Discusses efforts to bring a multicultural perspective to a 200-level course on the sociology of health and aging as a means of addressing broader multicultural curriculum transformation issues. The course is constructed around students' examination of four basic questions concerning their own experiences with exclusion and entitlement. (MJP)

Summarizes the response to complaints that a class examining the sociology of minorities unfairly emphasized negative behavior. The course was restructured to include an examination of resistance and interracial cooperation against racism. This new perspective was incorporated into writing assignments, class discussions, and instructional…

Outlines and describes examples of student resistance to a feminist perspective in a sociology of the family course. The examples were: characterizing information as "male-bashing," ignoring structural forces, and blaming the victim. Notes the almost passive acceptance of feminist perspectives when articulated by a guest male professor. (MJP)

Describes the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary field course in Costa Rica focused on sustainable development. The semester-long curriculum integrated sociology, political economy, and agricultural ecology. The curriculum was empirically based and involved faculty members and students working collaboratively on different…

Demonstrates the usefulness of classroom assessment in reducing the number of underprepared students. Recommends that faculty use classroom assessment techniques very early in the semester to determine students' knowledge level. Maintains that a vast dichotomy exists between teachers' assumptions regarding students' knowledge and what they…

Recounts a university's attempt to create a more rigorous and rewarding sociology program. Utilizing recommendations from the American Sociological Association the university introduced four levels of sequencing consisting of introductory courses, skills courses, advanced substantive courses, and capstone courses. Concludes that this was a…

Reports on a class project that combined an examination of social class and political power with an introduction to sociological research. The project consisted of compiling biographical profiles of cabinet members from the Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton administrations. Introduces students to issues of conceptualization,…

Maintains that many of the professional development skills needed to survive and prosper in academia are learned through contacts and activities within professional organizations. Describes a workshop given to graduate students to promote membership in these organizations. Includes a list of 25 professional organizations in sociology. (MJP)

Describes a final assignment in an introductory sociology course that helps students apply their sociological knowledge. Students choose a book or movie, provide a plot summary, analyze it using a minimum number of sociological terms gathered from different chapters or topic areas, and provide a brief conclusion. (MJP)

Discusses the use of personal journals in a social psychology course, the benefits of this technique, the challenges confronted by the students and instructor, and ethical considerations. Students revealed that the journals helped them apply course materials to everyday life, facilitated self discovery, and created a bond between teacher and…

Considers the complete ethnographic project as a strategy for teaching qualitative methods. Describes an undergraduate class where students chose an ethnographic setting, gathered and analyzed data, and wrote a final report. Settings included Laundromats, bingo halls, auctions, karaoke clubs, and bowling leagues. (MJP)

Reports on a class on deviance that focuses on sociological and transformative processes imbedded in deviant groups. Specifically examines "deviance production groups," groups that turn normal people into deviants (Branch Davidians, Ku Klux Klan). The class is largely structured around group discussions and presentations. (MJP)

Advocates and outlines an instructional strategy for developing critical-thinking skills in sociology classes. The "panning-for-gold" strategy requires students to interact continually with the material through questioning and evaluation. Includes a template of suggestions for critically evaluating material. Test results showed significant student…

Recommends a combination of video and lecture material for an undergraduate unit on antisemitism. Divides the unit into three topics: (1) "Jews as the Other"; (2)"Stereotypes and Conspiracy Theories"; and (3) "Jewish Identity." Includes a pretest and posttest questionnaire on students' attitudes and knowledge regarding Jews and Judaism. (MJP)

Defines inappropriate challenges as behaviors suggesting incompetence based solely on certain professor's social characteristics, especially gender and race. Discusses recent research on this problem concerning challenges from students, colleagues, and administrators. Lists suggested coping strategies, including changing the climate on campus and…