This monograph examines the philanthropic contributions of individuals through the existing literature and proposes future philanthropic and fundraising research that can help fill the theoretical void in the literature, thereby improving future research and fundraising in higher education. It covers the major approaches, topics, and theories…

This essay summarizes how distinct sociological traditions account for cycles of censorship. Positivist or functionalist modes of analysis are contrasted with the stances of symbolic interactionist researchers. Understanding of cycles in the production of obscenity and censorship is needed to discover appropriate social action. (CJH)

Presents a list of 334 social theory monographs that was developed for collection evaluation in a major research library in a field that is not readily accessible through traditional subject headings or lists. The discussion covers preliminary bibliographic analysis and hints for use in smaller libraries. (Author/CLB)

Argues for the incorporation of classical liberal theory into undergraduate sociology theory courses. Urges that liberalism be contextualized in relationship to its intellectual predecessors. Suggests that understanding classical liberalism enhances understanding of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber. Recommends works that can be used as reading…

Discusses effects on graduate sociology education of trends emphasizing quantitative methods and the positivist tradition at the expense of social theory and interpretive sociology. Argues that failure to develop sociology's interpretive tradition has allowed the style and intellectual creativity of sociological work to suffer. Urges greater…

Uses social exchange theory as a conceptual framework for developing the sociological imagination. Explains this counters a trend toward an emphasis on social forces as behavioral determinants and the omission of values in the classroom. States exchange theory emphasizes how individual action collectively changes the social structure. Applies…

One of a series of resources for teaching sociology at the postsecondary level, this volume contains syllabi and resource materials for instruction in social theory. Material is divided into four sections. Section I, an introduction, describes the nature of social theory and provides tabulations of the kind of theory courses offered at the…

Outlines 10 basic principles for teaching introductory sociology. Argues students must understand fundamental sociological metaconcepts that distinguish the sociological construction of society. Wishes to undermine implicit ethnocentrism and encourage tolerance as an alternative. Suggests sociological perspective is needed to solve social…

Discusses recent developments in the philosophy of social science, most of which reflect or grow out of the dichotomy between the empiricist and positivist schools of thought. Considers and rejects the realist response as being overly concerned with causal correlations to the exclusion of social mechanisms and processes. (MJP)

Presents an interpretive study of the Armenian genocide of 1915 based on Israel Charny's societal-forces model. Argues genocides follow a pattern of long discriminatory relationships between a dominant and a dominated group. Cites the economic achievements of dominated groups as the basis. Shows the global pattern of genocide. (NL)

Describes an interdisciplinary course team taught by instructors from the sociology and drama departments. The course used dramatic literature to complement and illustrate sociological works examining such basic concepts as economic dislocation, racism, and deviance. Includes a table of the sociological works and their dramatic counterparts. (MJP)

Maintains that most students learn how sociologists study social stratification in introductory sociology courses. Presents a content analysis of 15 introductory college textbooks to determine whether they use distributional or relational approaches as the basis for their treatment of social class. Finds that depictions of class are…

Argues for inclusion of research by black scholars in courses on juvenile delinquency. Maintains that this scholarship has often been ignored and could provide useful and productive counterpoints to mainstream conceptions. Appendices include delinquency research by black scholars from 1900-95 and core readings of theoretical research by black…

Recommends the use of student-written sociological short stories as an alternative to traditional term papers. Describes how students choose a topic and use sociological theories and research to outline a plot, characters, dialogue, and settings. Includes excerpts from student stories and recommendations on student evaluation. (CFR)

Describes a research project in which the students examine data showing the income disparity between men and women. The students decide on which sociological theories might explain this discrepancy and devise a study to test this hypothesis. Includes instructions for the assignment and guidelines for cooperative learning. (MJP)