Faculty Showcase Adoption
Faculty Showcase Adoption
Purpose: to help other instructors teaching the same course
Common Course ID: Self and Society/SOC 2018
CSU Instructor Open Textbook Adoption Portrait
Abstract: This open textbook is being utilized in a Sociology course for undergraduate or graduate students by David Arrieta at CSU Bakersfield. The open textbook supports equity by reducing textbook costs and improving access to high-quality learning resources for all students. which includes instructor on demand chapter lectures. The main motivation to adopt an open textbook was helps make learning more affordable, flexible, and accessible.. Most students access the open textbook in Canvas by using a designated link, with the ability to download high quality Pdfs or online reading
Course Title and number: Soc 2018 Self and Society
Brief description of course highlights: In this course, we will examine these questions from sociological perspectives and through sociological research on the self. We will explore the interrelation between self and social identity and how these ideas can be applied to students’ own experiences and sense of social well-being. Topics for discussion include language and meaning making, socialization, self-esteem, the significance of roles, emotional experience, deviance, and social identities of race, gender, class, and sexual orientation. Students will explore the personal and social implications of defining selfhood in certain ways.
Student Population: Sociology majors, Child Adolescent and Family Studies, Human Development (no prerequisites).
Learning or student outcomes:
Objective 1: Students will prepare for a lifetime of enrichment and fulfillment.
| Outcome 1A. Students will self-assess and develop strategies for enhancing physical, social, and/or psychological well-being including examination of benefits and risks of personal behaviors.
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Outcome 1B. Students will actively apply and participate in developing a lifelong commitment to personal growth and well-being. |
Textbook or OER/Low cost Title: Textbook The Presentation of Self in Contemporary Social Life
Brief Description: The Presentation of Self in Contemporary Social Life by David Shulman is a SAGE textbook that updates Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical approach by applying concepts such as impression management, front stage/backstage, stigma, frames, role distance, and performance teams to contemporary settings like social media, popular culture, marketing, and workplaces (Sage 2017). My pedagogical approach would combine lecture with in-class group activities, or individual activities in an online format, so students can first understand the key concepts and then apply them to everyday interactions and contemporary examples. I chose this text because it connects classic sociological theory to current student experiences while supporting discussion-based and applied learning.
Please provide a link to the resource
https://sk.sagepub.com/books/the-presentation-of-self-in-contemporary-social-life/i403.xml
Authors: Shulman David.
Student access: Students access the textbook via canvas. The link above is provided. They must sign in with their CSUB credentials.
Supplemental resources: I provide online lecture videos highlighting major concepts from the textbook
Provide the cost savings from that of a traditional textbook. $53 to $90 dollars depending on format
License*: CC BY-NC-SA
OER/Low Cost Adoption Process
Provide an explanation or what motivated you to use this textbook or OER/Low Cost option. Reduce financial stress by having free option. Material is also ADA compliant for special needs.
How did you find and select the open textbook for this course? Consulted librarian (Kirstin Lattimore)
Sharing Best Practices: I wished I’d known earlier about Merlot and the resources available to faculty and students. Finding instructional materials by peers for peers is a great way to improve pedagogy and ensure student success.
Describe any key challenges you experienced, how they were resolved and lessons learned. When teaching online, several key challenges emerge that require thoughtful strategies to overcome. The following approaches help maintain student engagement, address technical difficulties, and ensure accessibility in virtual learning environments.
Maintaining Student Engagement - Engagement often suffers in online environments due to physical separation and digital distractions. To counter this: I create short lecture or recap videos and use additional films and document time spent to require active participation. I also include multimedia content (like YouTube) to appeal to different learning preferences and maintain interest. I also build in accountability measures such as participation points, and quick comprehension recaps through announcements.
Addressing Technical Difficulties - Technical issues can quickly derail an online class. Prepare for these challenges by: Creating and sharing technology backup plans with students before problems arise. Establish alternative communication channels and procedures.
Providing step-by-step technical guides for common tasks and platforms used in your course.
Ensuring Accessibility - Making online learning accessible to all students requires intentional design: Caption videos and provide transcripts for all audio content to support students with hearing impairments and those who benefit from text-based learning. Ensure all digital materials are compatible with screen readers and follow accessibility guidelines for formatting documents, presentations, and web content. By proactively addressing these three critical areas, I create an online learning environment that supports all learners, minimizes disruptions, and maintains the engagement necessary for effective teaching and learning in virtual spaces.
Instructor Name :David Arrieta
Please provide your title and your institution. I am a Lecturer at California State University, Bakersfield.
Please provide a link to your university page.
https://www.csub.edu/sociology/
Please describe the courses/course numbers that you teach. I teach: Introduction to Sociology, Race and Ethnic Relations, Self and Society, Childhood and Society, Social Deviance, Diversity and Research Ethics, Critical Thinking and Social Problems, and Latino Experience in the U.S.
Describe your teaching philosophy and any research interests related to your discipline or teaching. As an instructor, it is my goal to encourage students to extend beyond textbooks, to develop critical thinking skills, and to question all knowledge - where it comes from and how particular ways of knowing have become embedded in today’s society. I make every effort to connect textbook materials to current events and everyday life experiences. My classroom environment promotes open discussion, debate and a blend of different ways of learning. It is my objective to provide students with the basic skills to be academically successful, and to empower students with knowledge. My primary goal, in and out of the classroom, is to assist students in their academic endeavors and help them recognize their academic potential. Teaching for me comes from the heart - it is not a job - it is not just a way to make an income - it is a passion. I love to teach, I love my students, and I love the academic environment. I am committed to providing quality education to all students and dedicated to reaching all students who have a desire to learn.
Please attach a photo of you
(or link to where it appears)