 Sociology thrives on
the critical examination of everyday assumptions about social life.
It explores the human arrangements that lend coherence to our
thoughts and actions. As a discipline, sociology stands at the
crossroads between the sciences and humanities, examining
institutions, relationships, group processes, culture, and action
from many different angles. This approach is born of a conviction
that each angle adds a layer to understanding. It is in the
accumulation of these layers that we develop a deeper understanding
of the human conditions, and ultimately, ourselves.
If you suffer from
an excess of intellectual curiosity, a touch of idealism, and an interest
in grounding opinion in systematic research and analysis, you may want to
give sociology a closer look.
"One thing that attracted me to the Sociology Department is the
diversity of the program. When I was enrolled in the program, the major
professors represented part of the world to me."
Dontai Johnson, '99
The department relies heavily upon a seminar
style of teaching that places much responsibility upon students for what
happens in the class. Students are encouraged to openly examine their own
preconceptions as well as the positions of their fellow students.
Sometimes they are even responsible for teaching the class. Along the way,
they learn that all opinions are not created equal; some are logically
formulated and well grounded, while others are not.
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