Using Contexts Magazines as a Resource for a Simulated Sociology Conference

Abstract

Introductory sociology classes often provide students with a broad look at the discipline. Frequently it is the first and only experience they will have with the field of sociology (Greenwood and Howard 2011:16). In one course, there is not sufficient time to do justice to the full range of topics, methods and theoretical frameworks. The assignment...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

College 100

Class Size(s):

Small

Usage Notes

1. Guidelines and Process for the selection of an article. Four weeks prior to the panel, I ask students to come to my office to choose their article within a one week time frame. I leave a stack of several years of Contexts Magazines outside my office door, where there are comfortable chairs and space to spread out. Students are instructed to place a...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will gain an appreciation for the breadth of the field of sociology.
2. Students will demonstrate an ability to make connections among sociological topics, methods and theoretical lenses.
3. Students will represent sociological research accurately and succinctly.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. The appreciation of the breadth of the field will be assessed simply by witnessing the range of topics, methods and theoretical frameworks that arise in the mock-conference and students’ engagement with them.
2. Students receive full credit if they make a clear connection between their article and class content, demonstrate an accurate understanding of the course material and make relevant connections.
3. In their summary of their article, students are given a two minute time limit. Their grade is negatively affected if they misrepresent their own article or others.