The recipient of the Lawhead Award for Teaching in the Core Curriculum sees herself as a bridge builder. Messineo teaches Sociology 100 to about 200 students each semester.

Messineo said the "empty vessel" image has never worked for her. The students she comes in contact with, she said, have much to offer the core curriculum classroom environment. 

"My goal is to create paths and give them the tools to get from the point they are at to the point I would like them to be by the end of the course," she said. "These bridges and paths also link from sociology to other disciplines such as psychology, philosophy, religious studies and anthropology. 

She has been working with an English professor Yeno Matuka to make distinct linkages with English classes.

"I also point out in my courses that the instructor and students all come to this process with expectations and responsibilities," Messineo said. "I work to articulate and help my students articulate these elements throughout the course." 

On the first day of class she asks how many students are taking the course because it meets a core curriculum requirement. She estimates that about 95 percent of the students will raise a hand. 

Then she poses some of the questions that the course will attempt to address to get the students engaged in the ideas of sociology. 

The questions include: "Is race real?" "What did Marx mean when he said religion was the opiate of the masses?" "Why will you not have the same economic opportunities that your parents had?"

"I try to point out how the questions raised and the methods of critique and analysis in sociology will help them regardless of what major they choose," Messineo said. "I also try to connect with students on a personal level despite the large class size." 

Messineo said the topics and methods lend themselves to helping students be sensitive to the values of others, develop problem-solving skills, explore different viewpoints, and clarify personal values.

"I think I am quite fortunate to be in a discipline that is so easily meshed with the goals of the core curriculum," she said. "As corny as this sounds, I love sociology, I love teaching, and I want to share this with my students."

The Lawhead Award is based upon a teaching evaluation, contribution to the core curriculum, freshman activities, service to the community and support letters from faculty and students. It is named for Victor B. Lawhead, former dean of undergraduate programs, and Doris J. Lawhead, a former academic adviser.