This research explores key features of the scholarship of teaching and learning presented in nine higher education pedagogical journals. In an effort to better understand the domain in which the journal "Teaching Sociology" resides, descriptive and comparative analyses indicate that there is notable variation in the type of knowledge offered to…

This article reports on an Irish study that examines the teaching of large, introductory-level sociology courses at a research-intensive university. The study's aim was to ameliorate some of the problems associated with large classes by applying key lessons from the U.S. literature to an Irish setting. Overall, the initiative was successful;…

Previous research on capstones in sociology and psychology has suggested that there is a typical capstone experience required by three quarters of all four-year colleges and universities in the United States. This article reports results from a national survey that confirm that sociology and psychology capstone courses conform generally to a…

Using results from three classes (n = 324) taught by the author, this study shows, among other findings, that students with high grade point averages, well-educated parents, and previous college experience tend to know more sociological facts, concepts, theories, and methods. Impact and advantages of pretesting are discussed. (JDH)

Noting the increasing importance of internship experiences in the graduate training of students for applied careers, this article presents a comprehensive case study analysis of an internship program. It reviews such issues as student preparation, supervision, grading, and intern-sponsor matching. (JDH)

An application of open classroom techniques to the college classroom for a race relations course is described and evaluated. (Author/KM)

Noting that while formal operational thinking is essential to sociological learning, a majority of college freshmen are not yet fully formal thinkers. Maintains that introductory sociology courses must foster formal thinking in addition to teaching sociological content. Draws implications of revising goals and objectives to meet students' needs.…

Synthesizing results from surveys of graduates, employers, and sociology departments, this article identifies seven changes which may help students market their sociology degree to prospective employers. Among the changes identified are: (1) the need to help students identify the transferable skills they have learned, and (2) improving the image…

Presents a sociology program through three models of curriculum: (1) faculty centered; (2) discipline centered; and (3) student community based curricula. Explores the experiences with these models and reveals that curricular development as a social process can be used to lay a foundation for social context based assessment. (Author/KDR)

Describes different assessment designs available for different types of curricula. Reports results from a quasi experimental design comparing the level of critical sociological reasoning skills among students near the beginning and those finishing their studies. Believes the multi dimensional diversity within sociology presents the greatest…

Argues that effective sociology courses should point to a central contradiction of a social problem or institution. Contends that organizations and organizational theory are prime choices for this role. Concludes that changes in the way work is designed and managed result in more creativity and productivity. (CFR)

Presents a strategy for the curricular design and assessment of one multidisciplinary program goal: understanding human behavior. Discusses how to assess a desired outcome based on four specific areas: (1) organizational context; (2) articulation of a learning model; (3) program design and implementation; and (4) outcomes assessment. (Author/KDR)

Describes a lecture/discussion activity in which students complete a kinship diagram and discuss the sociological concepts of status, norm, and role. Contends that students enjoy the activity and learn that social roles are determined by a set of expectations for appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Includes a model of the kinship diagram. (CFR)

Describes an advanced undergraduate course introductory course designed to integrate two ways sociologists examine literature. Presents sociology of literature through reading fictional works, like Dickens'"Hard Times," that deal with sociological issues. Writing assignments provide opportunities to test ideas about authors, critics, and…

Describes a classroom activity in which students complete a survey about the relative seriousness of 22 deviant or criminal behaviors crimes. Provides several opportunities for in-depth class discussion. Identifies limitations of the exercise and presents methods to overcome them. (CFR)