Teaching sociology through role playing involves students in acting out roles learned in the socialization process. The content of the game is the simulation of an area of social reality, either simple or complex. Participation in this activity presents students with alternative world views, develops problem solving and behavioral skills, and makes abstract concepts presented in the classroom concrete. Also, role playing provides students with an understanding of social roles and enlivens the subject of sociology. Positive implications for role playing are that it challenges the student to learn and think for himself; it creates a new approach to learning both inside and outside the classroom; and it provides a relaxed atmosphere for the learning process. Negative results may occur if the activity is not integrated into the professor's teaching philosophy or if the classroom becomes an "arena of emotions." Further, students and teachers can both become defensive and the classroom may be chaotic during the role playing process. Guidelines for the selection of simulation games and instructions for preparation for simulation are included. (KC)