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All TRAILS Resources
All TRAILS Resources
May 31, 2023

Browse the entire collection of TRAILS resources here.

Riku Kawaguchi
Give Methods a Chance Paper
February 25, 2019
Subject Area(s):
Research Methods
Resource Type(s):
Assignment
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
This paper assignment encourages students to learn more about social research methods and their applications to real research. This assignment also provides opportunities for students to think about how they can apply social research methods to study a topic of their...
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Larry R Irons
Observing and Describing "The Pear Film"
February 19, 2019
Subject Area(s):
Ethnography
Resource Type(s):
Assignment, Class Activity, Video
Class Level(s):
College 300
Class Size(s):
Medium
Abstract:
Download for full resources - To prepare students for their first observation assignment in a natural setting I find it useful to let them practice the experience by watching one particular film clip in which there is no speech and the only sounds are the ambient...
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Carla Corroto
Gender Socialization and Shopping: Data Collection in the Children’s Clothing, Décor, Greeting Card, and Toy Aisles.
November 12, 2018
Subject Area(s):
Sex and Gender
Resource Type(s):
Assignment
Class Level(s):
College 200
Class Size(s):
Medium
Abstract:
With this assignment, we investigate gender socialization and consumption. Instructors may use this assignment in an introductory course, in sociology of family, or in a sociology of gender class. Students collect data at major retailers looking for reification of,...
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Natalia Ruiz-Junco
CREATIVE WRITING IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF SOCIAL THEORY
September 4, 2018
Subject Area(s):
Theory
Resource Type(s):
Essay
Class Level(s):
Graduate
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
Most textbooks and other teaching resources approach the teaching and learning of sociological theory from the perspective of scientific argumentation. There is an alternative approach, which is based on using creative writing tools—such as poetry and prose—to learn...
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Racheal E Pesta
The Perception versus the Reality of Crime in the US
August 31, 2018
Subject Area(s):
Criminology/Delinquency
Resource Type(s):
Class Activity
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Medium
Abstract:
This activity is an active learning exercise designed to expose the differences that exist between the perception and the reality of crime. I have used this activity in my Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Criminology, and Introduction to Criminal Justice...
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Ellen M. Whitehead
Exploring Neighborhood Inequality with Census Data
August 29, 2018
Subject Area(s):
Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems
Resource Type(s):
Class Activity
Class Level(s):
College 100
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
This hands-on activity is designed to help students consider neighborhoods as a dimension of inequality, using census data to examine neighborhood characteristics. By selecting specific neighborhoods and variables of interest, developing hypotheses, and interpreting...
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Karen E. Gordon
Sociology of Murder - SOC 210
August 7, 2018
Subject Area(s):
Criminology/Delinquency
Resource Type(s):
Syllabus
Class Level(s):
College 200
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
This course will familiarize students with the sociological perspective of homicide. With specific focus on the United States, throughout this course we will examine homicide offenders and victims, the criminalization of killing, the social and legal landscape of how...
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Rachel Sparkman, A. Logan Clary
A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO INTRODUCING ORAL HISTORIES IN AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
August 7, 2018
Subject Area(s):
Qualitative Methodology
Resource Type(s):
Assessment, Assignment, Audio, Class Activity, PowerPoint
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
This activity and final project assignment incorporates the interactive understanding of social life with the use of a qualitative methodology not commonly found in today’s sociological research: the oral history. While this resource was used for a Rural Sociology...
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Clayton D. Thomas
Weeklong Goffman Workshop: Using Journal Assignments, Lectures, and In-Class Discussions to Teach Impression Management
August 1, 2018
Subject Area(s):
Social Psychology
Resource Type(s):
Assignment, Lecture
Class Level(s):
College 100
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
This activity teaches Goffman’s concepts of definition of the situation, expressions given, expressions given off, deference, demeanor, and face-saving behaviors through a weeklong workshop. The centerpiece of this weeklong workshop is a journaling assignment that...
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Rachel Sullivan
Designing, Conducting, and Reflecting on a Qualitative Interview
July 24, 2018
Subject Area(s):
Research Methods
Resource Type(s):
Assignment
Class Level(s):
College 200
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
This is a two-part interview assignment that can be used when teaching a qualitative methods unit in a research methods class. Students can choose to take either a life history approach with this assignment (by interviewing an older relative) or a more career-focused...
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