HTS Renamed School of History and Sociology to Highlight Core Disciplines

Posted August 26, 2015

The School of History, Technology, and Society (HTS) announces its renaming as the School of History and Sociology (HSOC). “The new name reflects the full range of what we do,” explains Professor Steven W. Usselman, the school chair. “Above all, it recognizes sociology, which is one of our two core disciplines, and an area in which we look to expand.”

HSOC is hiring new faculty in sociology and is working with the Office of Admissions to recruit more students in the field. The school already offers a minor in Sociology, and its graduate programs in the History and Sociology of Technology and Science prepare students for careers in the field.

Beyond bringing sociology to light, the new name conveys the breadth of activities occurring in the school. Each year, thousands of Georgia Tech students take courses in History and Sociology. Many are taught by renowned scholars in fields such as U.S. and European history, global studies and development, gender studies, race and civil rights, and sports and society. Students can earn minors in several of these areas or they can pursue a bachelor of science in the School’s distinctive interdisciplinary major, which will retain the name History, Technology, and Society (HTS).

Usselman likens History and Sociology to an umbrella, under which these many activities can thrive.

“We are very proud of our long tradition of excellence in the history of technology,” notes Usselman, referring to the discipline founded by renowned Professor Melvin Kranzberg. “We look always to build upon that foundation and to leverage the unique opportunities we have here at Georgia Tech.”

He notes the accomplishments of faculty in the field such as John Krige, who holds the Kranzberg Professorship and is President-Elect of the Society for the History of Technology, and Professor Kristie Macrakis, who is currently a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Institute.

“Yet the reality is, we do so much more,” concludes Usselman. “And whatever we do is grounded in those core disciplines of history and sociology.”