Sociological thinking, which is the perspective relating social phenomena to a large society, has become more significant today when many people prefer a small society composed of "self, family, and friends." In this paper, based on my educational practice, I describe how undergraduate students pursuing a major in sociology, should be educated in order to enable them to master the sociological thinking effectively.
Although all classes in sociology are important, the introductory classes where students get acquainted with sociology are particularly important. Although sociology is known as a subject, it is unclear how students perceive it. Therefore, the efforts made by students while studying sociology differ based on how well they understand it first. In introductory lectures, it is important to state clearly that most of the familiar problems are related to society. In addition, in the fundamental practical classes, it is important to make students conduct research on their own, even if their reports are rough or simple. In the various special lectures after the introductory classes, systematic lessons have to be provided. In the seminars and guidance sessions for graduate thesis, timely and careful advice is necessary.
Young people, who graduate in such sociological educational courses, can become members of society who possess a healthy spirit of criticism. However, in order to archive this, sociologists should make more efforts to develop a uniform image of sociology.