Although student evaluations of an experiential learning section versus evaluations of two control sections in an introductory sociology college level course showed no significant difference, subsequent enrollment in departmental courses was greater for students in the experiential section. (DB)

Proposes a teaching/learning strategy for college level sociology courses on problem solving. The method involves directing students to assess the logical adequacy of statements selected from common sense, journalism, and sociology. Evaluation of a course based on this method indicates that it can help students develop rational thinking skills.…

Although many of us would like to get beyond lecturing, we often lack concrete strategies for doing so, particularly in our larger classes. This paper suggests one such strategy for creating a discussion-based course. The success of such a course is predicated on students reading and thinking about the course material (receiving "first exposure")…

An experimental course for introductory sociology adapted Dr. Fred Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) with highly satisfactory results. (KM)

The article discusses the use of videotape recordings in education programs for college sociology teachers. Examined are the characteristics of videotaping which make it an effective tool for improving college teaching, three applications of videotaping in teacher training, and a description of videotape uses at the Texas Woman's University.…

Describes how a survey of the history of sex, love, and marriage in Western cultures is used in an undergraduate course on the sociology of emotions. Identifies several periods of history particularly suited to this use and describes assignments and course requirements. (AEM)

Based upon the teaching of Mari Sandoz' allegorical novel, CAPITAL CITY, this article identifies the characteristics of novels which provide a sociologically useful humanist perspective. A key characteristic is the extent to which the novel conducts thought experiments, defined as cerebral exercises which explore alternative social futures based…

Noting difficult and potentially dangerous situations encountered by students in their internships, this article describes a professional socialization course designed to foster awareness of professional ethics, organizations, journals, and, through case studies, practices. (JDH)

One way to enliven a research methods course in sociology is to require students to select journal articles over a 20- to 30-year period to show how research strategies have changed on a topic in which they have special interest. Teaching strategies are discussed. (Author/RM)

While there is much in overtly noninstructional films for sociological use, a course constructed solely around films did not produce a significant improvement academically, although student interest increased. An appendix outlines the topic areas covered, reading materials for each area and films shown. (KM)

The idea of stress can be used to explicate some major topics taught in the introductory college- level sociology course. Strengths and weaknesses of the approach are discussed. A brief annotated bibliography is also provided to aid instructors who want to experiment with the technique. (Author/RM)

Describes and evaluates a college level course designed to cover basic theory on the development of social movements and revolutions and to provide case studies from the United States and around the world through the use of documentary films. (RM)

Describes a series of techniques used by instructors in sociology courses on the college level to help students learn about and become actively involved in using classical and contemporary sociological theory. Three concepts form the basis of the approach--activity, rationality, and personal knowledge. (DB)

This paper examines the articulation of goals and means of sociological instruction in course syllabi. Three questions guide this inquiry. First, do sociology instructors articulate common learning goals? Second, what pedagogical means do instructors commonly employ to meet these goals? Third, to what extent have sociology instructors incorporated…

Six student projects which focus attention on the activities and processes through which conditions come to be defined as social problems are described. They demonstrate the relevance of the student's own values and life experiences in understanding social problems. (Author/DE)