Introduction to Sociology for Majors and Minors: Foundation, Recruitment, and Relevance

• In Event: Teaching Introduction to Sociology: The Content and Role of Introductory Sociology Courses

Abstract

This chapter examines the multifaceted role of the Introduction to Sociology course within higher education, emphasizing its dual purpose: preparing majors and minors for advanced coursework and engaging non-majors through relevance to everyday life. Despite near-universal adoption, the course faces persistent challenges, including competing goals, lack of consensus on core content, and difficulties in recruiting majors amid trends like dual-credit enrollment. Historical and contemporary debates reveal tensions between broad disciplinary surveys and focused learning objectives. Models such as the “Ferris wheel” and “stem and branches” illustrate contrasting curricular approaches, while the Sociological Literacy Framework (SLF) offers a promising structure for foundational learning. The chapter advocates integrating active learning strategies and explicitly linking sociological skills to career outcomes to enhance student engagement. Ultimately, it calls for intentional design to balance disciplinary rigor with accessibility, ensuring the course serves as both a gateway for majors and a meaningful experience for non-majors.

Author

• Jay R. Howard, Butler University