The Department of Sociology and the Sociology Advisory Committee will host a week-long series of lectures, speakers and other special events today through Saturday.

The events are meant to inform students of what the discipline of sociology entails.

Sociology Week was started two years ago to show students different career opportunities within the field and provide them with information on opportunities for further education.

Christine Janis, a sociology instructor and a coordinator of the event, said having alumni speak to students is helpful.

“This helps allow students to see what they are doing here right now can actually be applied to real life career situations,” Janis said.

Jack King, a sociology instructor and co-coordinator, agreed.

“I met today with several employers at the Career Services Job Fair who have committed to come back next week,” King said. “They are sociology alumni and are very interested in finding sociology majors to hire for full time positions as well as recruit students for paid internships.”

The event also can help to focus a student’s interest in the field.

“The good thing about sociology week is that it breaks down the major for students because there are so many areas of study. It really helps to narrow a student’s interest,” said Liza Volk, a junior sociology major.

Other events are meant to prepare students for the years to come. There are workshops on declaring a major in sociology, funding opportunities for graduate students, information about the sociology graduate department and survival tactics for non-traditional students.

“These seminars are not just for sociology majors but majors from all disciplines,” Janis said.

“Meet the Faculty” night will be from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday at Wild Rose Bistro, 850 D Pappas Drive.

“It will be a casual evening of food, fun and entertainment including live music, a raffle and a chance to mingle and get to know the sociology faculty,” Janis said.

A food drive also will take place to help the less fortunate in Illinois. Food, toiletries, toys, cleaning supplies and school supplies are all acceptable donations. The items will be collected through Saturday in the Department of Sociology on the eighth floor of Zulauf Hall.

On Thursday, there will be a two-hour presentation and workshop by Alan Farber and Dan Bingley, both career counselors from Career Services.

King, who is the internship coordinator for the sociology department, also will present.

The workshop will present career and internship opportunities in sociology, including tips for writing resumes, getting interviews and other important practical information, Janis said.

All events and speakers will take place in the Psychology and Computer Science Building.

For a complete listing of speakers, events, specific times and room numbers, visit the sociology department Web site at www.sociweblink.com/sociologyweek.html.