Not every student who takes an introductory sociology course plans to pursue a degree in the subject. For many, it may be the only sociology class they take during their college education.
Recognizing the importance of that experience, College of Western Idaho (CWI) Professor of Sociology, Charles Dickinson, is sharing his teaching approach with educators across the country through a newly published chapter in the book Teaching Introduction to Sociology.
The book brings together sociology educators to share teaching strategies, address common classroom challenges, and explore ways to make introductory courses more meaningful for students. It offers practical guidance on teaching key sociology concepts, connecting coursework to students' academic and career goals, and supporting a variety of learning needs.
His chapter, “Designing Introduction to Sociology for One-and-Done Students: General Education and Beyond,” examines how introductory courses can better serve students who are taking sociology to fulfill general education or other degree requirements.
According to Dickinson, more than 95% of students enrolled in introductory sociology courses are not sociology majors, and most will never take another sociology class. He refers to these students as “one-and-done” students.
Rather than treating an introduction to sociology course as a starting point for future sociology majors, Dickinson encourages educators to design courses around the needs of the students most likely to take them.
Dickinson was invited to contribute to the book after the editor became familiar with his previously published research in Teaching Sociology, a peer-reviewed academic journal. He spent a year researching and writing the chapter, drawing heavily on his experience teaching at CWI.
Having taught Introduction to Sociology (SOC 101) many times, Dickinson based much of his chapter on his classroom experiences. He includes examples of assignments he has used with CWI students and examines how Idaho's general education standards align with the Sociological Literacy Framework, which outlines the key concepts and skills students should gain from studying sociology.
“As a community college professor, publication opportunities are rare,” Dickinson said. “I have published in a prestigious peer-reviewed journal and now a chapter in an edited monograph. From a professional standpoint this chapter is my pinnacle achievement.”
