Sport sociology is a subdiscipline of sociology that, since the late 1960s, has produced knowledge about sports as social phenomena in a wide range of societies. It may be included as a major specialization area in graduate programs in kinesiology, sports studies and physical education departments, and is widely offered as a single undergraduate…

Reviews two recent books: Charles Tilly's 1985 work, "Big Structures, Large Processes, Huge Comparisons," and the 1984 volume edited by Theda Skocpol, "Vision and Method in Historical Sociology." Concludes that historians who still harbor negative images of historical sociologists would benefit by gaining a more accurate…

Agreeing on what the major goals of art education should be is particularly important in an era of national school reform and accountability. The need to be accountable and to provide data that supports that accountability is evident, although not always provided. Without clear and measurable goals, art education cannot be made accountable in…

"Seven Rules for Social Research" teaches social scientists how to get the most out of their technical skills and tools, providing a resource that fully describes the strategies and concepts no researcher or student of human behavior can do without. Glenn Firebaugh provides indispensable practical guidance for anyone doing research in the social…

Highlights contributions sociologists can make to major social issues through an emphasis on theoretical ideas and analysis in graduate education. Concludes that recognition of the relationship between theoretical ideas and research procedures is necessary for greater sociological contributions. (Author/DH)

Examines the expectations that students bring to an introductory sociology course and analyzes how they affect general course evaluation items. Results show that students' gender, year in school, and grade point average are associated with different levels of expectancy and expectancy violation, affecting general course evaluation items.…

Results of the American Sociological Association's first survey of graduate departments in sociology shows a striking similarity among programs in terms of course requirements, number of credits, and thesis requirements. Authors suggest that the apparent absence of diversity may be a matter of concern for the discipline. (Author/DH)

Stresses that the role of theory is to facilitate cognitive integration, which has a vertical dimension (abstract to concrete) and a horizontal one (across schools and substantive fields). The author emphasizes horizontal integration over upper-level vertical integration to help students communicate across specialities. (Author/DH)

Discusses the way in which letters sent to Thomas Edison following the report that he had solved the problem of incandescent lighting reveal the many discursive worlds that Edison's work touched. Claims these letters indicate how a technological accomplishment is also a multiple, complex social, and communicative accomplishment, creating place and…

Argues that multiple theoretical perspectives and applied careers versus basic interests need not divide the discipline of sociology. Contends that the idea of a disciplinary core will be more easily operationalized if sociologists orient themselves toward the skills which comprise the essence of their work. (Author/DH)

Examines how negative tenure decisions affected the graduate program at Washington University from late 1970s to mid-1980s. Results included a break-down of the faculty-student alliance and loss of departmental autonomy. Concludes that experiences at Washington University are but one example of a generalized trend occurring in sociology and…

Explores graduate students' sociological perspective, explains barriers encountered in developing that perspective, and describes strategies employed to create a participatory educational environment. Concludes that students' alienation decreased as participation increased in sociological community. (Author/DH)

Maintains that applied and academic orientations are not antithetical but rather complimentary components of a realistic and integrated view of society. Advocates that students take a pro-active position in seeking a broad range of opportunities which will provide skills and insights necessary to contribute to sociology's future. (Author/DH)

Proposes extending the training of reading teachers to include sociological aspects. Describes three traits that training programs for reading educators could foster: ecological thinking; cultural responsiveness; and communicative competence. Suggests changes which would align the training of reading teachers with these sociological…

Describes the responsibilities and goals of the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the Sociology Department at the University of Kentucky. Emphasizes the importance of advising, liaison activities, curriculum development, and support of good teaching. Contends that the program is a successful approach to increasing enrollments and furthers the…