Northwestern College to host sociology conference

Northwestern College will host the 40th annual meeting of the Christian Sociological Association (CSA) June 8–11. This year’s theme is “Social Justice in the Christian Tradition.”

The conference serves as a forum for Christian sociologists to engage in personal and professional development through discussion on the integration of faith and sociology. The annual meeting takes place at various colleges throughout the United States.

“The meeting is a chance for Christian sociologists to gather, present papers, talk about pedagogy and teaching, and exchange ideas,” says Dr. Scott Monsma, professor of sociology and department chair at Northwestern. “It is refreshing to hang out with other sociologists and ‘talk shop.’ We also work to encourage Christian graduate students in sociology who will often teach after they finish their doctorates.”

Among the speakers are Dr. Chris Hausmann, assistant professor of sociology at Northwestern, who will present "An Encounter-Based Approach to Christian Scholarship," and Dr. Jennifer Feenstra, NWC professor of psychology, who will present "Youth Development Program: Long-term Impact on Romanian Youth." Molly Townsend, a 2017 Northwestern psychology graduate who is now serving as a live-in assistant and direct support professional at L'Arche in Chicago, and senior psychology major Hope De Ruyter will also give presentations.

The CSA was begun in 1976 at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa. Since then, around 50 sociologists meet each June to share new ideas and research.