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: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ray Muller Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 10:51 AM To: [email protected] 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)
