Sociology is a field that studies basic human and social processes in the context of the complex realities of a rapidly changing world. CWRU’s Department of Sociology offers undergraduate concentrations in Crime, Law and Justice, Gender, Work and Family, Health, Medicine, and Aging, and Social Inequality. The Department encourages interaction between students and faculty by offering many opportunities for individualized study and participation in research projects and other field-based learning experiences. The Department has a long history of offering a friendly, student-centered culture, for both undergraduate and graduate students.
In addition to pursuing doctoral study in sociology, many of our recent graduates pursued graduate studies in the fields of medicine, law and social work. The breadth of knowledge and perspective provided by majoring in sociology is viewed favorably by researchers and employers in many fields including management and industry, health care, human resources, social work and education.
Undergraduate Studies
- For additional information, please contact undergraduate director Professor Mary Patrice Erdmans.
Graduate Studies
- For additional information please contact graduate co-directors Professor Jessica A. Kelley or Professor Timothy Black.
Sociology Fall Colloquium: Professional Work in a “Post-Racial” Era
During the Sociology Department’s colloquium in October 2021, Professor Adia Harvey Wingfield delivered her lecture, Professional Work in a “Post-Racial” Era: Black Health Care Workers in the New Economy and met with students and faculty. Professor Wingfield’s research examines how racial and gender inequality persists in professional occupations. She is the Mary Tileston Hemenway Professor of Arts & Sciences and Vice Dean for Faculty Development and Diversity at Washington University in St. Louis.
Administrator Michelle Corcoran Receives Mather Notable Woman of Year Award
Our very own Michelle Corcoran, Department Administrator, received the 2021 Mather Notable Woman of the Year Award. All community members were invited to watch the Mather Center’s presentation of the awards at virtual screening. If you missed the watch party, click here is a link to the recording of the 2021 Women of Achievement awards.
Professor Tim Black Offers Sociological Analysis to News5 Audience
Sociology Professor Tim Black was interviewed on Cleveland News 5 to offer a sociological perspective of the ongoing controversies in Ohio schools and school boards. His comments illustrate the value of a sociological framework for making sense of some aspects of a complex and dynamic social reality.
Sociology Alum Publishes Book on Geriatric Care
In December 2021, CWRU Sociology Alum John Schumacher published Creating a Geriatric Emergency Department: A Practical Guide which reflected his research on geriatric emergency departments and care delivery models for older adults.. John is currently Co-Director of the UMBC/UMB Gerontology Doctoral Program.
Study Abroad in Italy for Spring Break
Where? Rome and Florence, Italy
Why? Explore differences in US and Italian family life.
How? Immerse yourselves in Italian culture, visit local schools and the Vatican’s medical system, meet with Italy’s policy makers, explore UNICEF’s international policy center.
Cost? $2,800 per student. Students responsible for flight cost and scheduling.
Please click here to send contact information and questions.
Age and the Reach of Sociological Imagination
Adding to the extensive collection of CWRU Sociology books, Professor Dale Dannefer’s book Age and the Reach of Sociological Imagination: Power, Ideology and the Life Course was published in August 2021…
Congratulations, Professor Dannefer!
2021 James Dysart Magee Award
Sociology major Jiara Sanders won the 2021 James Dysart Magee Award! This prestigious award is given to one outstanding social and behavioral science major each year. Hearty Congratulations, Jiara!
Cassi Pittman Claytor’s Work Featured in Art/Sci
Cassi Pittman Claytor’s work on racism in the retail sector, Beyond Living the Dream, was featured in the Summer 2021 issue of Art/Sci. She was also the lead story in The Daily on August 10, 2021. In her book, Black Privilege: Modern Middle-Class Blacks with Credentials and Cash to Spend (2020)…
EVENTS
Highlights
Fall 2021 Colloquium
Attend the Department Colloquium on October 25, 2021, “Professional Work in a “Post-Racial Era: Black Health Care Workers in the New Economy” presented by Professor Adia Harvey Wingfield.