Communication Conventions in Sociology

 

Effective communication in sociology involves learning 5 sets of skills:

1. the vocabulary of the discipline
2. how to read original scholarly work
3. how to do sociological research
4. how to present sociological ideas in written form
5. how to present sociological ideas in oral form

 

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1.      Vocabulary:

Students are introduced to the basic vocabulary of the discipline in Sociology 101.  They learn additional vocabulary and deepen their understanding of concepts in 200-level courses as they practice using those concepts to think sociologically.  In the 300- and 400-level courses, they learn to use sociological vocabulary in a more professional way.

 

2.      Reading Scholarly Work:

In all Sociology 101 sections, students read original scholarly work and are introduced to how to read research reports.  The 200-level expands some of this knowledge in relation to specific topics.  It is the 300-level courses (two-semester sequences in both theory and research methods), however, that deal in depth with how to read scholarly work in sociology.  In the theory sequence, the focus is on reading and critiquing sociological arguments and explanations.  In the research methods sequence, the focus is on learning the architecture of a research report and understanding both methods of research and modes of analysis.

 

3.      Research:

In Sociology 101, students are introduced to the place of empirical research in sociology.  In addition, all sections require some kind of student research.  In most 200-level courses, students write research papers, which may focus on finding library resources in sociology or may also include original data-gathering and analysis.  At the 300-level, students take a two-semester sequence that focuses on methods of research.  In the 300-level theory sequence, they develop an in-depth understanding of the relationship between theory and research.  In Sociology 400 (the capstone course), students consolidate their understanding of theory and research and carry out an original research project.

 

4.      Written Presentation:

All courses in sociology require extensive writing.  Sociology 101 courses use a variety of writing assignments.  All 200-level courses also include writing assignments, often in the form of term papers.  Students typically receive considerable feedback on their writing efforts, often in the form of comments on first drafts.  In the 300-level courses, students learn a more professional style of writing, and faculty also insist that they properly use the American Sociological Review citation style.  Students write a professional research report at the 400 level. 

 

5.      Oral Presentation:

Students in sociology learn oral presentation primarily by doing it.  All courses include a significant emphasis on student discussion, requiring students to articulate sociological ideas.  In some 200- and 300-level courses, students are responsible for in-class presentations.  All 400-level students do formal presentations of their own research.