Oppression, Power, Inequality: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Document Type

Article

Department or Administrative Unit

Sociology

Publication Date

1-2001

Abstract

There are at least two preferred outcomes for students taking sociology courses dealing with race, class, gender, and sexual orientation. These include heightening student awareness of the issues and the dynamics of inequality. Both outcomes initiate active engagement with the structures and institutions of society. All too often, however, apathy, cynicism, and helplessness characterize student responses to such courses. A solution to this problem is to structure an interdisciplinary course using not only a sociological paradigm, but also paradigms of English and art. This yearlong course develops the individual student's ability to recognize and generate a deep appreciation of multiple perspectives (including their own), and helps them acquire critical assessment skills. I recommend here an array of resources for teaching about resistance and change while establishing an understanding of the existence and causes of inequality in American society. Included in this battery of resources are readings, mainstream and alternative video media, Internet exchanges, student-produced videos, issue-oriented student writing, and class discussions.

Comments

This article was originally published in Teaching Sociology. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.

Due to copyright restrictions, this article is not available for free download from ScholarWorks @ CWU.

Journal

Teaching Sociology

Rights

eaching Sociology © 2001 American Sociological Association

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