Appendix - About Me


Things to know...about me and my style, goals and ideas for this class

I understand that this class is not necessarily your life's passion...most of you are taking this class because you need it to graduate and therefore are not Sociology or Cultural Anthropology majors.  Although I'd like to think that you will use the tools you learn here through your life.  

My intention in this class is to... 

Propel you forward in your critical thinking and analysis skills.

To teach you a simple but useful life research skill for cultural and sociological exploration.

To give you an introductory understanding of Sociology and the many applications that it has in life.

What you need to know:

  •  As an instructor I have a certain worldview and set of values that "I bring to the table"  - just like any and all instructors and as do you.  You may or may not have given much thought to your values but you do hold some.  

  •  As for me, I am a Christian - there is nothing more important to me -- and my beliefs affect the way I live, think and teach.  In this class we will talk about "worldview", "values" and "mushy thinking/critical thinking" among many other topics.  In fact I will give you some assignments and materials to consider that may help you to clarify your own "worldview" and "values" and determine whether you are prone toward "Mushy thinking" as it pertains to the sociological process. 

  •  You should understand that I do not apologize for who I am and what I believe, - but I also do not expect you to agree with me - in fact, you will never be graded down for disagreeing.  A free flow of thoughts and ideas are critical for learning.

  •  However, I do EXPECT you to show respect both to me and to others in this class as we discourse about many topics. 

  •  I suppose it may be possible that at a point here or there in this class, you may get offended, whether by me, the materials or perhaps by others.  I will NEVER purposely set out to offend anyone.  If I do so - TELL ME.  Do not grumble about it, or hold a grudge - simply tell me (or tell the person who  offended you - no need to tell me about them, just 
    tell them - nicely of course!).  It is best that we enter 
    this class as adults and behave accordingly. 

  •  By the way, you can count on me to be "straight up" with you.
    I am not concerned with political correctness, I plan to teach you, direct you, and coach you and you'll more than once get my opinion - Whether you agree with it or not, I SIMPLY ASK YOU TO GIVE IT SOME THOUGHT!!

Can we move ahead and learn together?


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