Teaching

Sociology 3220: Development of Sociological Theory

Instructor of Record, Department of Sociology, University of Georgia

This course introduces students to sociological theory and pivotal classical and contemporary theorists. The goal is to not only familiarize students with canonical theories but to position students as analysts who can synthesize across thinkers, probe the limits of social theory, and apply theories to new terrain.

Sociology 2600: Social Problems

Instructor of Record, Department of Sociology, University of Georgia

The causes, consequences, and social construction of American social problems, including poverty, crime and delinquency, environmental degradation, and race and ethnic relations. This course encourages students to analyze conditions giving rise to serious problems confronting contemporary American society, provides a clear and concise description of major social problems in the United States and abroad, and stimulates interest in efforts to resolve social problems. The objectives of this course are: (1) to familiarize students with some of the most pressing social issues confronting people today, and (2) to provoke spirited thought, discussion and debate among students.

Sociology 3580: Research Methods in Sociology

Instructor of Record, Department of Sociology, University of Georgia

This course offers an introduction to the main research methods used in sociology and the other social sciences. Exploration of surveys, experiments, qualitative interviews, fieldwork, and mixed- methods approaches. Emphasis is placed on basic logic, general strengths and weaknesses, and a critical analysis of applications of each method in published sociological research.

Making a Literary Magazine

Co-Instructor, Stanford Jail & Prison Education Project, San Francisco County Jail #3

This class will create the inaugural editorial board for a new Bay Area literary magazine, “Not Like the Rest,” focused on publishing work of incarcerated artists. Together, we will explore why we create and how to make a generative space for others to join us. We will think critically about how to run a longstanding publication, including masthead values, the editorial process, inclusion of different genres, as well as the artist publication and compensation process. We will also build a capacity for creating together while honing our individual craft in creative and writing workshops.

Sociology 207: Poverty in America

Teaching Assistant, Department of Sociology, Princeton University

This course investigates poverty in America in historical and contemporary perspective. We will explore central aspects of poverty, including low-wage work and joblessness, housing and neighborhoods, crime and punishment, and survival and protest. Along the way, we will examine the cause and consequences of poverty; study the lived experience of severe deprivation and material hardship; evaluate large-scale anti-poverty programs with an eye toward what worked and what didn't; and engage with normative debates about the right to housing, living wages, just punishment, and other matters pertaining to American life below the poverty line.

Sociology 300: Claims and Evidence

Teaching Assistant, Department of Sociology, Princeton University

This course is an introduction to the logic and practice of social science research. The goal is to provide methodological training that will enable students to design and execute successful independent research projects. We review a range of approaches used by sociologists to answer research questions, including field experiments, surveys, observation, in-depth interviews, and mixed method research.