Current Events Project

• In Event: 2322 - Activities and Techniques Poster Session

Abstract

Introduction: In introductory sociology courses, professors often emphasize the application of sociological concepts and theories to everyday life. Indeed, according to Ferguson’s recent paper about the Sociological Framework, students should: “Be able to identify how sociological concepts and theories relate to everyday life” and “Use their sociological knowledge and skills to engage with and impact the world around them” (2016:172). This poses a challenge if students enter introductory classes with little knowledge of current events or potential news sources.

Purpose: This assignment requires students to explore a variety of online news sources, identify important key events in the news, discuss events and their relation to course material with their peers, and apply sociological concepts and theories in a brief paper.

Method: The Current Events Project begins by assigning each student to one of 5-10 online news sources from which they draw their current event. While the major news networks (such as CNN, Fox, MSNBC) are included, local news, international sources, and even satire, are also included. Students post a story from their source to an online discussion forum. Students read stories that were submitted by peers using the same source. An in-class discussion follows, during which they are assigned to groups based on their source. Groups choose a favorite story, apply a concept and a theory, and share their group responses with the class. Students write an application paper, based on any news story they found interesting, whether their own or one provided by a peer. Student papers summarize the story, apply two concepts and one theory, and briefly react to the assignment.

Conclusion: This assignment requires students to familiarize themselves with sources that may be unfamiliar, apply concepts and theories from the course, share information and reactions with their peers, and express an understanding of specific social issues.

Author

• Bridget A. Conlon Mayfield, St. Cloud State University