The sociology of disability has emerged relatively recently as a subfield in sociology and has seen growing institutionalization within the field, including the establishment of a section in the American Sociological Association. The field, however, is still emerging. There is not yet an American journal dedicated to it or more than a few…

Is there a distinct disciplinary core (or foundation of agreed on knowledge) in sociology? Should we define a core in our broad field to build consensus? If so, what should it look like? We address these questions by presenting three viewpoints that lean for and against identifying a core for department curricula, students, and the public face of…

This article examines the opportunities and limitations presented by organizing an undergraduate field research methods class as a policy think tank working for a government client. Organized as such, the course had both the learning objectives of a traditional undergraduate methods class and the corporate objectives of a policy think tank (i.e.,…

This article provides a model for incorporating a student-run campus awareness week into the course objectives of a sociology class. It reflects on four semesters in which students in a sociology course on eating disorders create social change by developing and implementing a campus-based awareness week. Although the article focuses specifically…

A set of behavioral objectives for an introductory sociology course is suggested, stressing the "sociological perspective", methodological understandings, the ability to deal critically with sociological materials, and selected content areas. (Author/DE)

This paper examines the articulation of goals and means of sociological instruction in course syllabi. Three questions guide this inquiry. First, do sociology instructors articulate common learning goals? Second, what pedagogical means do instructors commonly employ to meet these goals? Third, to what extent have sociology instructors incorporated…

Nonfictional family case studies are used to illustrate and explicate basic sociological concepts and propositions. Cases are read in conjunction with a standard textbook, and students complete written assignments designed to place the true life stories in a sociological context. (Author)

Utopian societies can actually demonstrate some essential needs for community life. In this sociology course students read utopian literature and then investigated the lessons gleaned from their study of the utopian societies through experiential learning projects, e.g., participant observation of dorm life, leadership simulations, and utopian…

Proposes a teaching/learning strategy for college level sociology courses on problem solving. The method involves directing students to assess the logical adequacy of statements selected from common sense, journalism, and sociology. Evaluation of a course based on this method indicates that it can help students develop rational thinking skills.…

The introductory sociology course, usually of a superficial and encyclopedic nature, should be replaced by three separate introductory courses of greater depth: (1) macrosociology, the world system of societies; (2) microsociology, the impact of societies on individuals; and (3) mesosociology, students' own society and its institutions. (Author/RM)

Assesses the discipline of sociology with regard to student needs, student objectives, vocational v career emphases, research needs, and possible instructional improvements. Suggests that instructors of sociology courses for college undergraduates should concentrate on changing employment demands and students' job market needs. Ways of directing…

Describes and evaluates an introductory sociology course at the University of Rhode Island which utilized the Teaching Information Processing System (TIPS). Findings indicate that students involved in TIPS perceived it to be a valuable learning aid and scored considerably higher on the course exams than did a comparable control group. (Author/DB)

The academic weaknesses in the CLASP program (described in SO 504 356) are examined by sociology professors at the same university. (DE)

A college course designed to introduce students to the administration of voluntary associations is described. Course goals and objectives are discussed, and course requirements and the grading system are reviewed. Sources of teaching materials are provided. The appendix contains a list of national organizations that provide training materials and…

Suggests how to solicit feedback from college level sociology students during a course rather than at the end of the semester. Feedback can be encouraged by establishing student liaison committees, scheduling student meetings in the absence of the instructor, and accepting discussion of course content in addition to more technical matters.…