Explores the use of autobiography as a tool for increasing student participation, uncovering student attitudes and values, and as a source of examples for lectures and class discussion. Concludes that information gathered can be used to alert students to potential problems of using summary statistics and nonrepresentative samples when generalizing…

Discusses the relevance of incorporating poetry into the discipline of sociology. Includes a poem and its sociological analysis to demonstrate the number of relevant sociological issues and concepts which can be introduced through poetry. (BSR)

Describes a strategy for improving the quality of class discussions. States two reasons why class discussions can be unsatisfying: (1) individual contributions are emphasized more than the merits of collective discussion; and (2) discussion performance is emphasized over development of discussion skills. Describes a student exercise to overcome…

Describes a methodology for improving critical thinking skills in sociology classrooms. Includes a discussion of classroom behavior of teachers, student attitudes, curriculum materials, and evaluation techniques. Concludes that critical thinking skills can be enhanced, with remarkable results. (DH)

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)

Argues a new approach is needed for teaching high school sociology courses that focuses on improved teacher training. Believes teacher training improvements may help rectify the discipline's distorted public image and help students gain appreciation and understanding of fundamental sociological insights. (Author/KDR)

Suggests techniques for teaching about gender role socialization. Personal, qualitative data provided by children can be used effectively to: (1) highlight issues in gender role socialization; (2) generate research hypotheses; (3) stimulate creative research designs; (4) illustrate how gender role socialization occurs; and (5) illustrate the…

Describes an undergraduate sociology course that taught qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Focuses on two students and how they dealt with and overcame anxiety issues, subsequently achieving higher levels of learning and new learning strategies. (KDR)

Focuses on interviews with immigrants used for an undergraduate sociology course designed to help students learn about contradictions and commonalities of the educational experiences of immigrants. Finds that students demonstrated understanding based on the interviews; and that there is a need for international awareness among students entering…

In winter of 2004, the Sociology Department at California State University-Bakersfield (CSUB) conducted a student assessment using an embedded assessment technique--a technique wherein a class assignment serves as an assessment tool. The authors conducted the embedded assessment for their Five-Year Program Review. Thus, similar to many…

This article describes how an introductory sociology course was organized and taught in order to promote students' understanding of sociology as the systematic and critical analysis of modern social structure and its impact on the individual. (JDH)

Identifies and presents an example cultural diversity course, defining emotion management. Applies the theoretical concept of emotion management to teaching methods. Offers strategies and exercises. Believes that by applying an understanding of how emotional responses are socially mediated, instructors can facilitate their classes better and…

Synthesizes the knowledge available and identifies the knowledge needed about how digital technologies may affect student learning, particularly in the study of sociology. Suggests sociological perspectives can inform the structural and cultural contexts that shape key aspects of teaching and learning with digital technologies. (Author/KDR)

Demonstrates that popular music's potential as a tool for teaching interactive introductory sociology courses is enhanced when a cultural analysis of a specific music genre is incorporated into the classroom. Presents a two-part model for integrating a cultural analysis of heavy metal music and its subculture into the introductory course. Includes…