Sociology
Take me to the Department of Sociology website.
The Field
Sociology studies virtually every aspect of human society: family, gender, race and ethnic relations, aging, education, work, population, and many others. Its goal is to understand the workings of human society and explain social behavior. Sociologists study social problems, such as crime, drug addiction, and poverty, and examine fundamental social processes: social change, conflict, and inequality. Sociology is less concerned with finding practical solutions to social problems than with achieving a fundamental understanding of the social world.
The Major and the Future
With a strong tradition of research in social issues and policy, the department has interest and strength in a wide variety of specializations. Faculty address issues such as campaign financing, the labor movement revival, environmental racism, homelessness, the social impact of industrial restructuring, sex education in schools, white collar crime, welfare for immigrants, comparative religious fundamentalism, ethics and responsibility in academia, Prozac, comparative racial inequality, the socialization of Chinese adopted children, the family burden of caring for the mentally ill, the construction of identity, women’s workforce participation and family inequality, and many other topics. Faculty have been presidents of the American Sociological Association and the Eastern Sociological Society.
Sociology offers a well-rounded, liberal arts education. Its concentrations offer preparation for entry-level jobs or graduate study. The social service concentration prepares students for social work at the individual or community level. Courses related to criminal justice provide background for careers in law enforcement. The social research and data analysis concentration is useful for market research, opinion polling, and statistical analysis. The social inequality and diversity concentration leads to jobs in teaching and human resources and provides background for those interested in fostering social change. Courses in culture, organizations, and institutions offer an excellent introduction to American society and to graduate work in sociology.
The Minor
Students who wish to minor in sociology and have the minor recorded on their transcripts may do so by taking five courses in sociology. The minor cannot be declared until the student has enrolled in the last class(es) needed to fulfill the requirements. Then, the student should fill out the requisite forms at the Undergraduate Office Manager’s office (Thompson 722). All courses applied toward the minor must be graded. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required. See the Sociology website for details.
Internships and Study Abroad
Sociology encourages students to gain as much practical experience as possible through internships, practica, and Community Service Learning. Opportunities for practical training are usually negotiated with the help of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, or adviser. Study abroad is encouraged as well. Go to the International Programs Office for details.
More information: Department of Sociology; 413.545.0577
Take me to the research arm of the Department of Sociology, the Social and Demographic Research Institute (SADRI)
