Sociology in Action
Cases for Critical and Sociological Thinking
Public Sociology
The book's objective is to help students develop a skill -- their ability to interpret and analyze situations sociologically.
- Development of student skills and their "sociological eyesight" is facilitated through practice using decision cases, relatively short problem-centered narratives that promote critical thinking.
- The book's structure promotes the progressive and incremental development of skills.
Each chapter in Part I begins with a case. The body of each chapter introduces sociological ideas and concepts by using them to analyze the beginning case. Each chapter concludes with another case so that students can practice the specific skills they have acquired in the chapter, using the chapter's "Sociological Eyesight Analysis Guide." Part II contains additional cases, providing more opportunities for students to practice their skills at interpreting situations sociologically, and solving problems.
An instructor's manual is available to qualified adopters of Sociology in Action. To read the Introduction to the instructor's manual or to view a Sample Course Outline, click on "Additional Materials" in the left column under "About This Book."
"That the chapters begin with a case, discuss the case, and end with another case is a most useful structure—one that assists those of us unfamiliar with the process, yet also works for those familiar with cases."
"Using this book will help students gain competency in several areas that are central to the learning goals and outcomes of general education at the baccalaurate level: problem solving, communication, analysis and critical thinking, and perspective. Nothing could be better for introductory sociology today than this innovative text."
Sample Materials & Chapters
Introduction to Instructor's Manual
Instructor's Manual Sample Course Outline