Featured Professor: Dr. Alison Hatch
What inspired your interest in Sociology and Women’s Studies?
I was an undergraduate here at CU in the 1990s. I took sociology and women’s studies courses my first year, and fell in love with both. I have very fond memories of taking an introductory course in women’s studies from Dr. Janet Jacobs, who is currently the chair of the Honors Program. I remember thinking, “I want to be her when I grow up…” and sought her out as a mentor as an undergraduate and a graduate student. And now I work in her department! Poor woman, she can’t get rid of me.
After my undergraduate degree, I pursued my PhD here in Sociology with a certificate in Women’s Studies. Then I left to teach at Georgia Southern University in Savannah, Georgia for 8 years. There were parts of living there that I loved, but I knew I wanted to return back to Boulder at some point. And I am very happy to be back. Sometimes you have to leave the mountains to be reminded that you never should have left in the first place.
How did you get started teaching Honors at CU? What courses do you teach?
I am very fortunate that the Honors Program needed an new instructor when I returned back. Thus far, I have taught Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, Marriage and the Family, and Sex, Gender & Society for Honors. Next semester I will also teach Social Construction of Sexuality. I have taught a couple classes for the Women and Gender Studies department as well, Introduction to Feminism and an upper-division special topics course on sexual assault.
What is your favorite part of being in the Honors community?
I absolutely love the students in Honors! They come to class prepared and are engaged in classroom conversations. I also think that the small class sizes are ideal; it allows for instructors to really get to know their students. At a big university such as ours, these small rooms of thoughtful and dedicated students are a treat!
What is your current research?
I have been mostly focused on the topic of sexual assault of late. I published a book on campus sexual assault in 2017, and have been approached to write another on the topic of sexual assault in general. It is a difficult topic to research and write about, but it is a very important one. I think we are at a pivotal moment in our society in terms of addressing sexual harassment and assault, and I am hopeful that we are working towards creating a society where gender based violence is no longer as common as it is.
Outside of the academic world, what are some of your hobbies?
I spend my free time with my family. My partner and I have a 10 year old daughter and an 8 year old son. We also share our home with 4 cats, 2 dogs, a fish and a snail! With all of these mouths to feed, I don’t have too much time for hobbies! But when I do have down time, I enjoy reading.
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