The study of sociology gives the student an understanding and appreciation of the nature of society, social institutions, and people as social beings and creators of culture.
Through systematic investigation and analysis, students gain knowledge and insight into the complex relatinships found in the modern world. Students are then better prepared to make intelligent judgments in their own lives and to contribute more effectively to society and the world.
Sociology students may elect the general sociology or social work emphasis. In addition, sociology majors may in consultation with their advisors, concentrate their studies in a particular aspect or discipline. Current concentrations are in Law and Society, Global Studies, and Social Justice.
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Michael W. Smith, Ph.D. I teach courses related to social justice, law and society, race, ethnicity, religion, terrorism, and genocide. My primary commitment is to my students, to create an environment whereby my students critically analyze issues from a socio-historical and socio-political perspective. |
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Karen Frederick, Ph.D. I focus on social aspects of health, aging, and gender, as shared experiences subject to the context of social arrangements and cultural definition. I like it that Sociology opens our eyes to the social processes that form the setting of people's experience. |
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Dennis MacDonald, Ph.D. (Chair) I offer courses in Social Problems, Global Society, and Juvenile Delinquency, as well as Introductory Sociology. I also currently serve as Chair of the Sociology Department. My research interests are in the study of global society and the process of globalization and in social theory and social philosophy. |
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Tauna Sisco, Ph.D. As a political sociologist, my research interests include media studies of social problems, wartime affects on patriotic sentiment, gender and politics, and rhetoric of ambivalence and public policy concerning the homeless. |
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Sara Smits Keeney, Ph.D. My research interests include: peace, war and conflict studies; social movements and social change; militarism; international sociology; community based research; engaged scholarship and the scholarship of teaching. |