1410 - Stimulating the Sociological Imagination in the Required Theory and Research Methods Courses

Session Submission Type: Workshop

Description

Both students and faculty alike tend to dread the required courses found in every undergraduate curriculum – theory and research methods. We, however, see these courses as the heart of the sociological endeavor and use a variety of teaching techniques and tools to actively engage students in the topic matter itself as well as to hone the critical skills associated with their sociological imagination. We feel that these two courses can spark students' sociological imagination as much as the substantive courses they take. This workshop will present the framework and materials used in a research methods course and a classical theory course. Additionally – this hands-on workshop will give participants an opportunity to identify key components of a framework for their own classes. We will, also, provide a set of materials that highlight the process of developing these courses as well as sample assignments and syllabi that have proven successful. Both presenters link the abstract ideas associated with these courses to exploring contemporary social issues dealing with race, class and gender thus directly relating to the Annual Meeting theme.

Sub Unit

• Workshops / Teaching Workshop

Session Organizer

• Anne Frances Eisenberg, State University of New York-Geneseo

Co-Leader

• Michael Restivo, State University of New York-Geneseo