Faculty

Links to share:

www.monikamyers.com

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tI7Yl54AAAAJ&hl=en

Which classes do you teach online?

Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, Sociology of Families, Minority Groups, Sociology of Gender, Social Stratification, Sociology of Disasters, Social Theory, Applied Research

What do you want students to learn in your classes?

I want students to be able to apply abstract ideas (theories, concepts, terminology) to concrete, real-life problems.

What advice would you give to those considering the online sociology program?

Online classes are just as demanding as in-person classes. Make sure that you have enough time to devote to your coursework.

Sociology classes are not focused on memorizing facts. Instead, our classes focus on developing new skills (writing, perspective-taking, research, statistics, reading difficult theories). These skills take practice. Be ready to try and fail.

Remember that the goal of college is to learn something, not to just take classes that reaffirm your own world view. Be prepared to learn something new.

What qualities make someone particularly successful in the area in which you teach?

• Perspective-taking. The ability to figure out how another person views the world. If you can really "get" another person's perspective, the world becomes a much kinder place.
• Initiative. The best sociology graduates create opportunities to use and share what they have learned.
• Curiosity. Almost all sociological questions arise out of curiosity about the world.
• An open mind. Be ready to be proven wrong.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that people in the profession face today?

It is more important than ever that people learn how to use evidence to solve social problems. Lots of solutions that sound great actually don't work. Social media makes it especially easy to spread rumors that have no scientific background.

Why did you start teaching?

I want to literally change the trajectory of my student's lives. I want to help them get the skills they need to get better jobs, to succeed in graduate school, to work toward social good in their own community, and to better understand their own lives.

What is the one book you think everyone should read?

"Your Money or Your Life" by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin

Tell us something your students may not know about you.

I have traveled to 31 countries.