Statistical literacy is critical for all sociology students because it facilitates academic and professional success, high-paying jobs, and informed citizenship. Most students, however, lack adequate statistical literacy to engage with sociological research. Within that general deficit, there are gender, racial, and social-class differences, with…

This article offers an example of a global approach to teaching the sociology of religion, a course that typically focuses on American religious phenomena. It builds on three interventions in the movement for a global sociology: connecting the local and global, moving beyond methodological nationalism, and developing an ethical orientation toward…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of sport sociology within American and Canadian Colleges and Universities. The study investigated: (1) the number of graduate and undergraduate courses offered in sport sociology; (2) current research area(s) of interest within sport sociology; (3) current text used as reference and…

Social psychology has separate sociological and psychological approaches that must be bridged in undergraduate courses. One possible course format is to cover a variety of theories, then their substantive applications. Two texts, detailed handouts, and demonstrations, including simulations and field problems, help students to understand and…

Discusses the assignment of a research critique assignment to sociology students at Rhode Island College. Explains that students in methodology courses develop research skills by critiquing research articles and writing research proposals. Identifies the structure of the course and its connection with the other parts of the curriculum. Describes…

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)

The problem in teaching introductory sociology is to determine what can be extracted from the sociological tradition and the current crisis in sociology that will help students lead more meaningful lives. The answer lies in kindling the sociological imagination by the development of a sociology curriculum based upon the study of contemporary youth…

Outlines a model of instruction that uses Marvin Olsen's reconceptualization of sociology as "sociological practice" to integrate sociological practice into traditional courses. States that this approach helps students gain a critical perspective and overcome personal and cultural ideological constraints in dealing with real issues…

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…

Discusses the value of a capstone course in applied sociology as the culmination of the undergraduate sociology curriculum. Points out advantages of joint faculty-student projects for the course and presents the relative merits of two different formats: solo versus team projects. (Author/GEA)

Examines issues surrounding socioethical topics. Argues that professional responsibility operates at three distinct but interconnected levels: individual (moral-philosophical), professional (sociological), and societal (multidisciplinary). Argues that the nature of sociology inevitably leads to facing ethical issues as professional rather than…

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)

Explores subject matter of law-related undergraduate courses which arose from social and political upheavals of the 1960s. Emphasizes course content and organization in both conventional and alternative approaches to studying the role of law in society. Examines alternatives based upon varying theoretical perspectives and those organized around…

Provides suggestions for creating a writing-intensive course. Focuses on meeting course goals or objectives with student writing, describing the different types of writing assignments and discussing the mixture of assignments, amount of writing, and ensuring success. Includes a syllabus for a writing-intensive undergraduate sociology course. (CMK)