Joel Thiessen, PhD, MA, BA

I am a sociologist passionate about learning and excellence, from the classroom instructing students to the research field gathering data to consulting settings bridging sociological knowledge with ‘real world’ concerns. Since joining the Ambrose faculty in 2008 I have used teaching, research, and speaking opportunities to demonstrate how the sociological perspective enables us to think carefully, critically, and scientifically about human attitudes and behaviours, often challenging ‘common sense’ myths with sound empirical data. In the classroom, I stress the sociological imagination, critical thinking and communication skills, various teaching and assessment methods, and the integration of faith and learning. As a researcher, I actively gather new data and publish research in my main area of interest, the sociology of religion and especially religion and culture in Canada.