This page has been created to serve as a guide to the department and a resource for members of the department, both student and faculty.

Sociology, the scientific study of human behavior in social groups, seeks to understand how people interact, how they organize themselves in social groups, and how this organization changes. Courses in sociology focus on the basic forms of social organization and social processes, in our own and other cultures, and on the theoretical approaches sociologists use to understand those basic forms. These courses contribute to critical, intelligent understanding of how the social world operates--an essential understanding for any liberally educated person in a complex and rapidly changing world. Students of sociology will find that their related work in psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and history enhances their sociological insights. Majors are required to study statistics and are encouraged to participate in interdisciplinary courses, internships, and off-campus programs. The study of foreign languages is highly recommended, especially for those who are interested in comparative sociology.

Sociological training is useful for any career, since all careers require working with people in groups. The discipline is particularly helpful for careers in business, education, law, medicine, urban and social planning, journalism, social work, and governmental service.

Mission Statement
The Sociology Department at Grinnell College seeks to develop in students the sociological knowledge and skills that will enable them to think critically and imaginatively about society and social issues. Serving students directly and society indirectly, the Department encourages a commitment to social justice based on an appreciation of social and intellectual diversity and an awareness of social inequality.

Assessment Goals
1. Sociological Knowledge. We expect students to have attained:
a) Knowledge of basic sociological concepts.
b) Familiarity with various theoretical perspectives within sociology.
c) Knowledge of ways of collecting and evaluating sociological evidence.


2. Sociological Skills. We expect students to acquire:
a) An ability to think critically and imaginatively about society and social issues, using sociological knowledge.
b) An ability to express this thinking clearly through oral and written communication.
c) An ability to use the standards of the field to evaluate the quality of sociological work, including one's own work.


3. Sociological Values. We expect students to demonstrate:
a) An appreciation for social and intellectual diversity.
b) An awareness of social inequality.
c) A commitment to social justice.