I have taught this introductory survey course to large groups
ranging from 75 to 120 students. In the classroom, I use
structured class discussions to promote student engagement,
assign in-class writing on weekly readings, utilize small groups
to involve even the most reserved students in class activities,
and bring research and media familiar to students' lives as a
way of illustrating key sociological concepts. I often
incorporate my own research on collegiate cultures to
demonstrate both how to do research and ways that sociology
intersects with their own worlds. . In this introductory course,
we will explore what it means to do sociology. One of the most
exciting things about sociology is that you can study anything
from a sociological perspective. Therefore, this class will
cover a variety of diverse issues including but not limited to
race, class, gender, deviance, religion, and politics.
Throughout the semester we will look at how these topics relate
to current social issues. Most importantly, students