Developing and Implementing Career Pathways in Sociology to the Undergraduate Curriculum

• In Event: 2423 - Teaching and Learning Symposium Informal Discussion Roundtable I
  In Informal Discussion Roundtable: Assessing and Evaluating Curriculum

Abstract

Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation participants will be able to;
• Develop a course on Career Pathways in Sociology.
• Identify the strengths and weaknesses of including a Career Pathways in Sociology course within their undergraduate curriculum.
• Recognize the advantages of purposeful pedagogy tied to national career readiness skills within traditional sociology courses.
• Address student concerns related to postgraduate employability with a degree in sociology.
• Identify and address perceived skill deficits among undergraduate sociology students related to marketability.
• Create assessments that will engage students in reflective thought, purposeful academic and career mapping and enhancement of professional skills.

Many students are concerned with employability after graduation with an undergraduate degree in sociology. In this informal roundtable session, I intend to share my course syllabus and a variety of assessments from my online Career Pathways in Sociology course. I will share student feedback, preliminary data (pre/post skill mastery), and personal reflection related to the strengths and weaknesses of having a Career Pathways course as part of the undergraduate sociology curriculum. I will address ways in which Career Pathways courses can be used to enhance sociology programs and give suggestions to ways in which we can be more purposeful in the identification and inclusion of career readiness skills throughout the sociology curriculum. I will focus on ways faculty can align their pedagogy within sociology courses and the curriculum to provide clear professional pathways for students.

Author

• Jessica A. Leveto, Kent State University at Ashtabula