Research Bio
John Lie is best known for his books Modern Peoplehood (2004), which analyze how identities and nations are constructed in the modern world. He has also published widely in social theory, comparative ethnicity and diaspora studies, political economy, East Asia, and environmental studies.
Lie's latest books include Japan the Sustainable Society (2021) and The Global Environmental Crisis (2025).
Lie is Distinguished Professor of Sociology at UC Berkeley. At Berkeley, he teaches courses on social theory, social media, and East Asia.
Research Expertise and Interest
social theory, political economy, East Asia
Teaching
Independent Study for Graduate Students in Sociology [SOCIOL 295]
Directed Dissertation Research [SOCIOL 296]
Individual Study and Research [SOCIOL 299]
Individual Study for Doctoral Students [SOCIOL 602]
Selected Topics in Area Studies [SOCIOL 179]
Seminar and Research in Sociology [SOCIOL 190]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [SOCIOL 199]
Advanced Study in Sociology Theory: Systematic Sociological Theory [SOCIOL 202C]
Independent Study for Graduate Students in Sociology [SOCIOL 295]
Directed Dissertation Research [SOCIOL 296]
Individual Study for Doctoral Students [SOCIOL 602]
Independent Study for Graduate Students in Sociology [SOCIOL 295]
Directed Dissertation Research [SOCIOL 296]
Individual Study and Research [SOCIOL 299]
Individual Study for Doctoral Students [SOCIOL 602]