Byron D. Steiger, Ph.D.
Professor
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Education:
Ph.D. Univeristy of Oregon: Sociology (1976)
M.S. University of Oregon: Sociology (1972)
B.S. University of Oregon: Philosophy (1966)
Why I study sociology....
My motivation in choosing sociology was, and is, to gain knowledge and understanding. Nothing is more complex or interesting than human behavior and the societies that humans create in interaction with one another. Sociology’s study of culture, institutions, and interaction provides a framework for understanding your very sense of “self,” your own life, “others,” and society. An individual’s most personal sense of “self” is created in interaction with others. Other individuals are a product of their life experiences within a given culture and societal institutions. I have always felt the crucial social problems are tied to the issue of inequality. And, since we live in a socially constructed world, sociology provides the analysis and understanding to construct a more just society.
Professional Work
Scholarships, Honors and Awards
Trustees Award for Teaching Excellence (1987) First recipient, S.S. Johnson Foundation, Pacific University.
The President's Lecture, Pacific University
Wye Fellowship
National Institute of Mental Health Fellowship (5 yrs)
Phi Beta Kappa
Oregon Non-Resident Scholarhship, University of Oregon (3 yrs)
Karl W. Onthank Scholarhship, University of Oregon
Select Professional Activities
American Sociological Association Teaching Workshop. Eugene, Oregon. 1977
Summer Internship, Lilly Foundation. Portland. Social Services Systems 1977
American Sociological Association Teaching Workshop. Portland, Oregon 198
Colloquium on "Violence" Pacific Univ. Concluding Plenary Speaker 1983Coursework in Conflict Management, Syracuse University, N.Y. 1984
Colloquium on "Media" Pacific Univ. 1984
Oregon Peace Studies 1985-88
Presidential Lecture Series Pacific Univ. "The Sociology of Humor" 1988
Session Chair: "Humor in the Classroom" Pacific Sociological Society 1989
Panelist/Discussant: "Teaching Evaluations" Pacific Sociological Society 1989
Panelist: "Teaching First" Univ. of Oregon 1994
Seminar: "Conflict Management" 1995
Chair, Sociology Section Oregon Academy of Sciences 1996-
Professional Associations
American Sociological Association
Pacific Sociological Association
Sociologial Theory Association
Phi Betal Kappa
Oregon Academy of Sciences
Courses that I teach...
At Pacific University, all faculty teach a variety of different courses. Typically, we do not use graduate teaching assistants, which means that your classes will be taught by professors and that you will have plenty of opportunity to get to know the faculty in your discipline.
Below, I have listed some of the courses that I teach. We are always developing and trying out new classes, so the list may change now and then. You can use the links to the left to read descriptions of the courses listed below.
| Soc | 101 | Introduction to Sociology |
| Soc | 102 | Social Problems |
| Soc | 204 | Criminology |
| Pacs | 313 | The Sociology of Violence |
| Soc | 315 | Equality and Inequality |
| Soc | 319 | Sociology of Medicine |
| Soc | 414 | Sociological Theory |
| Soc | 494 | Senior Research Seminar |
| Soc | 495 | Independent Research |
What I would tell a student considering a major in sociology...
Whatever you choose as a major, choose a major that has great interest for you. Your major should be the most fascinating thing you can imagine doing. In choosing a major you are choosing a foundation for the rest of your life. No major or occupation is worthwhile doing if you do not enjoy doing it. A sociology major best matches those who have a broad range of interests. A major in sociology is almost a liberal arts education by itself; it encompasses such areas as economics, politics, religion/philosophy, and history. Sociology gives you a skill set that prepares you for many possible careers and gives you skills to live a full and engaged life.
A major in sociology prepares you for change in your life, in your career(s) and, in the world.