Lesson Plan: Using a Theoretical Text as a Lens
Sociology
Objective
This exercise is intended to show students how theoretical frameworks can be deployed as "lenses" through which to talk about particular research questions and historical cases.
Total Estimated Time
35-40 minutes
Work Completed Before Class
The instructor selects an introductory section from two distinct journal articles. These pieces should take contrasting approaches to framing their argument. One article should use a case to explore a particular theoretical proposition, while the other should use theorized concepts to explain a case. The students are asked to read these sections before the class session.
In Class
Step 1: Instructor gives a brief lecture on identifying and deploying a “lens”.
Step 2: Working in groups of three or four students are asked to answer the following questions in relation to each text:
- In one or two sentences explain each author’s main argument.
- On what theories or key concepts does each author rely?
- To what data or case(s) does each author apply these theories/concepts?
- What is the relationship between theory and data in each paper? How does this relationship relate to the primary aim of each paper?
- Who might be interested in reading each of these papers? Are there any differences in the audiences?
Step 3: The students engage in a larger group discussion, comparing and contrasting their different responses. They also are asked how they would evaluate each of these approaches and what criteria they might use.
Developed at Brandeis University through a grant from the Davis Educational Foundation
Faculty Spotlight
"Writing is not only something to be taught reactively through feedback on drafts, but also proactively using exercises that help students think critically about the choices they will make when constructing papers."
Professor David Cunningham