As a discipline, sociology has produced a rich understanding of social processes, and yet the pedagogical implications of this scholarship remain largely untapped. In this paper, we employ a framework of sociology as pedagogy to show how sociology can enhance and inform teaching and learning. We select examples from a range of classical and…

This article introduces a sociology role-playing game (RPG) used to demonstrate the broad range of social forces, institutions, and structures in a semester-long series of in-class and homework assignments. RPGs and other simulation games have been frequently suggested as a useful teaching methodology because of their unique ability to allow…

Erving Goffman is one of the most important sociologists of the 20th century. Popular textbooks in sociology (e.g., Giddens, Duneier, and Appelbaum 2005; Macionis 2007) and social psychology (e.g., Aronson, Wilson, and Akert 2006; Cahill 2007; DeLamater and Myers 2007) devote large sections and entire chapters to Goffman's ideas concerning the…

"Teaching Sociology's" emphasis on the scholarship of teaching and learning has moved the field well beyond simple description of teaching methods. There is no doubt that the journal is more scholarly than in the past. Still, we do not take advantage of our rich theoretical disciplinary work. There is much to learn sociologically about the…

This paper discusses a joint project of the American Library Association and the American Sociological Association. The goal of this collaboration is to guarantee that students of sociology, particularly sociology majors, develop strong information literacy skills during their undergraduate experience. The article talks about national standards…

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)

Telephone conversations were conducted between a senior-level class in advanced sociological theory and well-known contemporary theorists. The students and teacher rated the project very highly. Strengths and weaknesses of the project are discussed, and suggestions for expanding the idea of using conversations are given. (Author/RM)

Argues for the incorporation of classical liberal theory into undergraduate sociology theory courses. Urges that liberalism be contextualized in relationship to its intellectual predecessors. Suggests that understanding classical liberalism enhances understanding of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber. Recommends works that can be used as reading…

Describes a strategy for teaching social theory through video which was used in a pilot study of undergraduate sociology majors at Duquesne University (Iowa). Includes the films chosen and the techniques used in analysis. Several theoretical themes addressed in the films are presented. Concludes by discussing evaluative procedures. (Author/BSR)

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…

Examines 57 introductory sociology texts from the 1980s. Critically summarizes how "common sense" is presented, discusses the legitimacy of common sense from both a philosophical and sociological view point, and makes suggestions for a more adequate interpretation of the relationship between this concept and sociology as a science. (KO)

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)

As we enter our second century, it is an appropriate time for sociologists to take stock of where we have been and where we are going. Although most of this reflection appears to focus on substantive matters, Timothy Patrick Moran is right in arguing that their gaze ought to extend to how they teach graduate statistics. This article presents the…

Discusses effects on graduate sociology education of trends emphasizing quantitative methods and the positivist tradition at the expense of social theory and interpretive sociology. Argues that failure to develop sociology's interpretive tradition has allowed the style and intellectual creativity of sociological work to suffer. Urges greater…