The Sociology department provides majors with a foundation in social theory and methods, while at the same time offering courses that extend beyond the standard range of courses in the field.
By studying core humanist concerns such as the environment, urban life, education, religion, families, gender, race, and the distribution of power and rewards, the sociology program maintains an ethical dimension. Students are taught to understand the social world in order to criticize it and work to change it.
Anthropology and Sociology are closely related social science disciplines that study the ways in which people live and interact together under various social and cultural conditions. By understanding the multifaceted dimensions of human socieities, the disciplines seek to understand human behavior, social interactions and institutional structures in all their diversity.
Students may choose to major in Anthropology, Sociology, or the combination of both (Anthro/Soc). The department offers three disciplinary majors, all B.A., and two disciplinary minors.
If you'd like to view a full listing of our course options in Sociology or any other subject, please visit the Online Course Catalogue.
disciplinary, 10 courses
SOC 100; SOC 211; SOC 212; SOC 300; SOC 464 or SOC 465; and five additional sociology courses, at least one of which much be at the 300-level. One 200-level or higher anthropology course can substitute for a 200-level sociology elective course.
disciplinary, 6 courses
SOC 100; either SOC 211, SOC 212 or SOC 300; and four additional sociology courses.
disciplinary, 10 courses
ANTH 110; SOC 100; a combination of three courses from department core offerings (ANTH 273, ANTH 306, SOC 211, SOC 212, and SOC 300) that includes both anthropology and sociology as well as both theory and methods; a seminar in either anthropology or sociology; two electives in anthropology; and two electives in sociology.
Our students choose from a variety of introductory and advanced courses, each designed to provide students with an understanding of the ways in which people live and interact together under various social and cultural conditions.
Below, you'll find a sampling of some of our most popular classes, as well as suggestions for making Sociology a part of your larger interdisciplinary experience at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
This course applies a sociological analysis to the major trends shaping business in the United States and worldwide by focusing on issues of demographic effects, ethical concerns, technology, government, and producers and consumers. Next, enroll in ECON 221, Population and Society, where you will study population within concepts of mortality, family demography and the environment.
Learn how to analyze the family as a social institution that is embedded in particular historical contexts, which reflects broad economic change, cultural shifts and political movements. Then, assess how our society cares for those who cannot care for themselves; such as children, the elderly and the sick in ECON 122, The Economics of Caring.
An in-depth examination of New York and Toronto reveals these cities as living organisms. Five-day field trips to both cities give students a firsthand human constructions rather than abstract concepts. Expand your knowledge of urban situations when you enroll in ANTH 247, Urban Anthropology, and uncover the truth behind popular misconceptions like crowding, size, poverty and class.
