Sociology

In significant shift over time, issues related to faith get more play in top journals, more scholars make religious issues central to their work, and more are getting outside funds.

By co-editing a book with Israeli scholars, a professor at American U. of Beirut finds himself under attack on his campus and sets off a debate over academic freedom.

Theories abound about why academics are more liberal than are average citizens. Some blame bias, arguing that conservative scholars are denied positions. Others see self-selection at work, with academe attracting more liberal individuals, while conservatives are more likely to opt for other careers. Still others see some sort of socialization going on in graduate programs or early faculty careers, such that the young academic emerges on the left. And there are numerous other theories.

At many colleges and universities, the tenure trinity of teaching, research and service is widely viewed (at least by those coming up for tenure) as a myth. A new book (or articles in the right journals) will trump a great teaching idea every time, say many professors. Classroom innovation doesn't get any credit.

Criminology and criminal justice are hot. Even in these financially constrained times, colleges can't seem to get enough of these programs. Arizona State University last month announced a new online bachelor of science degree in criminology and criminal justice. Nyack College is starting a bachelor's degree. So is Rockhurst University, with a commitment to placing students in internships. Rochester Institute of Technology recently started a master's program. Texas State University is starting a doctorate. The list could go on and on.

Numerous studies have pointed to a gap in job satisfaction between men and women in academe, with men generally happier with working conditions.

In 1932, doctors from the U.S. Public Health Service began a study on untreated late-stage syphilis. The doctors were all white men; the study's subjects were all black men, as the doctors believed that the afflicted person's race would have an impact on the progression of the disease. The study included some 400 men who were presumed to have late-stage syphilis, as well as about 200 controls presumed to be free of the disease.

As the American Sociological Association gets ready to gather for its annual meeting later this month in Atlanta, the job market news remains glum.

Female and minority junior professors report less comfort with work climate than do male or white colleagues; new faculty generally give mixed grades to effectiveness of key policies.

Study of master's degree in the discipline finds that many who never earn Ph.D. find professional fulfillment.