Sociologists agree that the sociological imagination fosters students' critical thinking skills (Eckstein, Schoenike, and Delaney 1995; Haddad and Lieberman 2002; Logan 1976; Mayer 1986; Misra 2000). The challenge lies in motivating students to develop their sociological imaginations. Convincing them of its importance and practical value takes…

This article describes how an introductory sociology course was organized and taught in order to promote students' understanding of sociology as the systematic and critical analysis of modern social structure and its impact on the individual. (JDH)

Describes a simple in-class exercise that reveals some flaws in capitalist, individualistic-oriented ideology by following specific assumptions to their logical conclusion. Poses the question, if drive and ambition are sole determinants of success could society accommodate a population where everyone possessed those qualities? (MJP)

Presents a group exercise to help critical thinking about key sociological concepts. Explains that students take the role of U.S. Supreme Court justices and formulate decisions on affirmative action cases after being divided into small groups. Includes summaries of five important cases on affirmative action. (DK)

Argues that students often memorize, without critical analysis, components and processes of subjects in the sociology curriculum. Suggests that using cross-cultural, comparative material is a means of stimulating the critical energy of students, and subverting the tendency toward uncritical acceptance of factual "nuts and bolts." (DB)

Discusses the use of individual and group journals as a way to develop students' abilities to critically analyze reading materials in a college level sociology course. Describes the process by which the journals are written and evaluated. Contends that the learning strategy improved students' analytical abilities and writing skills. (CFR)

Presents a learning activity for students in a sociology-of-education course in which they produce their own critical-education autobiography. Describes how to prepare students for the project, the assignments used, samples of student commentary and evaluation, and potential uses and risks of this approach. (DSK)

Argues that students are apprehensive about theory courses, in part, because they require abstract, detailed reasoning skills. Presents a puzzle exercise developed to allow students to break through their "theory anxiety" without minimizing the complex thinking skills necessary for theorizing. Discusses preparation and implementation, and…