The Discipline that Intersects All Others
Class. Status. Power. Gender. Race. Politics. Crime. Food. Family. Medicine. Music. Education. Culture. Religion. Technology.
What is Sociology? When you study sociology at Franklin & Marshall you discover the many interrelationships among the various fields of knowledge that constitute the liberal arts. Any question that has to do with people has a sociological answer.
As a social and cultural science, sociology studies human interaction within and between groups; the forces of interest and meaning that help to shape and reshape that interaction; and its consequences for the lives of individuals and social groups. As one of the liberal arts, sociology enriches the study of history, philosophy, science, and the arts, and assists students in examining their personal lives, professional activities, and public issues in a more thoughtful and critical way. In both capacities--and as our graduates attest--the study of sociology can be excellent preparation for a wide range of careers including law, education, business, government service, medicine, and social work.
Sociology at F&M Sociology majors and minors are characterized, above all, by the diversity of their interests. The program is flexible enough to accommodate double majors and joint majors. Students often combine a sociology major or minor with Government, Public Policy, Business, Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Psychology, Public Health, Anthropology, or a language.
A high percentage of our students choose to study abroad; popular locations include Spain, Denmark, England, Australia, Argentina, and South Africa
The department offers multiple opportunities for students to conduct their own research projects. Students in Sociology of Gender, for example, design projects on topics like stereotypes in the media, or gender differences in how people choose majors or occupations. Some students choose to pursue year-long independent study projects. Recent topics include a critique of how art museums privilege nationalism and national identity; an analysis of ethnic portrayals in French films; and a study of the experiences of first-generation college students from rural backgrounds.
Leilani Ly, of Honolulu, Hawai’i, is this year’s recipient of the Williamson Medal, the College’s most prestigious award for student achievement.Read More