Erving Goffman is one of the most important sociologists of the 20th century. Popular textbooks in sociology (e.g., Giddens, Duneier, and Appelbaum 2005; Macionis 2007) and social psychology (e.g., Aronson, Wilson, and Akert 2006; Cahill 2007; DeLamater and Myers 2007) devote large sections and entire chapters to Goffman's ideas concerning the…

As evidence of the growing ecological crisis mounts, it is imperative that sociologists speak to this social problem and incorporate a sociological perspective on environmental issues into the curriculum. Central to understanding how social issues relate to environmental problems is an examination of the ties between consumption and its ecological…

Reflects on the implementation of Paulo Freire's problem-posing method in an East Los Angeles College (California) course on the media portrayal of Chicanos. Examines Freire's pedagogy and its application in the classroom, and critiques the process. Describes recent work applying the Freirean methodology in college classrooms. (Author/LS)

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…

Maintains that U.S. society's emphasis on individuality and pragmatism renders theoretical study of criminal deviance difficult for many students. Presents a structured approach to this problem that includes an emphasis on practical applications, comparative analysis, analytical skills, and the substantive content of theories. Describes teaching…

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…

Describes methods for teaching applications of social psychology research. Divides class time between lectures on applications, new material, and discussion. Requires students' understanding of how concepts can be applied in everyday life. Uses writing assignments and small-group discussions to promote concept recognition. Includes list of 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…

Outlines strategies for effectively teaching classic works of sociological theory to undergraduate sociology majors. Suggests placing a heightened emphasis on writing, opening the class to as much discussion as possible, and forming student reading groups. Selects classic works to be read and an order in which to teach them. (DB)

Suggests the bachelor's paper as an alternative to testing for sociology majors. Explains that the paper enables the student to use the discipline's theoretical and methodological tools to address an important topic. Explores the advantages and disadvantages of the paper. Suggests that the assignment promotes assessment both of the student and the…

Suggests a method for translating graduate education in qualitative methods into undergraduate teaching. Focuses on intensive interviewing and its benefits for both graduate students and for undergraduate teaching as a means of bringing the subject into the real world. Discusses planning the interview assignment, developing interview questions,…

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…

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)

Discusses using the critical perspective as a methodology to teach a college sociology course. Examines the failure of this approach and looks at the determinants of student apathy. Concludes that failure is unavoidable, given the structure of higher education and the intellectual level of most students. Harvey Holtz and Richard A. Wright respond…

Reports on a comparative study of the undergraduate sociology curriculum in 36 U.S. and 38 English Canadian institutions. Finds that Canadian schools more closely resemble the European sociology curriculum by emphasizing sociological theory. Contends that U.S. schools emphasize research methods in the context of a liberal arts program. (CFR)