Sociology

CHAIR: Sue Falter Mennino, Ph.D.
PROFESSORS: Anthony E. Ladd, Ph.D. 

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR: Kathleen Fitzgerald, Ph.D.; Marcus M. Kondkar, Ph.D.; Angel Adams Parham, Ph.D. 

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS: Jaita Talukdar, Ph.D.

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY: 537 Monroe Hall 

WEB PAGE: css.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 theoretical insights and empirical data 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 human behavior and uncover the reality behind events that often are hidden from or misunderstood by the public. Sociological research seeks comprehensive understanding and explanations for people's behaviors and attitudes with an emphasis on how social organizations and social groups affect human behaviors and relationships.

Loyola’s sociology program offers students three possible specialty tracks: crime, law and social control; social justice and inequalities; 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 and lab, Social Statistics and lab, the Senior Capstone and Research Project, and one of six elective courses: Cultural Anthropology, Criminal Behavior, Law & Social Control, Social Problems, Global Sociology, and Social/Political Inequality. These 24 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 three specialty tracks noted above and include, for example, social problems, environment and society, law and social control, criminal behavior, social and political inequality, gender, race and ethnic conflict, peoples of Latin America, cultural anthropology, global environmental crisis and urban sociology. Each sociology student, in consultation with his or her academic adviser, will select a set of four elective courses in sociology (12 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 complementing fields as psychology, political science, communications, history, religious studies, philosophy, education, women’s studies, environmental studies, African and African American studies, American studies, Latin American studies or New Orleans 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 css.loyno.edu/sociology/

BACHELOR OF ARTS–SOCIOLOGY

View Sociology Course Descriptions