This article examines the presentation of caste systems of stratification in U.S. introductory sociology textbooks. First, the "caste versus class" debate from the 1930s and 1940s is summarized and its competing perspectives are evaluated. Second, after an in-depth analysis of introductory sociology textbooks presenting material on the…

Although there is a great deal of available material on using nontraditional resources for teaching sociology, the pedagogical uses of science fiction have not been examined for 20 years. This essay first asserts the need for an update based on changes in society and in science fiction over the past two decades. The paper then focuses on the uses…

An experimental course for introductory sociology adapted Dr. Fred Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) with highly satisfactory results. (KM)

Describes a method for teaching introductory sociology adapted from Goldsmid and Wilson. The method is based on the student's mastery of the subject matter through increased participation. Also discusses variations of the method and results. (BSR)

Explains how microcomputer-based test generation systems work and how to select and use such a system. Discusses several available programs, recommending the Harpertest and Micro-Pac systems for ease of use and versatility. Describes the benefits and limitations of microcomputer test generation systems. (GEA)

Reviews the uses of DEMOS, a set of demographic computer simulations which can be used to improve instruction in introductory sociology courses. Gives examples of both interactive and noninteractive exercises, concluding that DEMOS is easy to use and enjoyable, with approximately 90 percent of students recommending its continued use. (GEA)

Discusses the author's experiences in designing and implementing a self-paced introductory sociology course. Describes development of an interactive testing program and details of course design. Concludes, that in this instance, self-pacing proved to be undesirable because of students' inability to monitor themselves and a continuing decline in…

Most introductory sociology courses in the United States lack any sort of comparative or historical focus. Debilitating consequences of this provincialism are discussed, and a comparative and historical introductory sociology course that could overcome these deficiencies is outlined. (Author/RM)

Study findings showed that an introductory sociology course had a significant liberalizing effect on students' attitudes regardless of the professor's theoretical perspective. It was also found that introductory sociology students involved in a similar study four years earlier were significantly more conservative than this group of students.…

Discusses how the basic concepts from formal logic can be used as a teaching aid in beginning sociology courses. Three sociological arguments are analyzed, to determine their logical structure and the validity of their conclusions. (Author/RM)

In response to Gerhard Lenski's article, this author asserts that most sociologists are not prepared to teach anthropology. Lenski suggested that the introductory sociology course be reorganized into three courses. His discussion of the content of these courses makes clear that he is advocating that sociologists begin teaching from an…

This article, in response to Vivelo's attack on the author's proposal, argues that to neglect the comparative and historical dimensions of social phenomena in the introductory sociology course may be hazardous. In his discussion of the introductory sociology course, Vivelo urged sociologists to teach about contemporary American society, leaving…

The author argues that he was misunderstood by Lenski. He does not advocate that sociologists in introductory courses neglect the comparative and historical dimensions of social phenomena but is suggesting that they become expert in these before attempting to teach them. (RM)

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)

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)