Sociology
CHAIR: TBA, Office: 537 Monroe Hall
WEB PAGE: cas.loyno.edu/sociology/
Sociology is the scientific study of society and human behavior. Sociologists study patterns of interaction among people with an emphasis on how their beliefs and actions are influenced by various groups, institutions, and the broader societal forces of contemporary life. More than just a course of study, sociology emphasizes combining the theoretical and the practical in order to scientifically analyze the social world in a way that enables students to understand and explain the social order in which they live and to predict future trends, problems, and developments. Through systematic and detailed analysis, sociological research works to dispel many prevailing "myths" about society and people’s behavior and uncover the reality behind events that are often hidden from or misunderstood by the public.
Loyola’s sociology program offers students four possible specialty tracks: applied sociology and social policy; crime, law, and social control; social stratification and inequality; and global sociology.
Thorough undergraduate training in sociology provides the basis for both vocational and general life purposes, especially for careers in corporate, governmental, and non-profit social service professions where a solid background in the social sciences is expected or preferred. The student who earns the B.A. degree in sociology is also prepared to enter graduate or professional school to work for a higher academic or professional degree.
REQUIRED COURSES
The degree program in sociology consists of 36 credit hours of sociology courses, with Introduction to Sociology, Development of Social Thought, Sociological Theory, Research Methods, Social Statistics, and the Senior Internship/Practicum. The internship/practicum course, which includes supervised practical experience in the local community, may involve the delivery of needed social services, participation in a movement advocating social change, or carrying out a social research project. These 21 credit hours of required courses in the degree program are designed to acquaint the student with the social forces and processes which shape contemporary society, and also to provide a thorough foundation in major sociological concepts, theories, and research techniques.
ELECTIVE COURSES IN THE MAJOR
In addition to required courses which provide a firm foundation in the fundamentals of sociology, the department offers a variety of other courses of interest to all undergraduate students. Elective courses reflect the department’s four specialty tracks noted above and include, for example, social problems, social policy, environment and society, law and social control, criminal behavior, social and political inequality, gender, race and ethnic conflict, peoples of Latin America, cultural anthropology, and the global environmental crisis. Each sociology student, in consultation with his or her academic adviser, will select a set of five elective courses in sociology (15 credit hours) which best meet his or her particular interests or future professional needs.
SOCIOLOGY MINOR
For those who wish to pursue another area of study as their primary major, the curriculum of the sociology program can serve as an adaptable and attractive minor (22 credit hours) or even as a double major. Increasing numbers of students are combining their interests in this way, especially as it expands their skills and employability. In addition, sociology majors are also urged to select minors in such "blending" fields as psychology, political science, communications, history, religious studies, philosophy, education, women’s studies, environmental studies, Africana studies, American studies, or Latin American studies.
DEPARTMENTAL EMPHASIS
The Department of Sociology continues to make a special effort to acquaint students with the New Orleans urban region and to commit the resources of students and faculty alike in finding solutions to the social problems of this area. The faculty share a strong commitment to rigorous academic preparation and to teaching students to think critically about social justice principles and their realization in the community through social action. As a reflection of this commitment, service learning and student research are incorporated, when appropriate, into selected courses.
For additional information about the sociology curriculum, learning objectives, faculty, and opportunities for students, please visit our website at loyno.edu/sociology/
BACHELOR OF ARTS–SOCIOLOGY
| Freshman | F |
S |
|
| Major | SOCI A100 — SOCI Elective | 3 |
3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 |
3 |
|
| Common Curriculum | MATH A115 | 3 |
0 |
| Common Curriculum | 6 |
9 |
|
15 |
15 |
||
30 |
|||
| Sophomore | F |
S |
|
| Major | SOCI W140, SOCI A345 | 3 |
3 |
| Major | SOCI Electives | 0 |
3 |
| Common Curriculum | 6 |
6 |
|
| Electives | 6 |
3 |
|
15 |
15 |
||
30 |
|||
| Junior | F |
S |
|
| Major | SOCI A335, A336 | 4 |
4 |
| Major | SOCI Elective | 3 |
0 |
| Common Curriculum | 6 |
6 |
|
| Adjunct/Electives | 3 |
3 |
|
16 |
13 |
||
29 |
|||
| Senior | F |
S |
|
| Major | SOCI A497 | 0 |
4 |
| Major | SOCI Electives | 3 |
3 |
| Common Curriculum | 3 |
3 |
|
| Electives | 9 |
6 |
|
15 |
16 |
||
31 |
|||
| TOTAL: 120 cr. hrs. | |||
(View A&S Common Curriculum Requirements.)
Or equivalent Math Physics course.
Specific Common Curriculum requirements are given in the beginning of this chapter under Curriculum Design. Refer to A&S Common Curriculum in the index for page number.