About the Department of Sociology
The Department of Sociology prepares students to become socially responsible citizens who are skilled at analyzing and interpreting social issues.
Our mission statement
The Department of Sociology is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service in the best tradition of a liberal arts education. The department prides itself in providing a quality education to its majors, minors and graduate students. It is also committed to serving the larger university community by participation in such programs as the core curriculum.
Our objectives
Development of critical/analytic thinking
The sociological perspective is inherently critical. It demands of its practitioners that they analyze a complex set of especially relevant issues that are central to an understanding of society and social structures.
Rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative research methods
Our undergraduate courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods prepare students to articulate research questions or hypotheses, and to design and execute studies that explore or test them. In addition to our required courses, we offer upper-division courses that focus on applied data analysis and visualization, linear regression, program evaluation research, survey design and analysis and more.
Professional socialization into such values as social responsibility and service to the community
This seeks to develop in students a sense of social responsibility to the community. The vision of sociology is firmly embedded in a value system based on the principles of social justice and human well-being.
Creation of a critical awareness of diversity issues
The department has been a leader in articulating diversity issues and in framing curricular offerings that allow for a critical understanding of cultural and social diversity.
Enhancement of written and verbal communication skills
Through participation in the core curriculum, the department is able to improve communication skills of its majors.