The sociology curriculum is intended to provide an understanding of the interactions and workings of societies, their institutions, organizations and groups. Through an introduction to the basic concepts, theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches of the discipline, students are familiarized with the sociological imagination, resulting in a deeper understanding of the relationships between personal experience (one's own and others') and the social world. The variety of courses in the curriculum not only expose students to diverse cultures and social structures but emphasize the dynamics of power and inequality on local, national and global levels, as they operate through race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexuality. Our courses emphasize social justice and the development of global citizenship.
The department places considerable emphasis on the active engagement of our students in sociological inquiry. Toward that end, many courses are designed to teach students the basics of the theory construction and methodological processes. Our courses encourage students to make their own discoveries about human social experiences and all seniors are required to apply what they have learned in the successful completion of a senior project. The department offers a variety of support services for student research included the student run sociology lab, where advanced majors serve as tutors helping others with course papers and research projects. While the department's curriculum provides a strong foundation for graduate work in the discipline, our strength is in the development of strong critical and analytical skills as well as our support of writing and oral presentation skills coupled with computer and visual literacy, all of which are essential for success in any chosen life course.