The book is supported by discussion of relevant theory and research in cultural sociology.Beyond Race: Cultural Influences on Human Social Life has stressed learner-centered teaching with the instructor taking on the role of a facilitator of learning. As such, it is expected the instructor will serve as the mediator between the content of this book and learners’ understanding of material on multiple and higher levels. This book does not offer a set of rules in teaching cultural sociology, but rather suggests content and applications to consider and modify as needed by the ever-changing dynamics of instructors and learners.

A Career in Sociology was written for introductory undergraduate courses on sociological practice. The book was designed for faculty and students searching for an open educational resource (OER) that provides sociological terms, concepts, and theories in the study of sociological practice. To adapt to the educational needs of individuals using this book, the instructor or learner must understand the underlying content. And, instructional approach may require additional resources and/or other methods to make the learning experience her or his own.

This video provides an over of the three major paradigms in sociology. Definitions and examples of functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism are reviewed.

The book is an introduction or primer to ethnic studies and is not a complete or comprehensive review of the literature. Content focuses on major concepts, theories, perspectives, and voices in ethnic studies with research from anthropology, history, political science, psychology, and sociology to offer an inclusive approach for critical inquiry. Modules include learning objectives, a list of key terms and concepts, applications (exercises), biological reflections (stories), summary, and review questions.

The book addresses the five student learning outcomes and core competencies for Ethnic Studies graduation requirement approved by the California State University Council on Ethnic Studies (GE Area F), and explores the four major underrepresented groups in the U.S. including Native American, African American, Asian American, and Latinx American communities.

Our Lives: An Ethnic Studies Primer is available in three online formats:

PDF version
https://www.hancockcollege.edu/ccecho/documents/Our%20Lives%20An%20Ethnic%20Studies%20Primer%20v3%20FINAL.pdf

Pressbooks version
https://ourlives.pressbooks.com/

LibreTexts version
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Sandboxes/admin/Our_Lives_-_An_Ethnic_Studies_Primer_(Kennedy_and_Bermio)

Finding and selecting OER to adopt at your college can raise questions about both the quality and accessibility of the content for your students. Join us for this webinar to hear about best practices and rubrics developed to ensure that OER content meets instructional material standards, accessibility guidelines, and open licensing policies established at your institution. These rubrics assist faculty, librarians, instructional designers and other staff to select and adapt open educational resources that meet student needs regardless of disability but are also culturally relevant and engaging for students at your institution and can be freely re-used, re-mixed, and re-distributed.