Sociology is the study of group life and the social forces that affect human
behavior. A central goal of sociology is to gain insight into
how our lives are influenced by the social relationships around us.
Since all human behavior is social behavior, sociology is a very broad field
of study. Its subject matter ranges from rural families to urban gangs, from
the values and beliefs Americans share to the ways we are divided by race,
class, and gender, and from giant corporate organizations to small
friendship groups.
At Radford University, the Department of Sociology promotes a
challenging atmosphere in which students are encouraged to recognize,
understand, and think critically about social processes, issues, and cultural
diversity.Through rigorous
coursework, the program teaches students how to gather, analyze and interpret
qualitative and quantitative data. Through research-in-service and internships
students learn how to apply their knowledge and skills to problems and needs in
businesses, organizations, and communities. A central part of our mission is to
provide opportunities for independent student research as well as faculty and
student collaborative research.We
teach from the philosophy that active engagement in real-world research enhances
employment opportunities and opens doors to graduate school.The department engages in sound career planning and preparation with each
major.
The Sociology Department at RU also offers courses in our
sister discipline, Cultural Anthropology, providing students with an
opportunity to study social problems, social processes, and differing
cultures both from within the U.S. and from a global/international
perspective.
The Sociology
Department offers students many opportunities to get involved and gain
hands-on experience "doing" Sociology and Cultural Anthropology, both in and outside
the classroom. Those opportunities include:
Hands-On Experience through Class Projects,
Independent Study classes, and Practicum classes. Many of the
department's faculty offer opportunities for students to actually "DO"
Sociology and Cultural Anthropology through class projects,
Independent Study and Practicum classes, service learning opportunities, and
faculty-student collaborative research. These are excellent resume builders.
Explore the many pages throughout this website to learn more about potential
classes and possibilities, and talk with your professors and advisors who
can help direct you to these opportunities.
Radford University's Undergraduate Forum. Each Spring RU holds an
Undergraduate Student Forum where Sociology and Cultural Anthropology students present
the results of their research. This is another good resume builder. Talk with
your professors about the possibilities. The Forum takes place each April.
International Study Abroad Opportunities. Many of our Cultural Anthropology and
Sociology majors choose to enhance their studies with international travel and
study abroad experiences. Talk with your professors about the
possibilities. The
RU International Education Center has many
opportunities to choose from--visit their web site to view Study Abroad
opportunities as well as international events taking place on the RU campus.
