Faculty

SociologyDepartment

The study of sociology at Vassar begins with an introduction to the classical thinkers in sociology in the context of contemporary materials. Students then go on to study a broad range of sociological issues through courses in criminology, media, medicine, science, race, gender, urbanism, research, and theory. Most students pursuing a major in sociology integrate field work into their programs of study and participate in a variety of projects in the local community and New York City, including work in prisons, homeless shelters, social service agencies, advertising agencies, and urban planning departments. A senior thesis is required.

Carlos Alamo-Pastrana Dean of the College

BA, University of Colorado; MA, PhD, University of California, Santa Barbara

Interests

• Afro-Latina/i Intellectual History
• Popular Culture
• Prison Studies

John Andrews Adjunct Assistant Professor of Sociology

Toivo Asheeke Post Doctoral Fellow in Sociology

Pinar Batur Professor and Chair of Sociology

BA, University of Missouri, Kansas City; MA, PhD, University of Texas at Austin

Interests

• Global Racism
• Anti-Racist Movements

Light Carruyo Associate Professor of Sociology

BA, Oberlin College; MA, PhD, University of California, Santa Barbara

Abigail Coplin Assistant Professor of Sociology and Science, Technology and Society

Darlene Deporto Adjunct Assistant Professor of Sociology

AB, Vassar College; MA, PhD, SUNY New Paltz

Diane Harriford Professor of Sociology

BA, Oberlin College; MA, PhD, Stony Brook University

William Hoynes Dean of the Faculty

BA, Tufts University; PhD, Boston College

Eileen Leonard Professor of Sociology

BA, Emmanuel College; MA, PhD, Fordham University

Seungsook Moon Professor of Sociology

BA, Yonsei University; MA, Northeastern University; PhD, Brandeis University

Interests

• Transnational Militarism; Citizenship, Civic Agency, and Social Movements.
• Global Production and Consumption of Food; Masculinities from a Global Perspective.

Leonard Nevarez Professor of Sociology

BA, MA, PhD, University of California, Santa Barbara

Interests

• Urban studies
• social theory
• food systems
• musical urbanism

Eréndira Rueda Associate Professor of Sociology

BA, University of California, San Diego; MA, PhD, University of California, Berkeley