Sociology
The scientific study of social life
Sociology provides fundamental insight on social matters. Our lives are affected not only by our personal psychology, but by our place in the social world. Sociologists study and work across a broad range of issues—from inequality to human ecology, from deviance to religion, from medicine to politics. Few fields offer students (and researchers) opportunities of such breadth.
Featured Undergraduate Course
Sociology of Food (SOC 336)
Most Americans know or think little about the food they eat. Yet food is a fascinating sociological topic with many social layers—it serves as an identity marker, is embedded in culture, can be a source of both pleasure and pain, is a social system, and is even a tool of power. The goal of the course is to increase awareness and knowledge about food by investigating how the contemporary production, distribution, and consumption of food impacts the environment and reflects social and economic power relations, how food movements develop and change over time, how and why food insecurity persists and the consequences, and the human rights of food workers. Students say that this a great elective course that made them more mindful about this important resource and opened their eyes to significant issues surrounding the food system.
Sociology of Food counts toward earning the new Health & Society minor.
Experiential Learning
Take your education out of the classroom and into the world! Experiential learning opportunities and the capstone course help you apply your academic learning to effect change in communities and workplaces or get involved in hands-on research.
Relevant Sociology Updates
- Jen Schwartz and Jenn Sherman did an interview with KUOW News discussing rural incarceration rates.
- Jennifer Sherman’s recent appearance on NPR’s 1A. Listen here or on the podcast app.
- Department of Sociology Anti-Racism Statement
- WSU Anti-Racism Statement
Sociology News
- Global Campus: 30 years of opportunity
- Meet the new faculty of fall 2022
- Philanthropist earns his undergraduate degree
- National Gilman Scholarships support study abroad
- Closing a gap in Alzheimer’s disease research
- Opioids kill minorities at younger ages
- Food insecurity related to later diabetes
- Global Campus Outstanding Seniors 2022