"Sociology should be an instrument for the existential liberation of the individual; it should be a weapon in the revolutionary struggle to liberate society,” wrote renowned sociologist Peter Berger in 1971. The study of sociology helps us to understand the forces that shape and determine our lives. Sociology is the study of social life, social causes, and the consequences of human behavior. Focusing primarily on contemporary American society, the Sociology major emphasizes research, evaluation, and theory with additional development of communication and computer skills. In this fascinating program, you can also choose a concentration in Crime & Society or major in Elementary Education.
WHY CHOOSE SOCIOLOGY?
Sociologists focus on a wide range of societal issues, including race, gender, class, and their impact on society. Some examine larger social organizations such as the family, business, and governments, looking at their structures and hierarchies. Others look at culture and how people acquire their identity within society. Sociologists learn to see social patterns in individual behavior and to apply scientific reasoning to all aspects of social life.
WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?
You will study a variety of topics in courses such as Social Problems, Deviance, Gender, Race and Ethnicity, Sociology of Culture, and Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods. You’ll have an opportunity to present your research at annual conferences, including the annual meeting of the Eastern Sociological Society. Choosing the Crime & Society concentration allows you to focus on individuals who violate the law and seek explanations for that behavior from a sociological perspective. You may also elect to double major in Elementary Education, building an expertise in social science.
