Kevin E. Smith

kesmith@mtsu.edu

Ed Kick

Sociology/Anthropology

Master Classroom

Peck Hall

New Technology

N/A

The relatively new emphasis of the undergraduate and graduate sociology program in the area of applied sociology requires the introduction of exercises and training in statistical methods and quantitative and qualitative computer software packages throughout the curriculum. Preparation for the job market in the area of applied sociology requires familiarity with these types of exercises in a variety of different frameworks and settings. The American Sociological Association recommends infusing of “the empirical base of sociology throughout the curriculum… posing sociological problems… and bringing data to bear on them.” The proposed portable computer lab will allow interested faculty to introduce precisely these types of exercises in several courses, ranging from selected sections of SOC 1010 Introductory Sociology (General Education class serving 600-700 students/semester) to a variety of upper-division courses (methods and core substantive area courses). While the specialized stats course is offered in PH320 (a dedicated computer classroom with limited seating capacity), the vast majority of courses are not suited for full-time instruction in such a setting and exceed the capacity of the room. The portability of the proposed equipment will maximize the number of faculty using the technology on a periodic basis without adding another demonstration lab.