Mar 28, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2017-2018 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Sociology, B.A.


Objectives


As a department, our objectives are to foster the intellectual development of students and to promote lifetime learning experiences. We do this through teaching and applying the insights of sociological perspectives to achieve a critical understanding of social reality and the human condition.

Our curriculum is designed to explore relationships within society, the social and cultural influences on human behavior, dynamics of interaction, and social institutions and social change in a global context.

Sociology Student Learning Outcomes


I. Specific Skills

  • Apply a sociological lens to scholarly research and other sources of information (e.g., newspapers, websites, policies).
  • Use basic computer skills necessary to find, create, and communicate sociological information.
  • Execute effective reading, writing and speaking skills.
  • Students graduating with a major in sociology will be well-prepared for related educational and employment pursuits and as citizens.

II. The Discipline of Sociology and its Contributions to Understanding Social Life

  • Use and critically analyze classical and contemporary sociological theories.
  • Critically examine one’s own beliefs, cultural practices, and values, and develop the ability to   understand social phenomena from multiple perspectives.
  • Explain how cultural and structural factors influence social life.
  • Analyze the structure of inequality in the United States and elsewhere.
  • Distinguish between sociological, psychological, and naturalistic explanations for human behavior.
  • Understand how to apply disciplinary concepts, analytic tools, and theoretical frameworks to address real worldly social problems.

III. Research Methods in Sociology

  • Transform a problem of interest into a researchable question.
  • Evaluate study designs and methodologies employed in the social sciences.
  • Justify various methodological decisions.
  • Explain the ethical implications of social science research.
  • Understand self-reflexivity and how it shapes the research design and the study’s outcomes.

Major Requirements


Sociology majors are required to take one social science course from outside the major. The course may be a lower or upper level course in Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Urban Studies, or any course that satisfies the Understanding Human Behavior requirement of the University Core.

Lower Division Requirements (12 semester hours):


Note:


A grade of at least C (2.0) will be required in all lower division courses.

Upper Division Requirements:


28 semester hours in upper division courses in sociology which must include SOCL 3000  and SOCL 4900 . An average grade of C (2.0) must be obtained in courses included in the major.

SOCL 4900  should be taken in the senior year. The remaining 20 semester hours are to be chosen from the three theme areas into which upper division sociology courses are grouped: I. Social Institutions, Organizations, and Groups; II. Power and Inequality; and III. Social Processes and Change. Students must take at least one course from three of the theme areas. The remaining courses may be taken from any of the upper division offerings.

At least two 3000- or 4000-level sociology courses must be taken in the senior year.

Sociology Model Four-Year Plan


The normal course load is 16 semester hours (4 classes). By following the model below, a student will complete all lower division core requirements by the end of the sophomore year as well as most major prerequisites. Note that core areas are suggested to provide a distribution of various disciplines every semester. Please be flexible implementing these suggestions, given your own interests and course availability. In four years, this plan meets all common graduation requirements.

Freshman Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • 3 OR 4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
  • Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 12-16 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Junior Year


Fall Semester


  • 4 semester hours
  • SOCL Upper Division (Theme Area) 4 semester hours
  • SOCL Upper Division (Theme Area) 4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
Total: 15-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • SOCL Upper Division (Theme Area) 4 semester hours
  • SOCL Upper Division 4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
  • Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 14-16 semester hours

Senior Year


Fall Semester


  • SOCL Upper Division 4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • 4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 13-16 semester hours