Description Contents Resources Courses About the Authors Understanding Sociological Theory for Educational Practices introduces readers to the contemporary classroom through the lens of sociological theory. By compelling readers to think critically and reflexively this book helps future teachers create a welcoming and equitable learning…

This article presents an original drama depicting the Lenin-Hobson theory of imperialism. Students participate in the drama and critically analyze its contents in order to better understand the Marxist point of view toward capitalism. (JDH)

Argues that the postmodern tenet of "articulation" can be used to better teach the philosophy of "sociological imagination." Discusses the notion of "teacher as text" as a strategy of using instructors' personal experiences to help students make sense of their own perceptions and practices, and to better understand actualizations of agency. (DSK)

Describes course philosophy, goals, methods, and instructional resources used in the sociology of sex roles course at Colorado State University. (JDH)

Advocates separating the curriculum of deviance from criminological theory. Offers descriptions of a deviance course (introductory material, theories and issues in rule-making, and understanding rule-breaking behavior) and a criminological theory course (introductory discussion, theory focusing on the individual and social context, and critical…

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…

Argues that students are apprehensive about theory courses, in part, because they require abstract, detailed reasoning skills. Presents a puzzle exercise developed to allow students to break through their "theory anxiety" without minimizing the complex thinking skills necessary for theorizing. Discusses preparation and implementation, and…

Surveys evaluations of Immanuel Wallerstein's "The Modern World-System" by specialists in early modern history and examines Wallerstein's influence on early modern historiography. Concludes by considering some attempts to synthesize world-systems analysis with other approaches. (LS)

Maintains that using contemporary novels allows students to critically apply what they have learned about the sociology of family issues, and at the same time to broaden their understanding of them. Outlines the use of literature to illustrate sociological theories, explains the course requirements, and addresses student and instructor responses.…

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)