Society Construction as the Final Exam in the Introduction to Sociology Course

• In Event: 3423 - Teaching and Learning Symposium Roundtable
  In Informal Discussion Roundtable: Table 8: Teaching Introduction to Sociology and Social Problems

Abstract

One common theme in the scholarship of teaching is the importance of application. The introductory course in sociology is designed to provide a glimpse of what sociologists study – society. Due to the broadness of society as a concept educators may be challenged to develop an application-based activity capable of addressing all the concept characteristics. Over the course of 25 years, I have developed and refined an activity designed to both apply the concept of society and work as a cumulative assessment (i.e. final examination) for the introductory course. In brief, after covering all course content for the term students are provided with an apocalyptic scenario and must create a society consisting only of the students enrolled in the course. This presentation provides an overview of importance of application-based activities, walks the participants through the set up and implementation of this activity, provides student feedback on the activity, and describes challenges the activity may present. Included as well in the presentation will be the questions asked of the class to ensure solid social institution construction, the assessment criteria, and how to modify the assignment to meet student needs. As a whole this technique can provide participants with a cumulative final examination option other than a multiple-choice or essay examination.

Author

• Theresa L. Mariani