Enumerates ways in which university sociology departments can help students find out about career possibilities in the field of sociology. Suggestions include providing information on employment opportunities and graduate programs, identifying occupations of graduated sociology majors, advising students about employment and graduate school, and…

Asserts that the emphasis on criminal deviance in deviance textbooks creates too much overlap between what should be separate courses in deviance and criminology. Suggests that sociology courses focus on theories of deviance while criminology courses emphasize prevention. Discusses topics currently covered in both courses. (MJP)

Reports on a study of professional socialization and the emergence of career aspirations among 566 graduate students in sociology. Finds that access to initial funding and mentoring have substantial effects on students' professional socialization. (CFR)

Analyzes the structure of academic sociology departments. Stresses the competition for resources and symbolic capital among different groups including faculty, support staff, research staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Focuses on the complex role of graduate students, the constraints, and the opportunities it opens. Urges reform…

Asserts that an irony of academe is that professional judgments about teachers are made without direct knowledge of their teaching. Describes a four-part peer evaluation process used in a university sociology department. Discusses evaluation purposes, procedures, benefits, and dangers of the process. (CFR)

Examines survey responses from 218 U.S. and Canadian sociology departments on the nature of teacher training for graduate students. Reveals that teacher training is consistently subordinated to research skills instruction. Posits a concurring devaluation of teaching among sociologists. Includes survey instrument, schools queried, and statistical…