Visiting Assistant Professor Andrew Knight

Why I Like Sociology:

After graduating from high school, I decided to pursue an engineering degree. Much to my surprise, learning about "moments" and electrical circuits appealed very little to me for the simple reason that humans were lost in a sea of equations and theorems. Engineering was more about things than people. It became apparent that sociology was the appropriate discipline for me because it allowed me to question what was happening in the world. Sociology has bestowed me with different perspectives about how the world operates, how structures affect people, and how groups influence change, while also enhancing skills, such as writing, critical thinking, problem solving and deliberating, that have proven essential in both private sector and academic careers.

Biography:

PhD in Rural Sociology, 2002, The Pennsylvania State University
MA in Sociology, 1994, University of Western Ontario
BA in Sociology, 1992, University of New Brunswick

Current Courses:

SOCI-101 Principles of Sociology
SOCI-200 Rural Sociology

Other Courses:

SOCI-200 Environmental Sociology (Spring 2008)

Research:

A long standing interest in environmental issues began as an undergraduate and has continued to be a prominent aspect of my research agenda, particularly with regards to agriculture. My interest in agriculture and food began with my dissertation, which investigated how various factors influence people's perceptions of food risks.

Subsequently, my research interests revolve around three themes. First, my current research investigates perceptions of agricultural systems, foods, species, and technologies. These works extend my dissertation and risk perception theory by incorporating values, contextual variables, and concepts related to modernity and reflexive modernization. A second theme focuses on systems. In particular, my research examines how the industrial system produces risks by linking Beck's notions of reflexive modernization with those of rationalization and McDonaldization. A third theme is policy or governance oriented.

Of particular interest is the study of controversies surrounding technologies and how these controversies are reflected in public policy. Governance and policy oriented research at the Food Safety Policy Center includes a white paper and forthcoming book chapter on risk governance using the International Risk Governance Council's framework. The ultimate goals of my research are to develop a more complex framework to conceptualize risks on multiple levels and to understand individual risk perceptions and behaviors in their broader structural contexts.

Curriculum Vitae

Contact:

Andrew J. Knight
Steele Hall 319
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
and by appointment
Office: (570) 372-4694 Fax: (570) 372-2870
E-mail: knight@susqu.edu

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