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All TRAILS Resources
All TRAILS Resources
May 31, 2023

Browse the entire collection of TRAILS resources here.

Maureen K. Day
How Social Capital Affects Resource Sharing
February 28, 2016
Subject Area(s):
Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems
Resource Type(s):
Class Activity
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
This is a fun, in-class activity that teaches students the ways social capital affects resource distribution. It is best done after students have been exposed, either through reading or lectures, to the idea of social capital. It does not teach them about social...
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Stephanie Medley-Rath
Considerations For Selecting Open Education and Open Access Readings
February 24, 2016
Subject Area(s):
Teaching and Learning in Sociology
Resource Type(s):
Essay
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
Textbook costs are increasing. Students opt to get through a course without the textbook to save money. Faculty recognizing this challenge might consider free alternatives to the conventional textbook to save students money and increase the likelihood of students...
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Jessica R West
Intersectionality and Intimate Partner Violence: An Interactive Activity to Assess Prior Knowledge
February 24, 2016
Subject Area(s):
Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems
Resource Type(s):
Assessment
Class Level(s):
College 100
Class Size(s):
Medium
Abstract:
Using an intersectional lens, this activity aims to assess student’s preconceived knowledge of intimate partner violence prior to covering this topic in class through the use of audience response systems, such as live polls. The anonymity of the poll will allow for a...
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Brett Lehman
An early semester exercise to promote the application of social conditions and the development of a sociological imagination for introductory students in large classes
February 24, 2016
Subject Area(s):
Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems
Resource Type(s):
Assignment
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Large
Abstract:
This exercise involves giving students an opportunity to introduce themselves to their classmates through short presentations during one class period at the beginning of the semester. Students are instructed to apply the concepts of social conditions and the...
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Sarah D'Onofrio
Using "The House I Live In" to Understand Structural Strain Theory
February 18, 2016
Subject Area(s):
Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems
Resource Type(s):
Assignment
Class Level(s):
College 100
Class Size(s):
Medium
Abstract:
This assignment uses the documentary "The House I Live In" to help students understand the strain faced by impoverished communities of color. Students are encouraged to think critically about the War on Drugs and its role in the growth of mass incarceration. The...
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Erin K Anderson
Doing Sociology - An exercise in applying research methods for sociology
February 18, 2016
Subject Area(s):
Research Methods
Resource Type(s):
Assignment, Class Activity
Class Level(s):
College 100
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
This set of prompts has been used in an Introduction to Sociology course to conclude the text chapter/lectures on research methods. After spending several class sessions talking about the various methods sociologists use to conduct research, as well as the pros and...
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Danielle M Giffort
Teaching Healthcare Students How to Think Sociologically
February 5, 2016
Subject Area(s):
Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems
Resource Type(s):
Assignment, Class Activity
Class Level(s):
College 100
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
This in-class activity and assignment builds on Adam’s (2010) exercise on the differences between sociological and non-sociological explanations for human behavior but with a focus on healthcare students. As sociology becomes increasingly integrated into the...
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Brandon Bosch
Sociology of Mass Media
February 3, 2016
Subject Area(s):
Mass Communication/Public Opinion
Resource Type(s):
Syllabus
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
This class will focus on mass media representations of gender, race, class, and politics, as well as the cultural, legal, economic, and institutional factors influencing the production of media texts. We will also discuss the ways in which media audiences (not just...
Cover Page Requires Subscription DOCX
Stephanie Medley-Rath
OPEN ACCESS AND OPEN EDUCATION RESOURCES READING LIST FOR INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
January 25, 2016
Subject Area(s):
Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems
Resource Type(s):
Bibliography
Class Level(s):
College 100
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
This document provides the detailed reading list of open education and open access materials used in an Introduction to Sociology course. The course is divided into 13 topical modules. Under each module, readers will find the learning goals for the module and under...
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Nikhilendu Deb
Why People Get Married: Marriage and Social Class
January 20, 2016
Subject Area(s):
Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems
Resource Type(s):
Class Activity
Class Level(s):
College 100
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
In this activity, students are asked why people get married or create families. Instructor assigns students to groups of three or four and have them discuss their answers before sharing them with the entire class. To inform students’ sociological thinking, they will...
Cover Page Requires Subscription DOCX

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