Sociological Theory through Dystopian and Fictional World-Building
Assigning a Short Story Parable Inspired by Derrick Bell’s “The Space Traders”
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11062882 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Juan L Salinas (0000-0003-1199-4074, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 50 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 331-339 |
| Publication date | 2022-10-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Teaching Sociology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0092-055X • E-ISSN: 1939-862X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/0092055x221120863 |
| OpenAlex | W4294617808 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 9 |
This article is a reflective analysis of an assignment in which undergraduate students developed dystopian, postapocalyptic, fantasy, and fictional short story parables to illustrate their understanding of sociological theory. In a social theory course, students were assigned a final paper in which they designed a short story that integrated sociological theory, including classical and contemporary concepts, which were applied to these fictional worlds. The assignment encouraged students to develop both macro- and micro-level creative social theory analysis using a fictional society that often touches on the themes of futurism, science fiction, or postapocalyptic settings. These scenarios allowed students to engage in world-building linked to systems of oppression that were analyzed through various perspectives, including Marxist theories, critical race theory, and feminist theories. The assignment is a creative way for students to apply their sociological imagination with the world-building process for an in-depth understanding of sociological theory
Aesthetics · Critical theory · Dystopia · Epistemology · Fantasy · Fictional universe · Literature · Marxist philosophy · Narrative · Oppression · Politics · Social science · Sociological imagination · Sociological theory · Sociology · Contemporary Sociological Theory and Practice · Innovative Teaching Methodologies in Social Sciences · Law · Philosophy · Service-Learning and Community Engagement
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |