Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2009

Robert Granfield
Chair

Sampson Lee Blair
Director of Undergraduate Studies

Sociology examines the causes, characteristics, changes, and consequences of human behavior in groups, and provides an understanding of the structure and dynamics of social systems and issues. It emphasizes the study of individuals, social groups, and social systems as they relate to each other and to important societal issues, such as community, education, family, gender, social class, culture, law, health, environment, and war. Students are introduced to the history of social thought and to the applied and theoretical methods used to study these diverse topics. Training in sociology prepares students for a wide variety of professional careers and for active, enlightened participation in local, national, and world affairs.