Amy Kirk, PhD
- Visiting Lecturer
Amy Kirk (she/her) is a Visiting Lecturer of Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh.
In her undergraduate work at Texas A&M University, Amy became a sociology enthusiast when she learned in Introduction to Sociology that society is stored inside all of us.
With a specialty in social instituions, her ongoing research focuses upon the intersection of religion and marital life. Specifically, Amy examines ways in which moral commitment is socially constructed to shape patterns of marital communication. In addition, Amy writes about ways in which “free time” is thought of in families who are influenced by Protestant traditions.
Amy’s passion for teaching is driven by her belief that a good education should be experiential. She explores and writes about ways in which students can forge emotional connections with materials. In the classroom, Amy utilizes visualization, music, integrative feedback, group work, writing-to-learn, and games so that students are encouraged to ask and answer the "so what" questions.
She continues to believe that sociological principles can be used by everyone.
Education & Training
- PhD, Louisiana State University, 2005
- M.A., Louisiana State University, 1998
- B.S., Texas A&M University, 1995
Representative Publications
Stark, M. D., Kirk, A. M. & Bruhn, R. (2012). Generational differences as a determinant of women’s perspectives on commitment. AdultSpan, 11 (2): 112-122.
Nelson, J. A., Kirk, A. M., Ane, P & Serres, S. A. (2011). Religious and spiritual values and moral commitment in marriage: untapped resources in couples counseling? Counseling and Values, 55: (2): 228-246.
Feld, S. L., Rosier, K. B. & Manning, A. (2002). Christian right as a civil right: covenant marriage as a kinder gentler moral conservatism. Review of Religious Research, 44: (2), 173-183.
Awards
Identified by Dr. Frank Parker (Vice President of Student Affairs) as “a person who made a difference during development and growth” of undergraduate students Sam Houston State University (2016, 2018, & 2020)
(Cover feature) Choosing to teach online: why online was right for me. Interview and article written by John Holder; published in Educators and Innovators SHSU Online Magazine (2014)
Texas Counseling Association Research Award (2012) for the paper Religious and spiritual values and moral commitment in marriage: untapped resources in couples counseling? Counseling and Values, 55: (2): 228-246.
Paper of the Year Award (2011) received from the Counseling and Values journal for the paper Religious and spiritual values and moral commitment in marriage: untapped resources in couples counseling? Counseling and Values, 55: (2): 228-24.
