuse both empirical and…

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'…