Sociology Faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh - Charles Simpson

Sociology Faculty - Dr. Charles Simpson

Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice

Professor Simpson earned his doctorate at the Graduate Faculty, New School for Social Research, writing a dissertation on the artist community of SoHo, later published as SOHO: THE ARTIST IN THE CITY. He joined the SUNY Plattsburgh faculty in 1978. Three years ago he initiated Plattsburgh State's study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico, as part of the international focus of the Sociology program. The Oaxaca Program includes intensive Spanish instruction, village stays in indigenous communities, and guided independent student research on grassroots development and cultural topics.

Dr. Simpson teaches three courses with a hemispheric focus: urban sociology, the sociology of development, and the sociology of minorities. In addition, he offers courses on social movements and the sociology of community

Dr. Simpson's current research interests are related to community development and land use issues in North America and Central America. These include urban growth, the viability of indigenous and peasant communities, wilderness preservation initiatives, refugee flows, and community-based approaches to development. His most recent article is "Refugee Generated Return: The Call of Guatemala".

Dr. Simpson was a Fellow with the Rockefeller Institute of the State University of New York. He is a recipient of the Plattsburgh State Sociology and Criminal Justice Outstanding Teacher Award. Dr. Simpson also chairs the Latin American Studies Program, participates in the Canadian Studies Program, and co-directs the Plattsburgh State Study Abroad Program in Oaxaca, Mexico, which runs each Fall for the entire semester.

Education

• Ph.D. in Sociology, The New School for Social Research, 1978.
• M.A. in Sociology, The New School for Social Research, 1974.
• M.A. in Philosophy, Boston University, 1966.
• B.A. in Philosophy, Tufts University, 1963.

Teaching Areas

• Urban sociology
• Sociology of development
• Sociology of minorities
• Social movements
• Sociology of community

Research Areas

• Community development and land use issues in North America and Central America:
  • Urban growth
  • Viability of indigenous and peasant communities
  • Wilderness preservation initiatives
  • Refugee flows
  • Community-based approaches to development

Awards

• Fellow with the Rockefeller Institute of the State University of New York
• Plattsburgh State Sociology and Criminal Justice Outstanding Teacher Award

Affiliations and Activities

• Latin American Studies Program Chair
• Participation in the Canadian Studies Program
• Co-director of the Plattsburgh State Study Abroad Program in Oaxaca, Mexico

Contact Dr. Charles Simpson

Office: Redcay Hall 237
Phone: (518) 564-3311
E-mail: charles.simpson@plattsburgh.edu