Cross-Cultural Teaching of Sociology

Abstract

This article suggests that typical American sociology courses require American or Western literacy, which interferes with non-Americans' grasp of the sociological perspective and inadvertently acculturates them. Using the example of teaching sociology on Yap Island in Micronesia, the article illustrates the literacy problem theoretically, substantively, and in classroom interaction. Solutions include the use of a social change perspective and regionally appropriate history, a focus on developing nations, discussion of the ethnocentrism of sociological terminology, and orientation of courses to the students' cultural background. To implement these solutions, sociology instructors need a comparative background and sensitivity to the needs and potential contributions of international and minority students.