ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´

Debra Swanson joined the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ College Sociology and Social Work faculty in fall 1989. She primarily teaches introduction to sociology, Cultural Anthropology and upper-level courses in stratification (Race and Ethnic Relations, Sociology of Gender) and Social Movements. She also enjoys teaching a First Year Seminar on urban design for pedestrians, usually called the walking class.

Areas of Interest

• The social construction of mothering: Research on how a woman's choice to stay home or be employed outside the home impacts her parenting
• Teaching and learning
• Inter-group dialogue: Using dialogue techniques to improve classroom critical discussions in order to promote understanding
• Social movements: The impact of professionalization on grassroots social movements

Education

• Ph.D., sociology, Catholic University of America, 1995
• M.A., sociology, Catholic University of America, 1988
• B.A., major in sociology and minor in English, ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ College, 1983

Honors and Awards

• Elected president of the North Central Sociological Association, 2016-2017
• Recipient of the Michigan Campus Compact Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, 2014
• Recipient of the Premier Mentor Award, given for mentoring and providing a positive role model for young people, for Ottawa County from the State of Michigan for work with Total Trek Quest, 2013
• Winner of the Ruth and John Reed Faculty Achievement Award, for members of the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ College faculty who are superior teachers and have also contributed significantly in some other area of professional life, 2009
• Winner of the John F. Schnabel Distinguished Contribution to Teaching Award, North Central Sociological Association, 2008