The "Why" Behind the "What"
Understanding the design and philosophy of our course.
The Guiding Lens
We use the current AI revolution as a live case study to analyze how technology creates and transforms social problems, providing a contemporary and relevant focus for the entire course.
The Two-Week Cycle
A consistent project-based rhythm reduces cognitive load. You'll focus on learning content, not new instructions, through workbooks and multimedia creation instead of lectures and exams.
The Iterative Sociological Imagination Project
There is no final exam. Your final project is built piece by piece throughout the semester, reducing stress and promoting continuous reflection and improvement.
The Cognitive Scaffolding Cycle
Each module's four assignments are designed to intentionally move you up the levels of cognitive complexity.
1. Remember & Understand
Resource Analysis
2. Apply & Analyze
Video Production Plan
3. Create
Video Overview
4. Evaluate
Peer & Self-Assessment
The Two-Week Learning Cycle
This module structure guides you through a process of inquiry, synthesis, creation, and reflection.
Part 1
Resource Analysis
Consume the Immersive Article and find a resource that connects the module's topic to your career or personal interests.
Cognitive Level: Remember & Understand
Due: Week 1, Thursday
Part 2
Video Production Plan
Synthesize all module resources to create a detailed production plan for your main video.
Cognitive Level: Apply & Analyze
Due: Week 1, Sunday
Part 3
Video Overview
Produce and submit your main video overview, synthesizing your research and analysis into a polished presentation.
Cognitive Level: Create
Due: Week 2, Thursday
Part 4
Peer & Self-Assessment
Engage in peer assessment and complete a self-assessment reflecting on your own learning process.
Cognitive Level: Evaluate
Due: Week 2, Sunday
The Social Problems Journey
A 16-week analysis of social problems through the lens of the AI revolution.
M1: The Future of Work
How is AI transforming the economy?
WEEKS 1-2M2: Architecture of Inequality
How do systems create inequality?
WEEKS 3-4M3: The AI Adaptation Crisis
Can our schools keep up with AI?
WEEKS 5-6M4: The Private Sphere
How does work redefine home life?
WEEKS 7-8M5: The Human Cost
What is the toll on our wellbeing?
WEEKS 9-10M6: Systemic Control
How does AI impact the justice system?
WEEKS 11-12M7: Capstone
How is AI reshaping global power?
WEEKS 13-14Final Iterative Project
Synthesizing your work.
WEEKS 15-16The Two-Week Module Cycle
A detailed look at our standard project workflow and expectations.
Due: Week 1, Thursday
Part 1: Resource Analysis
Cognitive Level: Remember & Understand
The goal is to consume, comprehend, and connect the core module materials to your own interests.
Core Task:
Engage with the Immersive Learning Article and find an additional resource (article, video, etc.) related to the module topic and your career field. Use the workbook to summarize and analyze this resource.
Key Deliverables:
- Completed Part 1 of the Module Workbook (Resource Analysis)
Due: Week 1, Sunday
Part 2: Video Production Plan
Cognitive Level: Apply & Analyze
Move from consuming to structuring. Deconstruct multiple sources to build a blueprint for your own argument.
Core Task:
Use the Synthesis Matrix in your workbook to compare ideas from the Immersive Article and your chosen resource. Use this analysis to structure a coherent and detailed script or outline for your main video project.
Key Deliverables:
- Completed Part 2 of the Module Workbook (Production Plan)
Due: Week 2, Thursday
Part 3: Video Overview
Cognitive Level: Create
Synthesize your analysis into a new, original artifact that demonstrates your unique understanding.
Core Task:
Produce a 3-5 minute video based on your production plan, presenting your sociological analysis of the module's social problem through the lens of your career interests.
Key Deliverables:
- Final 3-5 minute video, posted to the discussion board
Due: Week 2, Sunday
Part 4: Peer & Self-Assessment
Cognitive Level: Evaluate
Conclude the cycle with metacognition, making evidence-based judgments about your work and the work of others.
Core Task:
Provide structured, constructive feedback to a classmate on the discussion board. Complete a detailed self-assessment in your workbook, reflecting on your process and product.
Key Deliverables:
- Peer Assessment posted as a reply to a classmate's video
- Entire, fully completed Module Workbook