Bringing Sociology Back in: Conveying the Sociological Imagination in a Changing Undergraduate Climate

Abstract

This article addresses several important issues relevant to teaching introductory' sociology in a changing climate of student vocationalism and additional pressures on faculty to recruit sociology majors. First, the core of sociology is identified. Then several exercises, which parallel significant substantive and research problems, are suggested. Finally, this article argues that introductory sociology courses should turn their attention to changing employment demands and students' job market needs by focusing on those substantive and methodological skills that the field of sociology can offer during the undergraduate