Cultivating a Sociological Voice and Engaged Citizenship through Writing

• In Event: 3423 - Teaching and Learning Symposium Roundtable
  In Informal Discussion Roundtable: Table 10: Political Climate and Civic Engagement

Abstract

Students enrolled in college today are facing polarization on their campuses, in their families, and in our society in general. Sociology is uniquely positioned to foster engaged citizens. The classroom serves as a space where we help students develop skills and tools to critically examine social issues using a sociological lens, and hone and exercise their sociological voice in the process. In addition, sociology can help students become informed voters and allow them to view various sides of social issues prior to making decisions. This presentation will discuss several different writing assignments that 1)engage students in/with current events, 2) help students to critically assess who benefits and who is excluded from current and proposed policies, and 3) empower students to take official steps in participating in civic society through writing op-eds and constructing a letter to their representative. Through reading, researching, and writing, students can learn how to apply their sociological imaginations to issues important to their lives, analyze information, make compelling arguments tailored to various audiences, and engage in public sociology. As sociology instructors, we have a responsibility to provide our students the tools through with to understand and effectively participate in civic society.

Authors

• Tamara L Smith, Westfield State University

• Carolyn Corrado, SUNY New Paltz