Sociology

Office: Beatty Hall, Room 310
Telephone: 410‑617‑2742
Website: www.loyola.edu/academics/sociology

Chair: Barbara H. Vann, Associate Professor

Professors: Jai P. Ryu (emeritus); Michael Burton (emeritus); Mark Peyrot (emeritus)
Associate Professors: Michelle I. Gawerc; Joshua D. Hendrick; M. Antonia Keane (emerita); Amanda Konradi; Barbara H. Vann
Assistant Professors: Nicole Shoenberger; H. Lovell Smith
Visiting Assistant Professor: Jason Singh
Affiliate Faculty: Patrick Brugh; Julie Knight; William Sheppard; Jill-Kristi Tyler

Sociology incorporates the dual traditions of the humanities and natural sciences in an effort to describe, understand, and explain human social behavior. Sociology addresses many of the great questions that humanists have posed with the attitude and methods of the natural sciences. Students of sociology develop a strong appreciation for history, philosophy, and the liberal arts in general, while learning to think scientifically and systematically. Students learn to apply basic sociological research techniques and skills, which graduates will find useful in a variety of career tracks. Many students are drawn to sociology because they are people-oriented and are considering a career that requires "people skills," such as law, business, medicine, teaching, government, nonprofit organizations, or social work.

Sociology majors and minors have a wide range of interesting and useful courses to choose from, and considerable freedom to design programs of study that match their academic and career goals. Because of its integrative, synthesizing nature and its emphasis on social research skills, sociology complements other disciplines, as in a double or interdisciplinary major.

Learning Aims

Upon graduation, sociology majors will:

understand the discipline of sociology and its role in contributing to an understanding of social reality;
be able to think critically;
master fundamental sociological theory and concepts;
understand diversity and inequality (e.g., race, class, and gender) in the U.S. and the global context, as well as their relationship to social justice;
understand the role of evidence and empirical methods in sociological thinking;
understand the importance of using sociological knowledge to inform policy debates and promote public understanding.

Programs

Major

Sociology, BA

Minor

Sociology Minor

Courses

Sociology