This article explores the social-psychological process of identity negotiation in collaborative teaching, using Erving Goffman's (1959) theoretical tradition of dramaturgy to analyze the classroom itself as a performance venue. A dramaturgical analysis of collaborative teaching is especially significant given this growing pedagogical trend because…

Sociological imagination is a quality of mind that cannot be adopted by simply teaching students its discursive assumptions. Rather, it is a disposition, in competition with other forms of sensibility, which can be acquired only when it is practiced. Adhering to this important pedagogical assumption, students were assigned to write their…

Much of the sociological curriculum often represents society as tragedy. This article explores the incorporation of a society as comedy component in introductory courses at two institutions using the sociological insight and social critique of comedians. A general discussion of parallels between the comedic eye and the sociological imagination is…

Utopian societies can actually demonstrate some essential needs for community life. In this sociology course students read utopian literature and then investigated the lessons gleaned from their study of the utopian societies through experiential learning projects, e.g., participant observation of dorm life, leadership simulations, and utopian…

Examines the use of personal computers (PCs) in the introductory sociology course. Discusses the functional strengths and weaknesses of PCs. Describes the use of PCs in preparing and presenting visual material, teaching basic concepts and strategies, illustrating analytical storylines, and engaging students in problem solving. Suggests additional…

Suggests the bachelor's paper as an alternative to testing for sociology majors. Explains that the paper enables the student to use the discipline's theoretical and methodological tools to address an important topic. Explores the advantages and disadvantages of the paper. Suggests that the assignment promotes assessment both of the student and the…

Analyzes the content of chapters on education in 22 introductory sociology textbooks. Argues that the texts focus on the northern industrialized nations to the exclusion of developing nations' educational issues. Suggests that textbook coverage of northern influence, cultural factors, alternative developing nations' educational models, inadequate…

Describes content of 50 introductory sociology textbooks in their coverage of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease. Reports that, although by 1987 HIV was covered in 26 texts, many aspects were neglected. Concludes teachers should concentrate on slighted areas including the difference between…

Recommends the classroom use of hypermedia. Observes that hypermedia allow instructors to interrupt lessons for critical evaluation, discussion, and prompt correction of mistakes. Suggests that using hypermedia in class is cheaper than setting up computer laboratories. (DK)

Reconsiders the place of Peter Berger's "Invitation to Sociology," in teaching undergraduate sociology courses. Traces the success and intellectual impact of the work. Describes the image of sociology it presents. Reviews its treatment of human freedom as a sociological issue. Examines its world vision and evaluates its usefulness in…