Department of Sociology

Department of Sociology

https://socio.jbnu.ac.kr

Majors in sociology will develop into highly skilled professionals equipped with sociological imagination and a sound historical consciousness, capable of adapting appropriately to the rapidly changing modern society by understanding not only various human social behaviors but also social systems and structures (changes) and cultivating scientific analytical skills. The Department of Sociology aims to actively contribute to creating better conditions for our society through the training of such professionals.

The Department of Sociology at Jeonbuk National University was established in December 1977 as part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Since the admission of its first class of freshmen the following year, 1978, the department has undergone continuous change and development, marking its 30th anniversary in 2007. Beginning with the appointment of Professor Yoon Geun-seop, who was serving in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the College of Agriculture, and Professor Yang Hoe-soo of the School of Liberal Arts, the Department has since recruited a large number of outstanding faculty and lecturers to provide high-quality education and research that meets diverse social demands. As a result, it continues to develop into a prestigious sociology department that truly stands out in Korea.

Currently, the research fields of full-time professors are specialized into the following areas: social stratification/class theory and information sociology (Professor Jeong Hak-seop); industrial sociology and labor sociology (Professor Nam Chun-ho); social development theory and environmental sociology (Professor Song Jeong-gi); political sociology and social movement theory (Professor Jeong Cheol-hee); economic globalization and quantitative analysis (Professor Seol Dong-hoon); sociology of gender and family sociology (Professor Kim Hye-kyung); sociological theory and sociology of religion (Professor Choi Woo-young); mathematical sociology and social networks (Professor Kim Jae-woo); and historical sociology and legal sociology (Professor Park Cheon-ung).

The ultimate goal of the sociology curriculum is to instill the ability to flexibly and scientifically analyze any type of social phenomenon. To this end, the Department of Sociology at Jeonbuk National University structures its curriculum around the theories and techniques necessary for systematically understanding and analyzing various social phenomena, as well as the underlying ideas and research results. The diversity and expertise of the sociology faculty are systematically integrated into the operation of this curriculum.

The sociology curriculum is broadly organized into the following three categories: foundational courses that constitute the basis of sociology, such as sociological theory, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and social statistics; courses that analyze the structure and changes of modern society (social stratification, organization, change, development, culture, politics, and economic sociology); courses that focus particularly on the transition to an information society and post-industrial society and the resulting changes in various institutions (industry, information, etc.); and courses suitable for understanding and analyzing various social problems of modern society arising from these changes (crime, urban and rural areas, environment, women, population, family, everyday politics, social movements and collective action, etc.). First and second-year students acquire basic knowledge as social science majors through courses such as Modern Society and Cultural Studies, and are required to take History of Sociology, which covers the history of sociology, and Social Statistics, which is the foundation for the quantitative analysis of social phenomena. Students wishing to double major or minor in sociology are also encouraged to take these courses with interest, as they form a significant part of the groundwork for the social sciences. The curriculum for third and fourth-year students consists of courses that delve deeply into the theories of modern sociology and analyze and understand various aspects of society. Students study modern sociological theories that form the foundation of sociological reflection, as well as qualitative and quantitative social research methodologies essential for the empirical study of social structures and changes. They also learn about diverse specific topics such as social movements, class, region, labor, gender, religion, organizations, education, law, informatization, and science and technology. Furthermore, in preparation for the globalism that emerged with the advent of the 21st century, they encounter courses covering topics such as East Asian development, migration and immigration, and overseas regional studies.

The fields of career paths after graduation are also diverse. To date, graduates have been actively engaged in various sectors. Regarding general administrative positions, graduates can enter administrative roles in private companies and public institutions. For specialized careers, they can pursue roles such as research specialists responsible for practical social survey work, labor specialists handling career counseling and labor-management issues, and civic movement specialists responsible for the operation of civic organizations and the planning of policy measures covering issues such as the environment and women's rights. Furthermore, many sociology majors have entered the field of social studies teaching in middle and high schools after completing teacher training courses. In addition, sociology majors are excelling in various other fields, including community experts related to public policy for local governments and civic groups, professional researchers at polling agencies, mass media, and the planning and promotion of festivals and events.

Moreover, the university organizes an annual "Alumni Job Fair" to provide a platform for seniors and juniors to exchange employment information and explore career opportunities. Additionally, a mentoring system has been established between alumni and current students to conduct continuous and strategic career guidance activities. In fact, there are numerous cases of students successfully finding employment through the information exchanged at these job fairs.

The Department of Sociology currently operates the thanks to a generous donation made by Professor Emeritus Kim Young-gi, who retired in August 2005, for the benefit of sociology students upon his retirement. The Seokjeong Scholarship is awarded to students who have contributed to the unity of the department, and the scholarship award ceremony has been held every September since the first ceremony in September 2005.

Funds contributed by professors in the Department of Sociology select students with excellent academic records and outstanding leadership skills to provide opportunities for overseas cultural exploration and field trips.