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Start Over Topic sociology Publication Type Book Reviews Journal chronicle of higher education
13 results

1. We May Not Be as Lonely as Sociologists Once Thought

Author

Glenn, David

Abstract

In the summer of 2006, several major news outlets gave prominent coverage to a sociological study with a grim message: Americans' social isolation had increased radically since the 1980s. Whereas in 1985, Americans reported that, on average, they had 2.94 friends or family members with whom they discussed important matters, by 2004 that number had dropped to 2.08. Those findings startled the study's authors, who are sociologists at Cornell University, Duke University, and the University of Arizona. Claude S. Fischer, a professor of sociology at the University of California at Berkeley who was an early pioneer in the study of social isolation, posted a working paper that argues that the study shouldn't be relied upon. Mr. Fischer speculates that something must have gone wrong in the collection or coding of the study's data. Mr. Fisher believes that the problems with the data are effects caused by the respondents' exhaustion with the survey.

Published
2008

2. One of Sociology's Most Influential Scholars

Abstract

Robert N. Bellah turns 80 early next year, and Duke University Press is honoring him with "The Robert Bellah Reader," edited by Bellah, an emeritus professor of sociology at the University of California at Berkeley, and Steven M. Tipton, a professor of sociology at Emory University. The book, just published, presents a selection of Bellah's work over the last 50 years, along with a new introductory essay he has written about his career. Long one of sociology's most influential scholars, Bellah helped revive the study of religion in his discipline; provided a way to think about "civil religion" and the sacred beliefs that Americans, regardless of their particular religious affiliation, hold about their nation; and challenged them, in "Habits of the Heart" and "The Good Society," written with Tipton and several colleagues, to rise above the isolation of individualism and focus on what makes them a community. This article presents a selection from the introduction to the reader and comments from three noted scholars (Alan Wolfe, Wilfred M. McClay, and Jean Bethke Elshtain) that indicate Bellah's work continues to evolve, and it continues to spark interest and debate.

Published
2006

3. 'Play Between Worlds: Exploring Online Game Culture'.

Author

Ayoub, Nina C.

Subjects
*MASSIVELY multiplayer online role-playing games, *SOCIOLOGY, *FANTASY (Psychology), *EVERQUEST (Game)
Abstract

The article discusses an academic paper written by T.L. Taylor entitled "Play Between Worlds: Exploring Online Game Culture." The paper presents a study of the massively multiplayer online game EverQuest, analyzing the social systems at work among those who play the game, and how they affect interactions within the game.

Published
2006

4. Sociology in China Experiences Rebirth After Years of Government Suppression.

Author

Winkler, Karen J.

Subjects
CONFERENCES & conventions, SOCIOLOGY, SOCIOLOGISTS
Abstract

The article presents information on the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association in San Antonio, Texas, where two sociologists from the People's Republic of China presented a paper on a 1983 survey of 1,000 households in Tianjin, China which showed a sign of the rebirth of sociology in china. The participation of sociologists Wang Hui and Pan Yuankang reflected the intellectual exchange between China and the U.S.

Published
1984

5. Sociology Called 'Derelict' In Duty to Undergraduates.

Author

Scully, Malcolm G.

Subjects
SOCIOLOGY, MEETINGS
Abstract

The article reports that sociology was being accused of being "grossly derelict in a paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association held in Boston, Massachusetts. University of Iowa associate professor Hallowell Pope issued a called for greatly increased research on methods of teaching sociology to undergraduates.

Published
1968

7. The Digital Wisdom of Richard Sennett.

Author

Vaidhyanathan, Siva

Subjects
DIGITAL technology, SOCIOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY of technology, TECHNOLOGY & society, TECHNOLOGY & civilization
Abstract

The article presents a profile of the public sociologist and digital theorist Richard Sennett. An overview of Sennett's work on the social constructions of technology in the 21st century and their impact on communication and human relationships is provided. Several book titles published by Sennett are reviewed and summarized, highlighting his analysis of digital networking and the formation of modern culture. Connections between Sennett and media and communication scholar Gabriella Coleman are also discussed.

Published
2008

8. Toward Sociology as a Science, Maybe.

Author

Kemper, Theodore D.

Subjects
SOCIOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY education, MASTER of arts degree, HIGHER education
Abstract

Discusses the underdevelopment of sociology as a science and presents proposals designed to curb autonomy and build theory in the profession. Formulation of research agendas; Suggestion that the master of sociology thesis replicate an existing piece of research; Benefits of encouraging dissertations to be continuations of previous work rather than original ideas.

Published
2000

9. Auburn U. Settles With Professor Who Handed Out Easy Grades to Athletes.

Author

Wasley, Paula

Subjects
COLLEGE athletes, GRADING of students, COLLEGE teachers, SOCIOLOGY, ATHLETES, SUPERVISED study, EDUCATION
Abstract

Auburn University has settled its dispute with a tenured professor concerning grades given to students in "directed reading" courses that were viewed as too high. The university will end dismissal proceedings against Thomas A. Petee, a sociology professor and former chairman of the sociology department, who was thought to have given high grades to students, including many student athletes. Under the terms of the settlement, Petee will retain his tenured professorship and an annual salary of about $90,000, but will not return to the classroom, according to the article.

Published
2007

10. Science From a Feminist Standpoint.

Author

Risman, Barbara J.

Subjects
SOCIOLOGY, SOCIAL sciences, SOCIOLOGISTS, FEMINISM, SOCIAL scientists, SOCIAL movements
Abstract

Presents the author's view on sociology. Belief that sociology was the best way to change the world; Commitment of the sociologists to engagement with the world; Reference to his passion for sociology as well as for feminism.

Published
2005

11. SYLLABUS.

Author

Nichols, Kendra

Subjects
HIGHER education, SCHOOL field trips, FIELDWORK (Educational method), COMMUNITIES, BOOKS, SOCIOLOGY
Abstract

Presents ideas concerning higher education. Purpose of the field trips undergone by sociology students at Illinois Wesleyan University; Comment from a student on the lesson she learned from interacting with people in the community; Sociology books read by students.

Published
2004

12. SYLLABUS.

Author

Cessato, Bill

Subjects
SEMINARS, NINETEEN seventies, SOCIAL history, SOCIOLOGY, WHEELING Jesuit College (Wheeling, W. Va.)
Abstract

Details the content of the seminar titled "The Seventies -- More Than an In-Between Decade" at the Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia. Comments from C. James Goodwin, a professor of psychology and coordinator for the seminar; Reading list for the seminar.

Published
2004

13. Life in the Fast Lane.

Author

Abramsky, Sasha

Subjects
EXPRESS highways, SOCIAL acceptance, SOCIAL psychology, SOCIOLOGY
Abstract

Focuses on the social acceptance of freeways in California. Discussion on freeways as a symbol of U.S. individualism, potent youth culture and the economy of private affluence; Value of the state's freeway infrastructure; Details on how freeways modify behavior of residents.

Published
2003