Sociology (SOC)

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

Chair: Kathryn Schellenberg
Principal Secretary: Lynne McTiernan
Associate Professors Roy Barnes, Larry W. Koch, Kenneth Litwin, Joan Mars, Diane Schaefer, Kathryn Schellenberg, Charles B. Thomas, Jr.; Assistant Professors Heather Laube, Instructor cum Assistant Professor Rudy Hernandez
Professors Emeriti: Thomas L. Coffey.

Sociology is the study of how social life is organized. More specifically, sociology examines the structures and functions of human groups, communities, and societies. Sociologists attempt to identify the forces that hold groups together as well as those which act to weaken them and explain how social norms and roles operate to control and shape human behavior. Sociological areas of expertise and research are highly varied but include: families, sex & gender, minorities, race & ethnic relations, religion, inequality, cities, collective behavior, knowledge, aging, health & medicine, law & the criminal justice system, deviance & crime, population, social ecology, work & occupations, and formal organizations.

Program Mission and Assessment

Sociology is one of three programs offered through the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice. All three programs share a common goal of introducing students to alternative perspectives of their world. Whether through a reexamination of their own society or other cultures across the globe, the Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice programs strive to develop students’ skills in critical thinking and analytical reasoning. Also, 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 . A Minor in Sociology is also available.