Sociologists and instructors who teach about community service share an affinity for understanding and addressing social problems. While many studies have demonstrated the benefits of incorporating community service into sociology courses, we examine the benefits of incorporating sociological content into community service classes. The authors…

The teaching and learning movement in sociology in general and within the American Sociological Association specifically has a surprisingly long history. This history can be divided into three periods of activity: early efforts (1905 to 1960), innovation and implementation (1960 to 1980), and the institutionalization of gains (1980 to 2009).…

Presents 17 reports which analyze how innovative techniques for teaching college sociology, which were being used in 1977, have changed over the last five years. The analysis focuses specifically on how well the innovations lasted over time and the impact of innovations on their innovators and their departments. (AM)

An innovative course structure which combines a traditional sociology course with a special topic minicourse is described. Possible options for using the structure are discussed. (Author/DE)

Pros and cons of PSI are argued; it is praised as an option for students to select but is opposed as a substitute for the lecture system. (Author/KM)

The rationale and mechanics of some innovations utilized in teaching a course in juvenile delinquency are described and presented in conjunction with handouts developed for the course. (Authoor/KM)

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)

The development and implementation of simulated research experiences for use in teaching research methods to undergraduate sociology majors are described. (Author/DE)

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)

Pros and cons of teaching large classes are discussed. Five innovative teaching efforts are reviewed as alternatives: lecture-tutorial system, modular teaching approach, self-paced instructional program, diversified learning approach, and teaching information processing system. (ND)

Maximum security prisons typify an extreme example of an unconventional setting that subverts yet stimulates creative teaching strategies. By conceiving of teaching as a form of social praxis, it becomes possible to transform ostensible problems and conflict into pedagogical and practical advantages. Examples are provided. (Author/RM)

Presents an interview with Dr. Richard A. Schermerhorn in which he discusses his teaching experiences from 1932-72 and his views on teaching college sociology. Schermerhorn also describes the interrelated changes in society, academia, and sociology and his innovative teaching methods. (AM)

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.…

A criminal activities checklist is presented for the classroom which can aid in discussing criminal statistics, definitions of crime, and other aspects of criminology. (Author/DE)

The initial effort to apply the Keller plan model of individualized learning to teaching research methods in sociology is described. (Author/KM)