Sociology

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies has had the kind of impact that most scholarly authors can only dream about for their works. First published by W.W. Norton in 1997, the book won a Pulitzer Prize the next year for its author, Jared Diamond, a professor of geography at the University of California at Los Angeles.

For decades, but especially in recent years, social scientists have been frustrated by institutional review boards, campus bodies that must approve studies involving human subjects.

The IRB's, as they are called, are best known for their work on informed consent with medical research. But the boards also must approve projects in which sociologists conduct surveys or do interviews -- even though such work doesn't pose any of the dangers of, say, a drug whose side effects could be deadly.

Sociologists consider how to cover hot-button topics without losing control or civility.

Sociologists offer unexplored issues raised by the Harvard president's comments -- and suggestions on how colleges should change.

Dispute over alleged plagiarism between 2 Penn scholars, settled quietly over the summer, is aired anew.

Arizona State revamps department in attempt to revitalize discipline, but does program agenda shortchange field?

Analysis finds wide variations among disciplines -- with anthropology and sociology more liberal than political science and economics.

Amid rape allegations, Duke suspends lacrosse season -- and experts consider lessons and warnings for other colleges.

Student loan repayment may preclude large numbers of graduates from teaching and social work jobs, study suggests.

Professors, what would you do to avoid teaching freshmen? Deans, what would you do to get senior professors teaching what you want them to teach?

A battle of wills at the University of Maryland at College Park -- perhaps soon to escalate into a court battle -- is a good illustration of the kinds of choices faced by colleges and professors when it comes to who will teach what.