There is the one idea suggested in TS, Spitting and the Social Construction of 
Reality, years back but some students found that hard to deal with so it might 
not be the best idea for the first day. 
Wasn't there at one time a list of "25 first day"  of class ideas? 

>>> Jacqueline Bergdahl <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 05/17/06 9:51 AM >>>

In my intro classes I usually start by going in a few minutes early and
put up the following instructions:

Write down the answers the following questions:

1.  What do you expect to happen in class today?
2.  How do you know I am the instructor for this class?
3.  What makes you think I might not be?

I then leave the room and get my materials and return a few minutes
later.  I start the class by dicussing their answers as an example of
everyday sociology (e.g. seeing patterns, definition of the situation,
taken-for-granted knowledge).  And then I ask them to put their names on
their papers and turn them in. 

I believe I got this from Newman's introductory instructor manual many
years ago.  It makes the students sit up and take notice and I think
sets a good tone for the class.


Jacqueline A. Bergdahl, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Sociology
Wright State University
3640 Colonel Glenn Highway
Dayton, OH 45435

937-775-2272
Fax: 937-775-4228




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