Contributor long abstract:

We will discuss preparations for new, a co-taught course on Central Asian Societies at the University of Illinois and the American University of Central Asia. The course is designed to bring examples and data from Central Asia into discussions of core sociological theories and questions in hopes of broadening the international scope of Sociological instruction and furthering familiarity with this geo-politically important part of the world. Our "global classroom" approach focuses on introducing students to Said's concept of orientalism as a means of challenging epistemological approaches to Central Asia, while using data from the Central Asian region to test, expand, and refine core approaches to citizenship, identity, family, and gender employed in American Sociological textbooks. Designed as a gateway to studies of the languages, religions, cultures, and histories of this often-overlooked region in the US, engagement with students from the region will significantly enhance the educational opportunities, in the longer-term support a study abroad exchange, and provide students experience in shifting normative frames while engaged in critical comparison. Our presentation will include handouts on the use of synchronous and asynchronous scheduling, group projects and presentations, course design specifics, and approaches to evaluation.