Designing foundational sociology courses: purpose, placement, and pedagogical strategies

Jamie Oslawski-Lopez and Nicholas M. Baxter

Chapter 13 in Teaching Introduction to Sociology, 2026, pp 145-156 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: In this chapter, we first situate Ferguson and Carbonaro's (2016) Sociological Literacy Framework in the long-standing debate about the sociological core, reflecting on the purpose of introductory sociology classes. Next, we discuss the curricular placement of introductory sociology courses for sociology programs, colleges and universities, and the discipline more broadly. We then review common variants of introductory sociology courses. In its most common form, an Introduction to Sociology course may survey the field. Some instructors, however, offer Introduction to Sociology with thematic focus. Further, some programs may offer multiple introductory-level courses, perhaps both Introduction to Sociology and Social Problems. We assess the purpose and curricular placement of Social Problems before providing tips on how instructors can create distinctive courses through curriculum mapping, course content, assessments, and teaching methods.

Keywords: Sociological Core; Curricular Placement; Recruitment; Introduction to Sociology; Social Problems; Sociology Literacy Framework (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035355778
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