Mar 29, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2020-2021 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Sociology, B.A.


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Objectives


The Sociology Department aims to foster the intellectual development of students and to promote lifelong learning experiences. Through coursework, we expect our students to develop what C. Wright Mills called the “sociological imagination” or the ability to recognize and assess how social forces shape the lives of individuals in a changing and complex world.

Our curriculum is designed to help students to explore relationships in society, the social and cultural dimensions of human behavior, the dynamics of interaction, social institutions and groups, and social change in a global context. Upon completing the major, students are equipped with the necessary analytical and methodological skills to help solve contemporary and real-world problems and are prepared for graduate study and careers in a range of fields.

Sociology Student Learning Outcomes


I. To enable students to develop a sociological imagination.

  • Distinguish sociological explanations of human behavior from those of other disciplines.
  • Express sociological ideas in a clear and coherent manner.
  • Describe how social structure affects groups and individuals.
  • Articulate the relationship between self and society.

II. To enable rigorous analysis of social phenomena using sociological concepts, frameworks, and methodologies.

  • Delineate the major theoretical frameworks used in building sociological knowledge.
  • Apply sociological theories to social phenomena.
  • Explain how social structures are reproduced or changed as a consequence of social forces.
  • Transform a problem of interest into a researchable question.
  • Evaluate methodologies employed in the social sciences.
  • Explain the ethical implications of social science research.

III. To encourage the development of engaged, thoughtful individuals capable of applying a sociological lens to address social problems.

  • Use sociological information to critically analyze contemporary social issues.
  • Describe patterns of social inequality and their effects for groups and individuals.
  • Evaluate different strategies for ameliorating social problems.

Major Requirements


  • 40 total semester hours in sociology
  • An average grade of C (2.0) in major courses must be obtained in order to graduate.

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 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 each of the three 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


  • 4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
  • Understanding Human Behavior University Core (non SOCL) 3-4 semester hours
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

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