Shifting Lenses: Invoking the Sociological Imagination to Explore How Social Positions Shape Interpretation

Abstract

This class activity utilizes an online discussion board to enhance students' understanding of how social positions influence individual interpretation. Students analyze a single image from the perspectives of two contrasting social categories, fostering perspective-taking and the sociological imagination. Through online discussion, they apply...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems, Other, Social Psychology, Visual Sociology

Resource Type(s):

Assignment, Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 100, College 200

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

• 
  
• This activity can be used in all types of institutions.
  
• This activity can be used in in-person, hybrid, or online course formats.
  
• This activity is suitable for introductory or intermediate sociology students.
  
• Class sizes for this activity can range from 5 – 100 students.
  
• This...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to adopt and express alternative viewpoints through role-taking.
2. Students will be able to analyze visual images through the lens of complex, multifaceted social positions and perspectives.
3. Students will be able to identify and articulate sociological patterns within and between a variety of social perspectives.
4. Students will be able to apply sociological concepts and theories to the interpretation of visual stimuli.
5. Students will be able to utilize their sociological imagination to draw connections between the personal and the social.
6. Students will be able to engage in collaborative discussion to develop critical thinking skills.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Online discussion response
2. Responses to peers in the online discussion forum