TEACHSOC: Re: Sociological Theory Assignments and Activities

[Del Thomas Ph D]

Jay, Tina and all, Small group exercises allow for the use of different learning styles as well as intelligences.  I use them to introduce thought experiments as well....  but these variations and the content are less important than the active learning that will take place.   Caveat While some try to overcome the blind indifference of the universe/nature.... to me that is a true level playing field..... no racism.. I would like to introduce a nasty problem/question or two that have been attached to theory and to science.  IMO these questions are part of the division between the mechanical and the organic the creationist and the naturalist.   Creationists manufacture/construct things which they adopt that are placed between nature and the observer.  There are claims that this it to protect us from the blind indifference of nature.  Things like the mind serve as proxy for the brain.  They remain committed and do not adapt to new information on nature.  Mead would likely adapt the mind to the brain if he was with us now. The atomic theory (s) is not questioned  but the  Darwin theory is.  However,  Darwin is questioned  mainly when it has to do with humans.  Both atomic and evolution have what could be called gaps.  Yet there are claims that Darwin's is just theory..... read that as opinion.  Darwin's opinion.   We need to find a method of clarifying the meaning of the term theory and the existence of the natural world. Fear of the s word. " I think that sociologists who claim to be 'scientists' are full of ..........." There are increasing attacks on science and social science.   I have found that due to no fault of their own  many of  those who make these attacks have a weak or no background in calculus, physics, biology, etc.  On of the parents in our panel said. " my daughter doesn't need to understand math she's going to be a therapist" It is reported that students in a graduate human services program were allowed to graduate despite boycotting  the required stat course.  The boycott lasted several years. Personalization of knowledge "Durkheim is wrong minded" Durkheim is mechanical.Mead and Skinner are both mechanical Despite the claims of some of my students to the contrary I have not met Durkheim or Mead.  I did meet and talk to Skinner the former English major from Scranton.   I was an enthusiastic sophomore, young artist fresh from a debate with Margaret Mead asked him where was the place for art in his Walden II? He said in effect that all of the creativity...etc. in a work of art was not changed in any way because of his analysis/report of learning.   He also knew that artists were among the first scientists.   I used his response many years later with a client who feared a psychological test he had to take during a custody dispute. Evolution, anomie and learning do not reside in Darwin, Durkheim or Skinner.  They and many others report that our thinking, behavior and even our bodies are shaped by the environment. Can we say fast food and obesity? :-) Del Howard, Jay R wrote:   I have always found Kathleen Lowney’s jigsaw puzzle activity to be a great way to introduce students of all ability levels to the importance and utility of theory.  I divide the class into small groups and have a competition to see which group can put together a jigsaw puzzle the fastest.   (1) Students given all pieces of 100 piece jigsaw puzzle except the borders, told to work on the puzzle with pieces upside down and without a picture to follow.  (I have my children help me separate the puzzles at home the day before.)   (2) Give students border pieces & still keeping pieces upside down, continue working.   (3) Allow students to turn pieces right side up, continue working   (4) Supply the picture on the box, finish puzzle.    Talk through experience.  What strategies did use at each step?  (How did students try to form a “theory” to make sense of the pieces of data?) Note how borders, colors, and picture serve as a “frame” (theory) that allows students to organize and make sense of seeming disconnected pieces.  Pieces are “data.  Border/Picture are “frames,” like theory, they help us make sense of and organize data/experience in society.   Source:  Kathleen S. Lowney.  1998.  “Reducing ‘Theory Anxiety” Through Puzzles.”  Teaching Sociology 26:69-73.   Students have fun with it as often a member of one team will try to steal a puzzle piece or two from another team, taunt and trash talk other teams, etc.  I get into the act by asking why students are having so much trouble and taking so long.  After all the box says “For ages 8 and up.”  This teasing causes them to point out how they have nothing (no theory) to guide them in assembling the puzzle (the data), etc.   Lowney’s exercise really helps them see why “there is nothing as practical as a good theory.”   Jay Jay Howard Professor of Sociology Head Division of Liberal Arts Deputy Editor, Teaching Sociology IUPUC 4601 Central Avenue Tel: 812.348.7270 Columbus, IN 47203-1769 Fax: 812.348.7370 www.iupuc.edu Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus   From: teachsoc@googlegroups.com [mailto:teachsoc@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Tina Deshotels Sent: Friday, June 30, 2006 8:59 AM To: 'Anne Eisenberg'; teachsoc@googlegroups.com Subject: TEACHSOC: Re: Sociological Theory Assignments and Activities   Good question, Anne.    What activities/assignments do you use to make theory applicable and accessible to a diverse group of students?    The trouble I have is that I have some students that can barely read/write and some that are top notch.  I also have a pretty large class (35).  So, I’m thinking to accomplish my goal of applicability I have to work hard at making the readings/ideas accessible.   Tina   PS thanks for pushing me to clarify my question.    From: teachsoc@googlegroups.com [mailto:teachsoc@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Anne Eisenberg Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 3:57 PM To: Tina Deshotels; teachsoc@googlegroups.com Subject: TEACHSOC: Re: Sociological Theory Assignments and Activities   Hi, Tina -   The ASA has a wonderful course guide book on theory.   It all depends on what you want to accomplish in the classroom - perhaps you can provide a bit more information?   Anne F. Eisenberg Assistant Professor Department of Sociology SUNY-Geneseo 123D Sturges Hall Geneseo, NY  14454 585.245.5447 ----- Original Message ----- From: Tina Deshotels To: teachsoc@googlegroups.com Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 4:12 PM Subject: TEACHSOC: Sociological Theory Assignments and Activities   I’m teaching Sociological Theory in the fall and hoping the list will give me some input on assignments and activities.    I’m using Ritzer’s Contemporary Sociological Theory and Its Classical Roots,  and Supplementing it with Lengermann and Niebruggge-Brantley’s “The Women Founders: Sociological And Social Theory 1830-1920” and Lemert’s Social Theory The Multicultural and Classical Readings.    Thanks for all any advice!! Tina         Tina Deshotels, PhD Assistant Professor of Sociology Department of Sociology 326 Brewer Hall Jacksonville State University Jacksonville Alabama Office Phone:  256-782-5350 Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]     --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Teaching Sociology" group. To post to this group, send email to teachsoc@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/teachsoc -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---