Peer Review

Sociological Images

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Reviewed:: Feb 18, 2013 by Sociology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: Gwen Sharp and Lisa Wade have created a rich site that strongly encourages us to develop our sociological imaginations by presenting brief discussions of timely and compelling imagery, spanning the breadth of sociological inquiry. For instructors, the website offers class-appropriate readings by way of a collection of posts organized in a way that follows standard syllabi for frequently taught sociology courses. There are trigger warnings on some of the images and visuals to alert viewers to use discretion. The site is constantly updated with news and events. The website is neatly organized with clear subheadings; visitors can also submit images, access archives, and subscribe via RSS, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and a Pinterest link, which provides access to a quick overview of SocImages and to some embedded videos.
Type of Material:: This is a collection of visual images, and includes relevant posts, commentary, and assignments about them. The site can be used as a supplement for teaching most any standard sociology course.
Recommended Uses:: Use in classroom and online instruction to generate discussion, augment course content, team assignments, and homework. This site also would be a useful resource for instructors in preparing lectures.
Technical Requirements:: Any standard browser; appropriate software such as Java and Flash may be needed for some posts.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: Sociological Images encourages critical thinking and sociological discussion around given photos, illustrations, graphs, and videos.
Target Student Population:: Materials found at the site could be used in high school, undergraduate, and graduate sociology classes.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Instructors will likely need to help students new to the discipline in providing interpretations of images and commentary.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: This is an excellent site packed with images, videos, brief articles, and discussions, having wide application across the sociology curriculum.
Concerns:: A few links to materials were broken.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: The site offers effective visuals which can be used to get the point across quickly for learners. The images may well encourage critical thinking and stimulate class discussion.
Concerns:: The site assumes some sociological knowledge. Therefore, beginning students may need help with interpretation.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: A clear and well-designed site. Links to RSS, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook facilitate information distribution.
Concerns:: None.

Other Issues and Comments:: This site has a wealth of information and images that will be highly useful to sociology students and instructors.
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