The research project assignment can create meaningful opportunities for students to apply sociological concepts. For grading these projects, assessment rubrics are useful pedagogical tools to evaluate students' abilities in achieving course learning objectives. In this study, I analyzed final research papers collected over multiple semesters in my…

Sociology has been slow in responding to the challenge of climate change. In this conversation, we advocate adding more climate change content to Introduction to Sociology courses. To support our arguments, we present data from a content analysis of the top 11 best-selling introductory textbooks in the United States, demonstrating that…

Methods textbooks play a role in socializing a new generation of researchers about ethical research. How do undergraduate social research methods textbooks portray harm, its prevalence, and ways to mitigate harm to participants? We conducted a content analysis of ethics chapters in the 18 highest-selling undergraduate textbooks used in sociology…

Many contemporary students are unfamiliar with the cultural history of television programming in the United States. References to iconic series that represented significant milestones in minority representations and discussions of racial issues--such as "I Spy," "Julia," "All in the Family," or even "The Cosby…

This paper examines the textual coverage of the topic of work in Canadian English--language introductory sociology textbooks. Our findings are based on a content analysis of 21 Canadian texts published between 2008 and 2012. We found that only 12 of 21 textbooks included a chapter on work, suggesting that work occupies a peripheral position in…

Reviews eight current human sexuality textbooks for both their general organization and substantive content. Addresses specifically the content areas of sexual response cycle; sexual disfunction; acquaintance rape; AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases; extramarital sex; abortion; homosexuality; and pornography. Identifies as a recurring fault…

Reviews the following Human Sexuality books: "Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Human Sexuality" (Francoeur, R.T., 1987); "Annual Editions: Human Sexuality" (Pocs, O., 1987); "Personal Issues in Human Sexuality" (Gordon, S. and Snyder, W., 1986); "Journey Into Sexuality: An Exploratory…

Briefly reviews six textbooks for teaching about complex organizations: ORGANIZATIONS: STRUCTURES, PROCESSES, AND OUTCOMES (Hall, 1987); ORGANIZATIONS: RATIONAL, NATURAL, AND OPEN SYSTEMS (Scott, 1987); ORGANIZATIONS IN SOCIETY (Etzioni, 1985); ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR (Hellriegel et al, 1986); ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR: EXPERIENCES AND CASES (Hai,…

Reviews "The Student Sociologist's Handbook," a 1986, 292-page tome published by Random House, which covers a wide range of topics related to being a student and a professional in the field of sociology. Notes strengths and weaknesses and strongly recommends the book to both students and faculty. (JDH)

This literature review emphasizes works that either represent a significant contribution to the sociological understanding of higher education or review a substantial body of literature concerning the contexts of college teaching. Topics discussed include the higher education system, the academic workplace, and the norms that influence the…

Literature that deals with both sociological analyses of mass media and teaching techniques that utilize mass media products is discussed. Methods of using the mass media in college-level sociology courses are outlined, and examples of each are provided. (RM)

Contains the sixth annual review of literature related to the teaching of sociology. Presents annotated citations for approximately 71 articles and books published in 1981, offers some analysis of these works, and compares them to works published between 1975-1980. (SR)

Presents a strategy for simplifying the problem of how to approach important questions in the philosophy of science as they apply to sociology. Specifically, the article outlines an axial model for studying and teaching about relationships among various epistemological positions in contemporary sociology. (Author/DB)

Using a tour of Detroit as a case study, this article explains how a well-designed urban tour can make large-scale processes visible to students. Information is presented on ways in which the Detroit tour helped students think analytically about large-scale processes and about how teachers can adapt the Detroit format to tours of other cities. (DB)

Discusses a study in which students in a college-level introductory sociology course attempted to deal with anxiety before and during exams by working with a study guide consisting of a large pool of questions from which an upcoming exam would be taken. Findings indicated that study guides significantly reduced test anxiety. (DB)