Frank L. Samson

Frank L. Samson is an assistant professor of sociology (Ph.D. 2009). His research interests include race and ethnic relations, inequality, social psychology, and political sociology. He has been a fellow of the National Science Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Public Policy Institute of California, and Stanford University's Research Institute for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, as well as an affiliate of the Hiphop Archive. He is currently working on a book manuscript based on his dissertation, Race and the Limits of American Meritocracy, which was supported by a National Science Foundation Dissertation Improvement Grant.

Dr. Samson has taught previously at De Anza College, San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, and Stanford University. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Samson is a member of Gracie Elite Team, competing as a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Rilion Gracie.

Courses Offered


SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (Fall/Spring 2009-2011)
SOC 304: Dynamics of Poverty in the United States (Spring 2011)
SOC 332: Collective Behavior (Fall 2010, 2011)
SOC 340: Sociology of Religion (Fall 2012, tentative)