Sociology

Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Jeffrey Hass, Chair
Professor Diaz-Barriga, Dorsey, Hass, Oware
Associate Professors French, Nourse, Richards, Sweis
Professionals from the field also are employed as adjunct faculty

Sociology is the systematic study of social life in order to understand the causes and consequences of human action. Sociologists study the structure and processes of modern, industrial societies. They examine how social structures (groups, organizations, and communities) and social institutions (family, education, religion, etc.) affect human attitudes, actions, and life-chances. Sociologists use various theoretical perspectives to understand such areas as culture, socialization, conformity and deviance, inequality, family patterns, race and ethnic relations, and social change. Combining theoretical perspectives with empirical research allows constant testing and refinement of the body of knowledge that comprises the field of sociology. Sociology offers students an opportunity to develop new insights and a different perspective on their lives and to understand everyday social life as a combination of both stable patterns of interaction and ubiquitous sources of social change.