Cornerstone courses and the sociology curriculum

Cornerstone, or early major-specific courses that bridge introductory and upper-level content, are uncommon in sociology. This chapter explores the ways in which cornerstone courses can make contributions to sociology curricula by helping prepare students for advanced courses in several topical areas, including theory and methods. Depending on their focus, they can also further students’ understanding of the sociology major and its associated career options. We describe cornerstone courses in sociology, generally, and outline the design, structure, and content of each of our cornerstone courses, specifically. Our goal with this chapter is to encourage instructors and departments to think creatively about ways to address curricular needs and improve the student experience within our majors.