Sociology is the scientific study of societies and human social behavior. Much of sociological writing and research is interdisciplinary. In particular, the disciplines of psychology, demography, science (including environmental studies), and medicine will be readily intertwined in sociological research.
The purpose of this collection is to support the identified curricular and research needs of the Department of Sociology at Michigan State University and secondarily to broadly support interdisciplinary endeavors in teaching and research that draw upon sociological thought—this specifically includes family studies instruction and research in the MSU Department of Human Development & Family Studies. The sociology collection supports the curriculum at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The Department of Sociology is part of the College of Social Science and the interdisciplinary nature of sociology is indicated by departmental ties with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, and Education as well as faculty connections with research institutes and centers in area studies, international development, ethnic and regional studies, environmental science, gender studies, and food safety and environmental toxicology. Family studies programs in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies are also served by sociological resources in the area of family and gender. Affiliated programs and centers include the African Atlantic Research Team, Animal Studies, The Julian Samora Research Institute, Environmental Science and Policy Program, and the Consortium for Sexual and Gender Minority Health. The Sociology Department also includes the Family and Population Health Lab.
The Department of Sociology focuses on three areas of research: