Look around you, the subjects of sociology are everywhere. Sociology is the study of human society - the economic, political, cultural, and environmental forces which shape our world and our lives in the world. At Otterbein, the Department of Sociology enables students to become aware of the structure of national and global society and the relationships that influence change around the world. The program promotes a sociologically informed understanding of self and society, assuring that graduates are well prepared to pursue their goals.

The Department of Sociology aims to:

• Familiarize students with the basic research achievements and research tools of sociology
• Familiarize students with the major theoretical orientations and debates in sociology
• Make available to students a choice of subject area courses so they may acquire special competence according to their career/graduate school plans and academic and intellectual interests
• Enable students to develop critical thinking skills, comparative analysis skills, and competence in oral, written and interpersonal communication
• Enable students to understand their own culture and to learn to appreciate other diverse cultures
• Contribute to building a community of lifelong learners responsive to the changing sociological needs of our society