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Course Topics - Society

On Content

What are some of the changes happening in your discipline that you find particularly interesting?

One of the areas in my discipline is social change. This subfield studies how societies change over time, whether it be planned or unplanned social change. So, I am focusing on models and theories of change.

What will you focus on with the students?

I am doing an overview of the definition of social change, models of how societies change over time and ideologies that underline all changes. I am also using the family as an example of the changes that have taken place during three specific historical eras.

What do you want them to learn about your field?

That change is not chaotic, that there is an orderly pattern to social change, that there are theories on how change happens, including an incremental approach as well as four or five other models. I am also teaching about various ideologies like conservatism, liberalism, socialism that pervade all change that happens in a society. Then I am going through family life in the US through the eras of the “family based economy, “the family wage economy,” and the “family consumer economy.” I will be teaching about family life in the US, as well as other parts of the globe.

On Pedagogy and Collaboration

University 222 presents many opportunities for the campus, faculty, and students, from the GMC venue to the class size, from your collaboration as deans to the subject matter itself.

Given all of the above, what pedagogies will you employ to engage students and achieve your learning objectives?

I have already taught two out of my four classes and have done power points, assigned readings, and small group discussion with students talking to their neighbor, based on prompts I supply. I also wander the auditorium and ask students questions about what I am teaching; I ask for examples in their own lives and what changes in society they have seen in their own lives. I have used music and YouTube clips to illustrate the points that I am making.

What’s it like teaching to 750 students?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the classes so far. It is energizing and exhausting at the same time. The students are attentive and participatory; they are all in their seats by 8 am ready to work! It is a joy to be in that classroom. I have taught 700 students before but none as involved and interested as these students are.

In a broad sense, what opportunities are you excited about out of this class?

I am excited about the opportunity to reach 760 students; I love helping them become change agents in their worlds, helping them be conscious of the world around them and aware of their responsibility as engaged global citizens.