Sociology

Description

Sociology seeks to understand human behavior by studying how individuals connect to the groups and institutions in which they live. Sociologists analyze the interrelationship of social structures with political, economic, and cultural forces, from the micro to the macro level. As a discipline, sociology provides students with the conceptual and analytic tools to make sense of complex social structures in a rapidly changing global environment. Brown’s Sociology department brings together a dynamic group of scholars with international reputations for outstanding achievement in a range of important research areas -- social demography, health and medicine, environmental justice and environmental change, development, politics and democracy, urban and spatial analysis, and organizations and occupations.

Student Goals

Students in this concentration will:

• Apply sociological theories, concepts, and research techniques to real-world problems
• Learn to calculate, interpret, and communicate data and statistics
• Develop analytical knowledge of major social and political issues
• Construct an individualized program of study
• Conduct a capstone project in their senior year

Requirements

Click here for a list of Sociology concentration requirements. For more information about this concentration, please visit the department's website.

Honors and Capstones

Concentrators are encouraged to complete a a capstone experience. The capstone can be done by taking a one-semester practicum in independent research or by engaging in original research in a seminar. However, the capstone may take other forms, such as a photography exhibit, a video ethnography, or by assisting in organizing an academic conference. Honors are available to students in both the A.B. and Sc.B. programs who fulfill their concentration work with distinction. An advisor and a topic should be chosen by the end of the junior year. Please visit the department website for complete information on the eligibility requirements for Honors.

Liberal Learning

This concentration allows you to address the following Liberal Learning goals:

• Expand your reading skills
• Collaborate fully
• Understand differences among cultures
• Embrace Diversity
• Engage with your community
• Learn what it means to study the past
• Evaluate human behavior
• Work on your speaking and writing

Download the full statement on Liberal Learning at Brown

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Affiliated Departments

• Economics
• BEO
• Watson Institute
• Development Studies
• Education
• Population Studies

Advisors

• Michael Kennedy
• Carrie Spearin

Graduating Class

Alumni Pathways

Sociology concentrators have gone on to pursue a range of careers, including as academic sociologists, television producers, stock traders, social workers, attorneys, work in non-governmental organizations, and as organizational researchers. 

Dept. Undergraduate Group

Visit this DUG's website to learn more.

Student Leaders:

• Eva Lindpaintner
• Sarah Lu
• Alexandria Sharpe
• Ralitza Dekova