In this article I examine how the sociology major is structured at institutions of higher education in the United States. I use content analysis of college catalogs from 100 institutions to examine the sociology major at top institutions among regional and national universities and liberal arts colleges. I first examine the basic structure of…

Although we may claim our students are developing a sociological imagination, it is quite another to realize this in our teaching and our students' performances. Through a professional move from teaching in Chicago to Maine, I was led to rethink how I teach the sociological imagination. I argue that if we are to teach the sociological imagination,…

This article explores the social-psychological process of identity negotiation in collaborative teaching, using Erving Goffman's (1959) theoretical tradition of dramaturgy to analyze the classroom itself as a performance venue. A dramaturgical analysis of collaborative teaching is especially significant given this growing pedagogical trend because…

This action-research project focused on gathering data on awareness of lead poisoning, as well as disseminating information on lead poisoning prevention in a metropolitan midwestern city. This project reflects an action-research approach to service learning and was in collaboration with a grass-roots organization. This paper outlines the daunting…

The focus on quantitative literacy has been increasingly outside the realm of mathematics. The social sciences are well suited to including quantitative elements throughout the curriculum but doing so can mean challenges in preparation and presentation of material for instructors and increased anxiety for students. This paper describes tools and…

In this article, the authors describe a cross course collaborative research project designed to provide students with an opportunity to integrate aspects of sociological study that are typically addressed in a compartmentalized course by course manner. They used this approach on two separate occasions. The first involved collaboration between a…

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)

To provoke thought among those teaching sociology, an undergraduate class is portrayed as a drama consisting of three parts: the classroom lecture, the discussion session led by a teaching fellow, and the office encounter between professor and student. Both the words and thoughts of the protagonists are presented. (Author/AM)

Instructors of sociology courses strive to teach their students how to "think sociologically" or how to apply a "sociological perspective" to the world. Many creative methods, often framed as "applied" or "active learning," have been created to pursue this goal, but these active learning projects are not perfect solutions. The natural sciences…

Presented in this address by the recipient of the American Sociological Association's award for contribution to undergraduate education are reflections on teaching and a personal biography. Social relationships in academe are also discussed. (Author/RM)

Reviews the format, organization, presentation, grading, objectives and benefits of debate as used in an undergraduate sociology course. (JDH)

Using the television series "Dallas" as an example, this article describes how to use soap operas to illustrate common topics and increase students' interest in a sociology of the family course. (JDH)

This article describes how a television 'gameshow' format was used to help students review for a comprehensive final. Provides complete instructions for setting up a 'gameshow' review class and describes students' reactions to the experience. (JDH)

Argues that current public disinterest in sociology is due to the unscientific way the subject is presented in introductory college courses. After comparing course content in introductory science and sociology courses, the authors conclude that only introductory demography courses would meet the criteria for a scientific approach to sociological…

Describes a study which explored the use of teaching innovations for undergraduate sociology in 433 college sociology departments. Results showed that teaching innovations are not concentrated in innovative departments, but that different types of innovations are used to meet particular organizational needs and educational goals of a department.…