Sociology is the systematic study of societies: their composition, organization, culture, and development. At the micro level, sociologists do research on the effects of social interaction and networks on individual and collective behavior, beliefs, and cognition. At the macro level, sociology has at least three major foci.

The first is the study of the organization, culture, and development of collectivities (social classes, groups based on gender, ethnicity, or religion; national and transnational communities). This includes the causes and consequences of collective action by groups, movements, and organizations.

The second is institutions (economic, political, and cultural): How they are formed and sustained, how they interact, how they affect individual and collective action, and how they change.

Finally, sociologists study national societies (their structure, institutions, and culture), and the international social order. This includes the analysis of national and international social change, and processes of reform and revolution.

The Department of Sociology at UCSD is unique in that most of its faculty work in three fields: comparative-historical sociology, the sociology of culture, and the sociology of science. In addition, the department offers basic training in social theory, and quantitative and qualitative methodologies. A further distinctive aspect of this department is that a large proportion of its members are engaged in the study of foreign countries: their institutions, culture, interactions with other nations, development, and change. UCSD sociologists do research not only on the United States, but also on societies in Africa, Latin America, East Asia, Western and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

A major in sociology will offer a rigorous preparation to students planning graduate work in sociology, political science, and other social and behavioral sciences. In addition, a sociological education is an excellent background for professional training in law, medicine, business, education, and social work. Finally, a sociology major provides a solid liberal education, and it is an ideal choice for undergraduates considering careers in the private sector, government, and non-profit organizations. I invite students interested in pursuing a sociology major or minor to meet our undergraduate coordinator, and get more specific information and advice on requirements, courses, and departmental activities in general.

Richard Madsen,
Professor and Chair
rmadsen@ucsd.edu