Letter from the Graduate Representative
Welcome to the Web page for the graduate programs at the School of History, Technology, and Society (HTS). Ours is a unique program incorporating what we believe to be the best aspects of history and sociology and drawing strength from both disciplines. At Georgia Tech you can focus on either history or sociology or develop a hybridized course of study. Although the program has a major emphasis on technology and science, it is not confining—one has more than ample opportunity to pursue traditional studies in either history or sociology as well. The history faculty’s teaching and research specialties include American, British, French, Asian, African American, and Middle-Eastern history, as well as the history of technology, environmental history, history of the media, urban history, and history of medicine. Sociologists focus on the workplace, inequality, race and gender, medical sociology, political sociology, and sociology of media, among other areas.
The breadth of faculty expertise and depth of support for students are key benefits of study in HTS. Our program is a small and intimate one with a better than 1:1 student-faculty ratio, which allows for close association between faculty and students. For students interested primarily in history, association with sociologists in the School helps enhance study through exposure to social theory, an integral part of every historical discipline. Students interested in sociology also find that exposure to history enriches their experience and scholarship.
Beyond HTS, there are other schools at Georgia Tech to draw upon in achieving a rich educational experience. As part of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, students have the opportunity to take courses in closely related disciplines such as literature, foreign languages, economics, and public policy, to name just a few. Cross registration opportunities allow students to study at both Emory University and Georgia State University, both of which respectively have extensive Departments of Sociology and History. Opportunities to take courses beyond these disciplines, at both universities, are also available. Georgia Tech is an extensive institution with a wonderful campus offering many extracurricular and athletic opportunities. As a student, one can attend all Division I athletic events and also use the enormous array of facilities on campus. Tech’s Ferst Center of Performing Arts offers first-rate performances of orchestra, drama, and dance. Come to HTS if you want a very rich and fulfilling educational experience.
Les Leighton
Graduate Representative