TEACHSOC: Re: Out-of-class reading assignments and field trips

[Nijole Benokraitis]

Kelly:    I don't have a "solid list of sociology books for high school students" but would recommend Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed, Squires' Why the Poor Pay More, and Dye's Who's Running America? (2nd ed). All are related to social class (and very readable), but you may be looking for a broader list. It's interesting...To my knowledge, the ASA doesn't have a list for high school teachers and students, but certainly should. If I'm wrong, I'm sure that some of the TeachSoc subscribers will set me straight.   In terms of social class/stratification and field trips...One of my colleagues (now retired) used to take his students on a neighborhood tour of Baltimore neighborhoods--from the inner city slums (and adjacent to our "glittering" Inner Harbor) to the affluent neighborhoods to the north of the city. I understand they tromped up and down several alleys between row houses, spoke to some of the residents sitting on stoops, and dodged rats and piles of garbage. This trip alone made such an impression that his Cultural Anthropology course always had a huge waiting list.   I've taken my students on field trips to our state penitentiary and jail and, most recently, to our women's prison in Jessup, MD. The latter was exceptionally memorable, but it took a while to organize unless you can find someone to cut through some of the administrative red tape.    Speaking of red tape, I bet there are parents at Deerfield High School who work in historical societies, political offices, state and local tourist bureaus, etc. who'd be delighted to help you organize a field trip. I'm shamelessly self-serving in having our Alum Office contact all kinds of influential pro bono speakers and other "facilitators" who are always more than willing to assist me in some my teaching-related ventures. I've always been very impressed with their generosity. So, use the resources most of us usually overlook in teaching.   You might also consider having your students do "projects" on social class-related issues/problems. In some of my courses, for example, I require students to spend about 40 hours during the semester (as a volunteer, not an observer) at a homeless shelter, food pantry, soup kitchen, low-income middle school (especially as math and reading tutors), non-profit literacy organization, etc. Initially, many of the students grumble and come close to mutiny because they all have part-time (and even full-time) jobs, carry heavy teaching loads, take evening classes, and many have family responsibilities. I'm always amazed, however, that so many not only turn in wonderful papers based on the projects, but are also very creative (e.g., using photos, videos, and incorporating some interviews). Some continue the volunteer work after the semester has ended. Anyway, this is just an option you might think about.   niki __________________________________________ Nijole (Niki) Benokraitis, Ph.D.,  Professor of Sociology University of Baltimore, 1420 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201 Fax: 410-837-6051; Voicemail: 410-837-5294 [EMAIL PROTECTED]   ----- Original Message ----- From: Kelly Sloot To: teachsoc@googlegroups.com Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 12:17 PM Subject: TEACHSOC: Out-of-class reading assignments and field trips Hello-   I am a new high school sociology teacher and would like to put together a reading list of fiction and/or non-fiction books related to sociology for a semester reading assignment. My students are seniors in high school and most are of an average reading ability.  I was wondering if anyone had a solid list of sociology books for high school students or an assignment similar to what I am looking for.  If so, I would greatly appreciate some ideas or help.   I also would like to put together a field-trip related to social class and stratification.  I know that some teachers take students on a field-trip that tours neighborhoods of different social classes (such as within the city of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs).  Does anyone do a similar field trip or something better and if so, how does it actually work?    If anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it and thank you ahead of time.   Kelly Sloot Deerfield High School 1959 N. Waukegan Road Deerfield, IL  60015 [EMAIL PROTECTED]