Upcoming CT Events
We have several events taking place in the coming months and more
information from lessons learned in the past. Check them out and
ask us questions. We love hearing from interested folks everywhere!
Brown
Bag Schedule Spring 2004
April 28 @ 11
AM, CUE 512
Julie Kmec, Sociology
"Using the Rubric to Promote Social
Activism and Critical Thinking about Social Inequality"
I use a modified version of the rubric
in my Social Inequality (Sociology 340) course to teach students how to
persuasively argue their point of view on a number of contemporary social
issues. To do this, I ask students to compose letters to various policy makers
in which they explain their view and critique the opposite view of issues such
as recent tax reform and affirmative action in education My intent is not only
to expose students to the nature and consequences of social inequality in the
U.S., but also to inform them how contemporary social policies affect inequality
and to make students socially active and informed citizens. I have found
that when writing letters to policy makers, students are less likely to make
non-sociological statements (e.g., “my friend didn’t get a job because he was
white and the company was looking for a minority hire” or “tax cuts for the rich
are stupid”) than when I am their target audience (e.g., on exams). Moreover, I
have found that using the rubric cuts down on grade complaints.
