for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Sociology
The College of Social Sciences
ELIZABETH HARTUNG, Chair
BETSY SWIFT and VONDA EPPERSON,
Department Administrative Assistants
Social Science Building, Room 227
559.278.2234
http://www.csufresno.edu/sociology/
Faculty
Elizabeth Hartung, Chair
Xuanning Fu
Deborah Helsel
Matthew A. Jendian
Timothy Kubal
Albert I. McLeod
Edward E. Nelson
Robert S. Palacio
John N. Tinker
Chandler Washburne
All full-time faculty hold Ph.D. degrees and share a commitment to excellence
in teaching. Their areas of special interest are diverse, including social
change, deviance, women in society, social stratification, social psychology,
social theory, and research methods. Most of the faculty are actively involved
in research. Recent faculty research has included studies of opinions on
women's issues, willingness to pay additional taxes, prayer, stereotypes
and ethnic prejudice, and the social organization of sport.
Sociology
The mission of the Department of Sociology is to provide students with an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology, knowledge about and the ability to use sociological concepts in the analysis of social phenomena, opportunities to develop critical thinking as well as written and oral communication skills using a sociological perspective, an understanding of sociocultural diversity within and among societies, and qualitative and quantitative research skills including the appropriate use of computer technology.
Sociology is the study of social life and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociology's subject matter ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from crime to religion, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, from the sociology of work to the sociology of sport. Few fields have such broad scope and relevance.
Training in sociology provides students with a perspective on human development and social life that is an especially important part of a college education. Social theory and research methods provide the foundation for study in sociology. On this foundation, programs with electives can be built to meet the needs of students with different goals and interests. The research emphasis trains in data gathering, analysis, and report writing - these are valuable in many careers. In addition, an understanding of the relationships between individuals and groups can prove useful in everyday life as well as at work.
Faculty and Facilities
All full-time faculty members hold Ph.D. degrees in sociology and share a commitment to excellence in teaching. Their areas of interest are diverse including social change, deviance, gender, social stratification, social psychology, social theory, and research methods. Most are actively involved in research. Recent faculty research has included studies of opinions on various issues, stereotypes and ethnic prejudice, the social organization of sport.
The department encourages students to obtain research experience as undergraduates. Some students conduct their own research projects; other assist faculty or work with the Social Research Laboratory. The laboratory conducts applied research on topics of regional interest. It regularly conducts the Fresno area survey and examines the quality of life in the San Joaquin Valley. Other projects have studied suspected cancer clusters, residents' perceptions of community problems and solutions, taxes for local projects, and local issues. The opportunity to gain practical experience while working closely with faculty adds a special dimension to education in sociology at California State University, Fresno. Students often apply their sociological training through service learning experiences in local social service agencies.
Career Opportunities
Students trained in sociology at California State University, Fresno
have entered a wide variety of occupations. A few have become professional
sociologists. While most professional sociologists teach at colleges and
universities, an increasing number hold research, administration, or policy
positions in a variety of settings. Many students have used sociology as
a preparation for law or other professions such as social work, counseling,
public health, library science, criminology, and public administration.
Students who begin work immediately after completing a bachelor's degree
in sociology usually enter careers in human services, administration/management
in public or private agencies, or research in a variety of organizations.
Sociology
Courses