Describes a simulation project used in social theory courses where students work in groups of four or five to plan and present a television program. Explains that students choose the format of the show, take the roles of theorists, and present responses to contemporary issues that they think the theorists would offer. (CMK)

Describes a one-week course that focused on connections between global processes and local communities using an action-learning model. Discusses the action learning model, the content of the course, how student learning was evaluated, and what the teachers learned throughout the course. Addresses other uses of the model. (CMK)

Describes the ways collaborative learning methods can enhance the undergraduate course in sociological theory. Presents an explanation of collaborative learning, distinguishes it from active learning, identifies its challenges, and describes some specific ways that instructors can use it to teach classical sociological theory. (CMK)

Maintains that when students learn about social problems they often feel depressed and apathetic about their ability to change these problems in society. Describes the Community Exploration Project that addresses the despair expressed by students and utilizes a student-centered approach where students discover and understand community efforts to…

Addresses the use of fiction to teach undergraduate students about sociological theories and concepts. Discusses how "A Thousand Acres" (Jane Smiley) was used in a sociology of families course. Includes descriptions of the plot and themes in the book and the group work and paper assigned in conjunction with Smiley's novel. (CMK)