"It is through the illusion of freedom from social determinants...that social determinations win the freedom to exercise their full power.... And so, paradoxically, sociology frees us from the illusion of freedom, or, more exactly from the misplaced belief in illusory freedoms" (Pierre Bourdieu, "In Other Words").
In many ways, taking a course in sociology is very much like signing up to watch the evening news. You learn about crime and juvenile delinquency, urban growth and social problems, social institutions and social change, mass society and multicultural concerns. Unlike the media coverage of "newsworthy" events, sociology encourages you to examine issues and social events with a critical eye, searching for the news behind the news. You will learn to evaluate what you see and read, to ask "why" and seek a better understanding of the world. The excitement of sociology lies in the scope of human behavior involved. Sociology is the study of relationships people share with each other, the study of change and its effects, and a study to challenge common sense assumptions about these. The study of sociology offers you an opportunity to develop the skills of critical inquiry for problem solving. Sociology is a discipline resting on the premise that knowledge is power.
The faculty of the department of sociology are committed to the democratic belief in the power of scientific reason to solve human social problems. As a faculty, we believe that an ability to think critically about public affairs is one of the marks of an educated person and a key to the resolution of many important problems. Consistent with these beliefs and commitments, the faculty’s primary aims are to provide high quality teaching, research, and public service in social science.
The degree programs administered by the department of sociology are central to the State Board of Education’s mandate that Boise State University be the lead institution in social sciences and public affairs. Departmental programs include five baccalaureate degrees, one associate of arts degree in social science, and three minors. Faculty also participate in the following interdisciplinary studies programs: women’s studies, Canadian studies, a gerontology minor, and the master of interdisciplinary studies degree program.
Mailing address
School of Sociology1910 University Drive
Boise, Idaho 83725-1945
Phone and Fax
Voice: 208-426-3406
Fax: 208-426-2098
Office email
Office Staff
Office Staff: Lynda Robinson