Sociology of Conflict and Violence
This area of concentration aims to foster social scientific expertise on conflict and violence at multiple levels of analysis, ranging from interpersonal forms of violence such as homicide, hate crimes, and rape to ethnic, class and civil conflicts at the macrosocial level (such as genocide or civil wars). Also addressed is the study of legal systems for the adjudication of violence. The concentration draws on expertise from both sociologists and criminal justice faculty who specialize in the study of conflict, violence, terrorism, and the relation between race, ethnicity and social justice. Students completing this area of concentration will develop knowledge that is useful to social and political efforts to prevent and/or control violent behavior, ranging widely from the enforcement of law and systems of social justice within local communities to systems for reconciliation within post-conflict states. Students can participate in the research activities of the Brudnick Center and the Institute for Race and Justice as well.
PhD students in Sociology completing this area of concentration will be required to complete the foundation course on Sociology of Violence. In addition, students will be required to choose three additional electives for this cluster, choosing from a list that includes courses in both Sociology and Criminal Justice. Courses offered in this area of specialization are open to social science graduate students, but will have particular relevance for students in Criminal Justice, as well as graduate students pursuing coursework in International Relations, Women’s Studies, and other related fields.
Affiliated Sociology Faculty
Arnold ArlukeSilvia Dominguez
Thomas Koenig
Jack Levin
Gordana Rabrenovic
Foundation Course
SOC G231 Sociology of Violence
SOC G205 Law, Conflict and Social Inequality (Tom Koenig)
SOC G240 Sociology of Deviant Behavior (Ineke Marshall)
SOC G254 Social Movements (Liza Weinstein; Jeff Juris)
One course from the following:
CJ G210 Gender, Crime, and Justice (Natasha Frost; Amy Ferrell)
CJ G240 Race and the Criminal Justice System (Walter Forest; Amy Ferrell)
CJ G242 Terrorism and International Crime (Nicos Passos)