Describes the ways collaborative learning methods can enhance the undergraduate course in sociological theory. Presents an explanation of collaborative learning, distinguishes it from active learning, identifies its challenges, and describes some specific ways that instructors can use it to teach classical sociological theory. (CMK)

Notes the central role and ultimate importance of the undergraduate, research methods textbook within sociology. Reviews nine new textbooks, and reveals substantial variation in coverage and approach. The review is based on the degree to which the texts address eight important goals for the undergraduate research course. (JDH)

An alcohol studies program offered at the undergraduate level in the Department of Sociology at the University of Massachusetts (Boston) is described. Students combine classroom work with applied practice in alcohol agency settings. Sources of information are identified for those interested in developing alcohol courses. (Author/RM)

Reports results of a national survey on undergraduate intern programs in sociology, discusses criteria used for and problems found with internships, and recommends strengthening the programs by formally integrating them into the curriculum. (Author/CK)

Presents a literature review that focuses on undergraduate discussion. Describes a teaching method in which undergraduate sociology students are assigned to create an open-ended question and write a one- to three-page answer every one- to two-weeks. Addresses the positive and negative aspects of the method. (CMK)

Describes a course designed to teach students qualitative methods and to engage them in collecting data and reflecting on the experiences of students at their college. Explains that during the semester course, students spent one month engaged in participant observation followed by one month conducting qualitative interviews. (DAJ)

Focuses on teaching sociology to prisoners, the benefits of teaching prisoners, and the experience of teaching the courses to prisoners. Addresses how the author took the experience of teaching prison students into traditional undergraduate courses. Highlights the implications for teaching sociology. (CMK)

Outlines a strategy for using popular films in a sociology course to demonstrate the international nature of selected domestic social problems. Details two films, "El Norte" and "Cry Freedom," in terms of their storyline, preparatory lecture materials, sociological issues, students' reactions, and practical matters of use. (DB)

Describes an experiment designed to introduce aspects of quantitative reasoning to a large, substantively-focused class in the social sciences. Reveals that participating students' abilities to interpret and manipulate empirical data increased significantly, independent of baseline SAT verbal and mathematics scores. Discusses implications for…

Describes the use of newsgroups in introductory cultural anthropology. Focuses on how the newsgroups were incorporated into the curriculum, the requirements involved, and grading. Discusses student responses to the newsgroups. Addresses the problems associated with using newsgroups as an instructional tool and resolutions. (CMK)

Describes a classroom exercise that enables students to critically examine the myth that "deviants are different from the rest of us." Explains that students consider their involvement in academic cheating and their motivations for cheating. Discusses various sociological arguments, other teaching techniques, and an evaluation of the exercise.…

Describes an active learning approach to teaching sampling and measurement in an undergraduate course on research methods. Students complete a content analysis on desired partner attributes in personal advertisements. Discusses concerns and issues in relation to sampling, content analysis, and other potential problems. (CMK)

Describes a service learning project in which students addressed the public health problem of rural sanitation in Alabama, which is related to socio-economic status, by researching, designing, and constructing a pit latrine. Focuses on four levels of inquiry and resolution (the social problem, developing and implementing an intervention strategy,…

The sociological context of magazine advertisements, particularly gender role descriptions, can be used to develop students' visual literacy. The techniques described are usually employed as an initial exercise in sensitizing undergraduate or graduate students to some of the issues involved in the content analysis of visual media. (Author/RM)

Describes how students in an upper division college sociology class wrote draft essays, received and gave peer reviews, received instructors' reviews, and revised their essays. Reports that those students who participated more often in the peer review process showed improved peer reviews and essays. (DAJ)