Developing a global mind-set in college students is a goal of many colleges and universities. Most often this goal is met by encouraging students to study abroad. This article explains how a service learning student engagement program at home achieves this goal by pairing Introduction to Sociology students with young immigrant children in a weekly…

Is there a distinct disciplinary core (or foundation of agreed on knowledge) in sociology? Should we define a core in our broad field to build consensus? If so, what should it look like? We address these questions by presenting three viewpoints that lean for and against identifying a core for department curricula, students, and the public face of…

Describes an experimental course in the sociology of education which emphasized integration of historical, contemporary, theoretical, and empirical material. Examines the context in which the course developed, interplay between curriculum innovation and project teaching, and student reactions. (Author/AV)

A college course designed to introduce students to the administration of voluntary associations is described. Course goals and objectives are discussed, and course requirements and the grading system are reviewed. Sources of teaching materials are provided. The appendix contains a list of national organizations that provide training materials and…

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…

The introductory social psychology course, as taught by sociologists, varies widely in content and in its pedagogical concepts. This variation is due to the institutional setting and to the instructor's notion of the academic status of social psychology. Typical course contents answering to various course concepts are described. (Author/RM)

Social psychology has separate sociological and psychological approaches that must be bridged in undergraduate courses. One possible course format is to cover a variety of theories, then their substantive applications. Two texts, detailed handouts, and demonstrations, including simulations and field problems, help students to understand and…

The introductory sociology course, usually of a superficial and encyclopedic nature, should be replaced by three separate introductory courses of greater depth: (1) macrosociology, the world system of societies; (2) microsociology, the impact of societies on individuals; and (3) mesosociology, students' own society and its institutions. (Author/RM)

The idea of stress can be used to explicate some major topics taught in the introductory college- level sociology course. Strengths and weaknesses of the approach are discussed. A brief annotated bibliography is also provided to aid instructors who want to experiment with the technique. (Author/RM)

Discusses the inclusion of rules regarding classroom etiquette in an introductory college sociology course. Reports on rules regarding tardiness, leaving early, absenteeism, paying attention, and/or sleeping in class. Concludes that students and colleagues are generally positive about the approach. (CFR)

Contends that many students enter sociology with an exaggerated belief in their own uniqueness. Presents a description of a course activity in which students see how social forces affect their choices and chances, thereby seeing the sociological perspective on social problems. (CFR)

States that an important goal of introductory college sociology courses is to make the discipline come alive for students and to encourage active involvement in learning. Describes a student project approach in which students interview three people and analyze the data relevant to four theoretical perspectives. (CFR)

Maintains that sociology was founded in the 19th century as a discipline for the scientific study of social order. Contends that the discipline has been attacked by both liberals and conservatives. Argues that teaching sociology as a laboratory science is the best way to improve the discipline's professional and public image. (CFR)

Maintains that the recent introduction of SPSS for Windows allows for data analysis to be employed in substantive courses as well as methods courses. Describes the use of the program in upper-division sociology classes where substantive themes are developed in depth. Presents and discusses several classroom activities using the program. (CFR)

Maintains that, because of its importance in modern U.S. history, over 300 college courses are taught on the Vietnam War. Asserts that studying the war helps students develop critical thinking skills needed for citizenship. Describes the texts, formats, and assignments used in a college sociology course on the Vietnam War. (CFR)