Thus, sociology is the study of humanity's diverse ways of interacting, of the kinds of institutions and social systems we build. We both shape and are shaped by society.
Sociology is the study of how society organizes itself.
Sociology's subject matter includes social institutions and culture, community life, family patterns and relationships, social change, gender and ethnic relations, race, social class, demographics, formal organizations including bureaucracies, value systems, conflict, deviant behavior, mass media, health-seeking behavior, social movements, and the people and institutions of other societies including indigenous societies and cultures. Sociology is a valuable liberal arts major for students planning careers in educational, corporate, and governmental settings. The sociology major provides the undergraduate foundation for pursuit of careers in social work, urban planning, public health, gerontology, medicine, law, criminal justice, and other fields in which knowledge of social institutions, social interaction and range of research techniques for studying social phenomena are needed. The sociology major at Chapman prepares students to enter graduate study in sociology and to become professional sociologists. Finally, sociology provides preparation for students who intend to become social change agents focusing on community building.