Faculty
Jim Sherohman
What is your vision of global social responsibility?
Decision-making at all levels that is collaborative and that is directed toward promoting the collective good rather than self-interest
What social and environmental justice issues do you feel passionate about?
It’s hard to narrow this down. I feel passionate about any kind of injustice.
What areas of research or activism are you currently most engaged with?
Sociological practice, teaching, stereotyping, racism
What presentations, publications, student support activities or community service projects have you focused on in the last couple of years?
Recently, a lot of my time has been devoted to state and national sociology organizations. I was President of Sociologists of Minnesota (SOM) in 2002-2003, and for the past several years I have been the Membership Chair of the Sociological Practice Association (SPA) and Treasurer of the Commission on Applied and Clinical Sociology (CACS). All three organizations benefit students substantially. In its annual conference in October, SOM brings together academic sociologists, applied sociologists, and students to exchange knowledge and learn from each other. This conference is a great resource for students who have an interest in sociology. SPA is an organization for sociologists whose primary interest is doing sociology. It certifies sociological practitioners at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Both SOM and SPA welcome student participation and have great membership rates for students. CACS accredits applied sociology, clinical sociology, and sociological practice programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. In so doing, it promotes quality education. SCSU’s undergraduate Applied Sociology Concentration is accredited by CACS.
What books/films/authors/artists, etc. pertaining to social and environmental justice have been very influential in your life?
As an undergraduate, I was most inspired by the writings of W.E.B. DuBois. I recommend his books to anyone.
Are there any current ones?
These days, I tend to get my inspiration from the folk music scene. Currently, my favorite artists are Eric Bogle, Utah Phillips, Tom Paxton, Eric Andersen, Christine Lavin, and Loudon Wainwright III. I attend the Winnipeg Folk Festival whenever I can. It provides an excellent opportunity to check out dozens of artists in a short amount of time. The Cedar Cultural Center, the New Folk Collective, and the Granite City Folk Society bring many outstanding folk artists to the Twin Cities and St. Cloud.
What publications do you read or would you recommend to students?
I recommend any publication that presents research findings or that critiques the interpretation of research findings related to your areas of interest.
What skills do you teach that empower students to become activists/active global citizens?
My courses, like most sociology courses, emphasize general skills that are useful in a variety of pursuits, including activism. These include research, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Where did you do your graduate work?
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
What classes do you teach?
Anything in the areas of social psychology or sociological practice
Which of these are available to graduate students?
Self and Society (SOC 512) is the only course I regularly teach that is available to graduate students. I developed two 600-level courses that I might be able to offer if they were to attract sufficient enrollment, but it’s very unlikely that this will happen in the next several years. These are Seminar in Sociological Practice (SOC 680) and Seminar in Social Psychology (SOC 602).
