Teaching Sociology in an International Setting: Using London as a Laboratory

Abstract

This paper examines strategies for teaching sociology in an international setting; the city of London is used as an example. The paper focuses on ways in which faculty can integrate the resources of a large city in another culture into their curriculum in programs of study abroad. First we discuss the importance of advance planning, including shaping courses to fit the international setting, anticipatory socialization of students, support for faculty development involving advance work in the international setting, and strategiesfor integrating coursework with the broader curriculum in the program of study abroad. We then present five examples of integrating courses into the cultural setting. Finally we review some of the advantages and disadvantages of teaching sociology in an international setting.