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Sociology

   Member of the Division of Social Studies

Chair(s):

Kesho Scott

Faculty:

Davíd Cook-Martín
Audrey Devine-Eller
Karla A. Erickson
Susan Ferguson
Geoff Harkness
Christopher Hunter
Patrick Inglis
Kent McClelland
Kimberly McKee

Sociology, the scientific study of human behavior in social groups, seeks to understand how people interact, how they organize themselves in social groups, and how this organization changes. Courses in sociology focus on the basic forms of social organization and social processes in worldwide cultures and on the theoretical approaches sociologists use to understand those basic forms. These courses contribute to critical understanding of how the social world operates—an essential understanding for any liberally educated person in a complex and rapidly changing world. Students of sociology will find that related work in psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and history enhances their sociological insights. Majors are required to study statistics and are encouraged to participate in interdisciplinary courses, internships, and off-campus programs. The study of foreign languages is highly recommended.

Sociological training is useful for any career, since all careers require working with people in groups or organizations. The discipline is particularly helpful for careers in law, urban and social planning, medicine, social work, and governmental service.