This article discusses pedagogical exercises developed to help students appreciate the power of sociological perspectives as they seek to better understand their own lives and the world around them. The assignments are focused on fulfilling the particular course learning goal that highlights student mastery of the application of diverse…

Describes a simulation project used in social theory courses where students work in groups of four or five to plan and present a television program. Explains that students choose the format of the show, take the roles of theorists, and present responses to contemporary issues that they think the theorists would offer. (CMK)

Presents a 25-minute in-class exercise designed to open students' minds to more subtle insights into the pervasive social processes that keep women out of many occupations and restrict their earnings. Provides a copy of the required handout and suggests follow-up discussion topics. (JDH)

The female students taking women's studies courses today are different from those in the early 1970s. Many are unconsciously male-identified--fully buying into predominant male viewpoints--and thus fail to recognize the connections which exist between the general conditions restricting the opportunities and welfare of women and their own…

Describes an in-class activity which demonstrates how sexual status is inferred based on observable gender-role characteristics. This shows the way in which our culture, and not biology, shapes gender roles and their meanings. Provides background on the course and the interactionist theoretical perspective used to analyze this sociological…

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.…

The use of the feature film "12 Angry Men" (1957) as an integrative review of social psychology is described. Students view the film, and then discuss the many aspects of social psychology represented in the interactions among the jurors. Discussion involves tying the movie examples back to social psychological research and theory as…

For professors who have been assigned the task of teaching communication theory, carefully chosen examples of films, videos, TV clips, or music can be productively used to support instruction. Both research and experience have shown that the visual and aural channels are excellent forms of amplifying, clarifying, and justifying theoretical…

This paper discusses possible uses for student communication journals in the interpersonal communication classroom. Appropriate interpretation of student journal entries can clarify the effectiveness of instructional games and simulations, stimulate integration of experience-based affective learning systems within a sound theoretical framework,…