Sociology (SOC)

522 David M. French Hall
(810) 762-3340

Chair: Kathryn Schellenberg

Principal Secretary: Lynne McTiernan

Faculty Advisors: Associate Professors Roy Barnes, Larry W. Koch, Joan Mars, Diane Schaefer, Kathryn Schellenberg, Charles B. Thomas, Jr.; Assistant Professors Heather Laube,  Kenneth Litwin, Diane Schaefer, Instructor cum Assistant Professor Rudy Hernandez

Professors Emeriti: Thomas L. Coffey, Wilfred G. Marston

Sociology is the study of how social life is organized. Specifically, sociology examines the basic structure and functions of human social groups, communities, and societies. Sociologists attempt to identify the forces which hold groups together as well as those which act to weaken them. As a portion of this study, sociologists focus on the basic concepts of social norms and roles as they operate to control and shape human behavior. Areas of sociological study and expertise are quite varied. Substantive areas in which sociologists specialize include sociology of the family, race and ethnic relations, sociology of religion, social stratification, urban sociology, rural sociology,
collective behavior, sociology of knowledge, social gerontology, sociology of medicine, sociology of law, deviant behavior, criminology, population and social ecology, and work and formal organizations.

Department Mission and Program Assessment

The programs of Sociology and Anthropology have a common goal of introducing students to alternative perspectives of their world. Whether through a reexamination of their own society or other cultures throughout the world, the faculty of the Sociology and Anthropology programs strive to develop students’ abilities for critical thinking and analytical reasoning. The Department participates in the University-wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at http://www.umflint.edu/assessment/.

Programs in Sociology

Three concentration programs are offered, all leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree: the General Program in Sociology , the Joint Program in Social Sciences  with an emphasis on sociology (see “Social Sciences ”), and the Honors Program in Sociology . In addition, a Minor in Sociology  is also available.