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Area Exams

Area exams provide you the opportunity to develop a broad expertise in two subfields of sociology. To pass the exams, you must demonstrate the knowledge necessary for a literature review in their chosen subfields, but also mastery of an independent voice within those subfields. 

Upon completion of your exams, you should be able to: 

  • Interact with professional peers on the basis of shared knowledge and understanding
  • Teach in the field and organize a syllabus
  • Develop original research questions that contribute to the field

Exam Guidelines

See Appendix Two of the The Sociology Graduate Guide

Current Area Exam Committees

Culture

  • Terry McDonnell (Chair)
  • Lyn Spillman
  • Ann Mische

Education

  • Amy Langenkamp (Chair)
  • Anna Haskins
  • Joel Mittleman

Gender

  • Abi Ocobock (Chair)
  • Elizabeth McClintock
  • Joel Mittleman

Organizations

  • Erin McDonnell (Chair)
  • David Gibson
  • Simone Zhang

Political Sociology

  • Rory McVeigh (Chair)
  • Dana Moss
  • Samuel Valenzuela

Race-Ethnicity

  • Calvin Zimmerman (Chair)
  • Steven Alvarado
  • Ricardo Martinez-Schuldt

Religion

  • Kraig Beyerlein (Chair)
  • David Sikkink
  • Chris Smith

Social Movements

  • Dana Moss (Chair)
  • Rory McVeigh
  • Erika Summers-Effler

Stratification

  • David Hachen (Chair)
  • Steven Alvarado
  • Bill Carbonaro

Theory

  • David Gibson (Chair)
  • Kevin Christiano
  • Erin McDonnell

Area Exam Dates

Week of October 25th, 2021

Area Specific Guidelines