Mark Erickson

Much of my teaching is in the general area of social science methods and methodology; I try to teach this in ways that promotes active connections between abstract methodological principles and practical research activities. Social research is exciting and challenging: most social research methods textbooks have a knack of taking the excitement out of research, and I tend to avoid ‘textbook’ approaches.

I think that the ‘discipline’ of sociology is one that can promote social and individual change through challenging our assumptions about the world. My sociology of science modules are based on research I have carried out analysis of cultural representations of science, and working in formal science laboratories. My sociology of climate change module ends with students designing and writing advocacy statements, taking their learning from inside the lecture theatre to the real world to try and effect some change.

Although I identify, primarily, as a sociologist I think that multi- and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching, learning and research are fruitful and interesting, and I tend to use a range of different materials in my teaching.