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TRAILS Featured Resources
TRAILS Featured Resources
October 13, 2021

TRAILS, the Teaching Resources and Innovation Library for Sociology, provides thousands of pedagogical tools on a wide range of sociological topics, for all class levels. Our collection of resources continues to grow in size and topical content and is a great place for you to publish your own teaching resources. TRAILS Featured Resources highlights some of the library's timely and innovative resources that would be great additions to your teaching toolkit.

TRAILS logo with gold star superimposed on the lower right corner. Logo is composed of four vertical bars in varying shades of blue.
A vintage typewriter
Ellen Meiser
Theoretical Script Writing: A creative project for social theory courses
September 23, 2022
Subject Area(s):
Teaching and Learning in Sociology, Theory
Resource Type(s):
Assessment, Assignment, Class Activity
Class Level(s):
Advanced Graduate, Any Level, College 200, College 300, College 400, Graduate, High School
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:

“Theoretical Script Writing” is a final assignment for undergraduate sociological theory courses that encourages the application of concepts learned over the course of a semester to modern day social issues using students’ creativity. Upon learning about...

Cover Page
Magnifying Glass
Judith Linneman
The Claim Game: Promoting Critical Thinking about Research, Advertising, and Other Claims
September 13, 2022
Subject Area(s):
Research Methods, Statistics
Resource Type(s):
Lecture, PowerPoint
Class Level(s):
College 100, College 200, College 300
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:

Use this lecture/slide show to develop student critical thinking skills and a more skeptical view of causal and other claims in research, advertising, and popular media in general. Although particularly relevant for research methods and statistics courses, the...

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Caped figures in silhouette
Zach Rubin
Stats Through Superheroes: Teaching Basic Statistical Tests Using Data From The Marvel Universe
September 13, 2022
Subject Area(s):
Other, Quantitative Methodology, Research Methods, Teaching and Learning in Sociology
Resource Type(s):
Assignment, Class Activity
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:

This is a brief lesson on how to run basic statistical tests using data originally gathered from the Marvel Comics Wikia page. Students are introduced to three important tools in statistics: a descriptive table, a contingency table, and a regression. It is...

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A student shakes hands with a man in a tie at a networking event.
Mary Virnoche
A Resume Assignment Highlighting Experiences and Skills of Sociology Students
September 13, 2022
Abstract:

This submission includes resume assignment details and resources used in a required, one-unit Sociology Professional Development Seminar. This submission includes a rubric to support development of the resume as well as the (peer) review process. The rubric...

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An outline of a dog painted on a wall.
Maria Scaptura
FX on Hulu’s “Reservation Dogs”: Putting Criminological Theory in Action
March 24, 2022
Subject Area(s):
Criminology/Delinquency, Deviant Behavior/Social Disorganization
Resource Type(s):
Assignment, Essay
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:

“Reservation Dogs” is a 2021 comedy series on Hulu (created by FX) featuring four indigenous teenagers trying to make it out of their rural town on a reservation in Oklahoma. In their efforts to make it to California, the teenagers—Elora, Bear, Cheese and Willie...

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Chelsea A Platt
Conferred Dominance in the Built Environment- A Campus Accessibility Activity
September 30, 2021
Subject Area(s):
Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems
Resource Type(s):
Class Activity
Class Level(s):
College 100
Class Size(s):
Small
Abstract:
This activity builds on Peggy McIntosh’s discussion and reflection on privilege through interactive learning. The concept of “privilege” is a foundational term to understand power and the reproduction of social inequalities for introductory and lower level sociology...
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Trenton G Ellis
Teaching Social Mobility Using a Virtual Field Experience that Combines a Podcast with Google Maps
August 13, 2021
Subject Area(s):
Stratification/Mobility
Resource Type(s):
Assignment
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
Combining a podcast episode with Google Maps, this assignment is a virtual field experience designed for learning about social mobility as it manifests in the lives of poor children in the United States. Specifically, the assignment encourages students to evaluate...
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Victoria Kurdyla
Using film analysis to apply and evaluate criminological theory
July 8, 2021
Subject Area(s):
Criminology/Delinquency
Resource Type(s):
Assignment
Class Level(s):
College 300
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
While research papers have been an invaluable assignment in sociology and criminology courses, this assignment combines sociological research with film and television analysis to apply criminological theories and concepts. Pelton (2013) argued for using film analysis...
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Deeb Paul Kitchen
Analyzing Seinfeld using Symbolic Interactionism
July 1, 2021
Subject Area(s):
Theory
Resource Type(s):
Class Activity
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
The theoretical paradigm of symbolic interaction has the potential to resonate with students because they can apply it to their everyday lives and to specific social exchanges. However, due to the abstract nature of theory, students may struggle to understand the...
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Jamie Oslawski-Lopez
Analyzing Social Stratification and Inequality in The Hunger Games (2012) Film: Presentation and Reflection Assignment
July 1, 2021
Subject Area(s):
Stratification/Mobility
Resource Type(s):
Assignment
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Any
Abstract:
I utilize the film The Hunger Games (2012) in my upper-level, Social Stratification course to engage students, help students understand course material, provide an opportunity for students to practice using their sociological imaginations, and develop students'...
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