Teaching the Sociological Imagination: Imagining the Social Side of Loneliness

Abstract

This lesson plan outlines a set of interactive exercises designed for one 50 minute tutorial in a first year introductory sociology course. Students are introduced to Mills’ The Sociological Imagination (1959) and participate in a close reading activity. The class then applies the sociological imagination to research reports on urban loneliness to explore...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 100

Class Size(s):

Small

Usage Notes

The lesson plan includes activity steps and timing, background information, and handouts and is ideal for a teaching assistant or first time instructor.

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Define and summarize the concept of the sociological imagination
2. Apply the concept of the sociological imagination by analyzing a real life example of the linkage between public issues and private troubles
3. Practice critical reading skills necessary for engaging with original sociological texts and reports

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Demonstrate the ability to explain to peers the key elements of the sociological imagination (the concepts of private troubles, public issues, and their interrelationship)
2. Use the concept of the sociological imagination to interpret a public research report written about urban loneliness
3. Interpret and explain key quotes from The Sociological Imagination; Read and discuss the implications of data in a public research report