Each is an example of a patterned way of organizing relationships between people. Sociology is the scientific study of these patterned relationships. We seek to understand the causes and consequences of these patterns--how they work as well as their influence at the group and individual levels. Sociology is, in short, the science of the forces shaping our social world and ourselves.
In our courses, students learn how to draw on empirical data to understand and disentangle the puzzles that make up our complex social world. Students can then apply these intellectual tools to any variety of settings, from managing interpersonal issues in their own lives to identifying solutions to pressing social problems.
The sociologists in our department study a range of topics, including:
- Workplace and the family
- Social movements
- Sexuality and intimacy
- Deviance, crime, and law
- Health, illness, and food
- Culture and humor
- Economic Inequality
- Youth culture
- Markets and consumerism
- Race and racism
- Gender inequality
Many of our majors choose to minor in counseling, housed within our department. Counseling minors can take courses like:
- Mental Health in Historical Contexts
- Counseling theories
- A 3-credit internship at a local organization