Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Classics of Sociology

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objective

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

This objectives stage is crucial as it lays a solid groundwork for what will be explored in class. It steers students' focus towards the vital elements of the classics of sociology, allowing them to grasp how these theorists have influenced our understanding of contemporary society. It also sets the stage for active learning, prompting students to come prepared with their pre-held notions and use class time to deepen their understanding and application of the theories.

Objective Utama:

1. Introduce students to the significant ideas and contributions of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber in shaping the field of social sciences.

2. Enhance students' critical thinking skills through comparison and contrast of these eminent social theories.

Objective Tambahan:

1. Encourage active participation through group discussions that welcome diverse viewpoints.
2. Foster independent research and study on the themes discussed.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The introduction aims to quickly engage students with problem scenarios necessitating the use of prior knowledge to tackle current issues, inspiring critical thought. This contextualization illustrates how sociology is relevant in grasping current phenomena, heightening students' interest in the subject and setting the stage for deeper discussions.

Problem-Based Situation

1. How can Durkheim's perspective on social solidarity shed light on the difficulties communities face during global crises, like the pandemic?

2. In what ways do Marx's ideas about alienation and class struggle resonate in today’s tech-driven workplaces and the observed economic inequalities?

Contextualization

To appreciate the relevance of classic sociological theorists, it's vital to connect their theories to tangible examples from real life. For instance, Weber's theory of bureaucracy is reflected in the hierarchies observed in many modern organizations, where efficiency and rationality reign, but this can also lead to the 'iron cage' where individuals feel dehumanized. This context helps us understand how sociological concepts inform and are informed by our contemporary environment.

Development

Duration: (65 - 75 minutes)

The developmental stage encourages students to practically apply their understanding of classical sociology in today’s contexts in a fun and engaging way. These activities aim to enrich their grasp of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber's theories, promoting critical thought, creativity, and collaboration. This segment is pivotal for converting theoretical knowledge into reflective practice, crucial for sociological insight.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - The Revolution of Ideas

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Understand and apply classical sociology theories to analyze and interpret contemporary social phenomena.

- Description: In this activity, each group will set up a bulletin board representing one of the theorists (Durkheim, Marx, Weber), creating content that elucidates the application of their theories to modern day events.

- Instructions:

• Organize the class into three groups, each representing one of the theorists.

• Each group should research and discuss how their theorist's ideas correlate with today's situations, including technology, globalization, and current societal issues.

• The groups will then develop sections for a bulletin board, which could include articles, mock interviews, and cartoons.

• Present the bulletin board to the class, linking the studied theories to contemporary examples.

Activity 2 - The Theater of Social Classes

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Engage creatively and critically with the theories of classical sociologists, deepening the understanding of their concepts through theatrical representation.

- Description: In this task, students will write and enact short plays that highlight essential concepts from Marx, Durkheim, or Weber in a modern setting.

- Instructions:

• Divide the students into groups of up to 5.

• Each group selects one theorist and a particular concept to delve into (e.g., class struggle, mechanical solidarity, bureaucracy).

• Groups will craft a brief script showcasing the concept in a current scenario.

• Present the play to the class, followed by a discussion on how the concept was portrayed and its relevance to today's society.

Activity 3 - Debate of the Thinkers

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Cultivate argumentation skills while deepening the understanding of sociological theories as they relate to contemporary issues.

- Description: Students will engage in a structured debate, where each group champions the ideas of one of the three classic sociologists, applying them to pressing social issues today.

- Instructions:

• Organize the class into three larger groups, each advocating for Durkheim, Marx, or Weber.

• Select current themes for the debate (e.g., the influence of social media on solidarity, modern capitalism and inequality, the role of bureaucracy in vast organizations).

• Each group should employ their theorist's ideas to argue their point, crafting both arguments and counterarguments.

• Execute the debate in a round-robin format, enabling each group to present their stand and respond to opposing views.

Feedback

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

This feedback segment is vital for reinforcing learning and fostering collective reflection regarding the application of classical sociological theories to modern scenarios. Through discussion, students can articulate their understanding, clear their doubts, and connect theoretical concepts to their lived experiences, strengthening active and critical learning.

Group Discussion

Conclude the session with a group discussion, inviting all students to reflect on the activities completed. Initiate the talk with a brief recap of the main theories examined and their applications across the activities. Encourage students to share their thoughts and insights, highlighting how the ideas of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber facilitated a better understanding of modern social phenomena.

Key Questions

1. What were the main challenges in adapting the theories of classical sociologists to contemporary problems?

2. How do these varied theories aid in understanding current social structures and dynamics?

3. How did collaborative efforts enhance your grasp of the theories?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The conclusion is designed to consolidate the learnings of the class, emphasizing the synergy between theory and practice and underscoring the importance of studying the classics in sociology. This stage encourages students to contemplate the applicability of theories within real-world contexts and appreciate the significance of these thinkers in understanding social phenomena, thereby enhancing critical and applied learning.

Summary

Revisit the critical points discussed regarding Durkheim, Marx, and Weber, emphasizing their core theories and their explanations of modern social phenomena. Summarize the activities undertaken, such as the bulletin board setup, plays, and debates, and how each contributed to illustrating and implementing sociological concepts in today's context.

Theory Connection

Illustrate how the flipped classroom approach enabled a successful link between theory and practice. Highlight how practical tasks reinforced students' theoretical comprehension, facilitating the application of classic sociological theories in thoughtful analysis of contemporary challenges.

Closing

Stress the continuous relevance of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber's theories in deciphering today's social dynamics. Discuss how an understanding of these concepts is crucial for analyzing and addressing the issues faced by contemporary society, underlining the importance of sociology in the everyday lives of students.