About Public Sociology

Sociology is unique among the social sciences because it examines the whole of human societies. It focuses on institutional and sociocultural changes rather than on simply economic, political, or technical transformations.  For example, sociology provides an understanding of “modernization” and “globalization” by analyzing their impact on culture human subjectivity, power relations, and collective resistance. Sociology prepares students to scientifically study and personally engage with human groups and communities. It links individual biographies with public issues.

The Sociology major offers two tracks to Ramapo College students interested in studying questions of human diversity, inequality, and social justice in U.S. as well as international societies: Public Sociology and Criminology.

The Public Sociology track offers students opportunities to engage public issues like poverty, race relations, popular culture, gender, and globalization in their studies. This track emphasizes applied research experience which will prove invaluable in the job market and as an excellent preparation for graduate school.