Americans are said to have a love affair with cars. Recent magazine articles have addressed automobiles as objects of status and desire and how particular cars have become American icons. The popularity of "Car Talk" on National Public Radio and television shows like "Monster Garage" and "Overhaulin'" also suggest…

Presents the advantages of structuring a course on gender around the classical and contemporary sociological theories from which feminist theories are derived. Contrasts this approach against the more prevalent research-based approach. Provides suggestions on selecting and using theory and presents practical considerations in teaching such a…

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

Presents a 25-minute in-class exercise designed to open students' minds to more subtle insights into the pervasive social processes that keep women out of many occupations and restrict their earnings. Provides a copy of the required handout and suggests follow-up discussion topics. (JDH)

The female students taking women's studies courses today are different from those in the early 1970s. Many are unconsciously male-identified--fully buying into predominant male viewpoints--and thus fail to recognize the connections which exist between the general conditions restricting the opportunities and welfare of women and their own…

Describes an in-class activity which demonstrates how sexual status is inferred based on observable gender-role characteristics. This shows the way in which our culture, and not biology, shapes gender roles and their meanings. Provides background on the course and the interactionist theoretical perspective used to analyze this sociological…

Uses the concept of oppression to teach about gender, race, and class in an introductory social psychology course. Discusses the intersections between them and suggests how issues about oppression can be integrated into the classroom. Directs course toward White, middle-class students who lack a comprehension of societal oppression. (Author/NL)