COURSE DESIGN CASE STUDY
Introduction to Sociology
Online asynchronous course · Canvas & Moodle
Designed to help students move beyond memorizing sociological concepts and begin using sociology as a way of interpreting everyday life.
A Guided Course Architecture
Every module follows the same learning sequence, giving students a predictable path while moving them from orientation and curiosity to application and reflection.
AI as an Object of Analysis
A culminating assessment uses AI to personalize the starting case while keeping the intellectual work with the student: critique assumptions, identify what is missing, and explain the situation sociologically.
Design Principles
Prepare
Orient
Activate
Notice
Demonstrate
Apply
Articulate
Reflect
Selected Design Features
From Everyday Experience to Sociological Thinking
Students begin by noticing a social pattern, encounter disciplinary concepts and examples, apply those ideas to an ambiguous question, and conclude by reflecting on how their interpretation changed.
Predictability: consistent structures reduce navigation and decision burden.
Active application: students use concepts to interpret real social situations.
Accessibility: multiple representations, accessible media, clear headings, and plain-language guidance are built into the course.
Alignment: activities and assessments repeatedly return students to disciplinary learning outcomes.
Navigate
Explore
Guided & Accessible Content
Readings, media, and applied examples are curated with short prompts explaining why each resource matters and what students should notice, turning navigation into part of the learning process.
Reflection as Evidence of Learning
Students repeatedly explain their reasoning, make connections across contexts, and engage peer perspectives. Reflection is built into the graded course structure rather than added at the end.
RECOGNITION
2026 Instructure Academic Excellence Award
Outstanding Course