Sociology

What is Sociology?

Sociology provides a systematic way to study issues of justice and inequality, freedom and social control, and institutions and social identity. Sociologists ask how social movements arise, how racial categories are constructed, how notions of deviance take shape, and how social inequality shapes our lives. In short, sociology seeks to grasp human behavior in all its varied forms. The sociological imagination is an important catalyst for for effective public debates and decisions about important social issues --especially so in a setting marked by rapid cultural and economic change.

Sociology at Mason

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers a unique set of graduate and undergraduate programs. Students enrolled in other programs who meet the prerequisites may also take any course in the department.

The Department's programs fuse global and comparative perspectives with courses that address the major problems and issues confronting US society.  Courses provide strong training in both theory and methods, as well as concentations in youth and family life, global sociology, crime and social control, culture and social inequality.  Internships, which provide valuable job skills and connections, are available for academic credit.

Related Links:

• Global Classroom Initiative
• Spring 2007 Department Newsletter
• Internships
• Sociology and Anthropology Club
• Workshop on Theory, Culture and Method
• Cultural Studies
• Center for Social Science Research
• Registrar's Office