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The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn or UPenn) is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of nine colonial colleges chartered prior to the U.S. Declaration of Independence when Benjamin Franklin, the university's founder and first president, advocated for an educational institution that trained leaders in academia, commerce, and public service. Penn identifies as the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, though this representation is challenged by other universities. Benjamin Franklin and other Philadelphians established the university in 1749, which would make it the fifth-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S.
Located in Philadelphia, United States, the University of Pennsylvania's Sociology Department stands as a historic and influential center for understanding social life, its institutions, and the dynamics of change. Founded in 1892, it is among the nation's oldest and has been home to pioneering scholars who shaped the discipline. The department provides rigorous academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing strong theoretical foundations and diverse research methods. Faculty expertise covers a wide spectrum of areas, from culture and inequality to health, race, and urban studies. Students develop critical analytical skills, preparing them for impactful careers or advanced academic pursuits.
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