Hi Ray
When I taught at Millikin University (a small Midwestern university), I
switched the course from an upper division 400 level, to a lower division
200 level course. My rationale was based on the observation that every
content area text refers to basic theoretical paradigms and theorists. And
yet, our students seem to repeatedly miss questions on paradigms (e.g.,
functionalism, conflict theory, etc.) and theorists (e.g., Marx, Weber, Du
Bois, Durkheim, etc.). I find this odd, since they hear these constructs
and
theorists, over and over, across all courses.
I believe this happens because the concepts represent abstract knowledge,
until they have been deliberately contextualized. Unfortunately, our
majors
do not routinely take a theory course until late.
I think it better to take the theory course early, rather than later. If
additional emphasis is desired, then a second course in theory would make
sense (or a theory construction course?).
The books I chose to use to introduce theory were:
The Discovery of Society, by Randall Collins and Michael MaKowsky, and
Illuminating Social Life, by Peter Kivisto
I like the way Kivisto's contemporary theories parallel the classical
theories. I framed the course by spending the first half of the semester
reading the classical materials, and then reading the contemporary
examples.
From my perspective, it was like painting a picture, twice (if that makes
sense).
On a related note (albeit not relevant here), I also believe we should
teach
methods earlier, with the explicit focus upon helping students to discern
between good studies and bad. While knowing several different techniques
if
important, too many are ill-prepared to read studies and determine whether
or not the study is good. For example, many of my current students are
submitting literature reviews on a topic of choice. I want them to learn
about methods. However, it appears many simply see numbers, and assume the
article involves research... But that's another topic for another day,
right?
Peace
Robert J. Hironimus-Wendt, Ph.D.
Sociology and Anthropology
Morgan Hall 421
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455-1390
phone: (309) 298-1081
fax: (309) 298-1857
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can,
in all the ways you can, in all the places you can,
at all the times you can, to all the people you can,
as long as ever you can." -- John Wesley
Robert J. Hironimus-Wendt, Ph.D.
Sociology and Anthropology
Morgan Hall 421
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455-1390
phone: (309) 298-1081
fax: (309) 298-1857
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can,
in all the ways you can, in all the places you can,
at all the times you can, to all the people you can,
as long as ever you can." -- John Wesley
-----Original Message-----
From: teachsoc@googlegroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf
Of Ray Muller
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 10:51 AM
To: teachsoc@googlegroups.com
Subject: TEACHSOC: Lower Division Sociological Theory Course
Dear Listserve Members:
Sociological Theory (or Social theory as the case might be) is typically
taught as an upper division requirement for sociology majors. Does anybody
know whether theory is ever taught as a lower divison course, say at the
200
level, as an "Introduction to Sociological Theory? If so what textbooks
would be most appropriate? Our department will be considering adding a
lower
level course to our major line-up (possibly as a required course along
with
the customarily upper divison course) and I would like to provide
department
members with some feedback. In fact, if you (or someone you know) has
actually taught such a course, would you please share your syllabi and
experiences with me?
Thanks, Ray
Ray Muller, Ph.D.
Sociology Department
East Stroudsburg University
570-422-3014 (phone)
570-422-3198 (fax)
