Sociology
The Department of Sociology at Loyola University Chicago advances the university's mission of expanding knowledge in the service of humanity. We are committed to social justice, diversity, inclusion, scientific inquiry, and academic freedom. As scholars trained in diverse methodological approaches and practitioners of community-engaged scholarship, our work addresses public issues in Chicago as well as nationally, transnationally, and globally.
The Department of Sociology offers both an MA and a Ph.D. program. These programs provide students with a broad foundation in general sociology and extensive training in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The department offers electives and research opportunities in a variety of sub-areas, including:
- Urban, Environment, and Community
- Health and Medicine
- Power, Politics, and Social Justice
- Global and Transnational
- Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality
- Religion, Science, and Knowledge
Graduates of our master's program go on to careers in education and research, healthcare, business marketing and administration, and tech. Many of our Ph.D. graduates go on to teach in colleges or universities, while others work in research or administration in the public or private sector.
Sociology (SOCL)
SOCL 403 Sociological Perspectives I (3 Credit Hours)
Important theoretical and methodological concerns will be discussed with particular attention paid to how these concerns affect substantive areas in sociology.
Students will gain familiarity with major themes that will shape their graduate education in sociology
Outcomes
Students will gain familiarity with major themes that will shape their graduate education in sociologySOCL 404 Sociological Perspectives II (3 Credit Hours)
Faculty will discuss their intellectual biographies and work that is of current interest to them.
Students will gain familiarity with the range of substantive, theoretical and methodical concerns of the department's faculty
Outcomes
Students will gain familiarity with the range of substantive, theoretical and methodical concerns of the department's facultySOCL 405 History Sociological Thought (3 Credit Hours)
This course looks at the intellectual roots and expressions of the foundations of sociological theory in the 19th and early 20th century.
Students will gain familiarity with the classical texts in sociological theory that established some of the basic perspectives, issues and debates that inform contemporary social theory and research
Outcomes
Students will gain familiarity with the classical texts in sociological theory that established some of the basic perspectives, issues and debates that inform contemporary social theory and researchSOCL 406 Modern Sociological Theory (3 Credit Hours)
This course examines some of the dominant perspectives and trends of modern social theory.
Students will develop familiarity with the primary sources that represent current trends in modern and postmodern theories
Outcomes
Students will develop familiarity with the primary sources that represent current trends in modern and postmodern theoriesSOCL 410 Logic of Sociological Inquiry (3 Credit Hours)
This course explores the structures of sociological research, analyses, and explanations. Several major types of data collection will be examined and evaluated.
Students will be able to formulate sociological problems, understand the relationship between problem formulation and data collection, measurement and analyses and develop the capacity to utilize different social scientific methods
Outcomes
Students will be able to formulate sociological problems, understand the relationship between problem formulation and data collection, measurement and analyses and develop the capacity to utilize different social scientific methodsSOCL 412 Qualitative Methods in Social Research (3 Credit Hours)
This course is an introduction to the major qualitative methods of social inquiry and the ethical issues raised by qualitative research.
Students learn the skills of participant observation, interviewing, historical analysis, building theory from qualitative data, coding and content analysis
Outcomes
Students learn the skills of participant observation, interviewing, historical analysis, building theory from qualitative data, coding and content analysisSOCL 413 Sociological Practicum (3 Credit Hours)
The class examines theoretical issues and past research relating to a particular social topic and then designs and completes a collective research project. Topics vary.
Students gain facility with research design and group research practices
Outcomes
Students gain facility with research design and group research practicesSOCL 414 Statistical Methods Analysis I (3 Credit Hours)
After a review of bivariate regression and cross-tabular analysis, the course provides an extended treatment of the general linear model. Topics include model construction, interpretation of results, partitioning of variance, tests of statistical significance and interactions.
Students will be able to employ general linear models in original research and critically evaluate existing empirical research
Outcomes
Students will be able to employ general linear models in original research and critically evaluate existing empirical researchSOCL 415 Statistical Methods of Analysis II (3 Credit Hours)
The course extends the applications of the general linear model to topics including path analysis, logistic regression, factor analysis and spatial and cluster analysis.
Student will: understand the techniques with enough clarity to recognize when they are appropriate research tools; gain sufficient expertise to apply the techniques to moderately complex research problems; be able critically review the relevant literature
Outcomes
Student will: understand the techniques with enough clarity to recognize when they are appropriate research tools; gain sufficient expertise to apply the techniques to moderately complex research problems; be able critically review the relevant literatureSOCL 418 Demography (3 Credit Hours)
This course examines the basic techniques used to assemble, analyze, and present demographic information. It also examines U.S. and world demographic trends and the causes and consequences of such demographic change.
Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of demographic trends and an understanding of the sources, limitations, and advantages of various types of demographic data
Outcomes
Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of demographic trends and an understanding of the sources, limitations, and advantages of various types of demographic dataSOCL 421 Theories Social Change (3 Credit Hours)
The course will critically appraise major theories of social change and examine different methodologies on both the macro- and micro-sociological levels.
Students will gain a working knowledge of the major theoretical and methodological issues in the field
Outcomes
Students will gain a working knowledge of the major theoretical and methodological issues in the fieldSOCL 423 Social Movements (3 Credit Hours)
This course will use case studies of contemporary social movements to examine collective efforts to promote social or cultural change. They will gain an understanding of the recursive relationship between empirical research and theory development.
Students will be able to apply major theoretical perspectives on social movements to a variety of historical cases
Outcomes
Students will be able to apply major theoretical perspectives on social movements to a variety of historical casesSOCL 425 Inequality and Society (3 Credit Hours)
This is an empirical and theoretical inquiry into the causes, consequences, and dynamics of social inequality in modern societies.
Student will be able to explain the distribution of economic, political, and social resources in society; the processes of class formation and the role of race and gender
Outcomes
Student will be able to explain the distribution of economic, political, and social resources in society; the processes of class formation and the role of race and genderSOCL 426 Sociology of Gender (3 Credit Hours)
This course surveys sociological and related scholarship on women and gender relations.
Students will come to understand the social construction of gender and its centrality to studies of identity and sexuality, the division of labor, families and reproduction, violence, poverty, race, class and globalization
Outcomes
Students will come to understand the social construction of gender and its centrality to studies of identity and sexuality, the division of labor, families and reproduction, violence, poverty, race, class and globalizationSOCL 427 Political Sociology (3 Credit Hours)
The course examines major theories of political action and change. Particular attention is paid to policy development.
Students will develop an empirical and theoretical knowledge of the working of political systems and to be able to apply that knowledge to the development of social policy
Outcomes
Students will develop an empirical and theoretical knowledge of the working of political systems and to be able to apply that knowledge to the development of social policySOCL 428 Poverty and Social Welfare (3 Credit Hours)
This course examines the development of poverty and social welfare efforts over time in the United States, with some comparisons to other industrial societies.
Students will understand the character and consequences of poverty and social welfare policies in the United States, emphasizing current conditions and possibilities for the future
Outcomes
Students will understand the character and consequences of poverty and social welfare policies in the United States, emphasizing current conditions and possibilities for the futureSOCL 431 Social Structure and Personality (3 Credit Hours)
This course examines the relationships between the individual and larger social structure and social trends.
Students will gain familiarity with current research and theory concerning the relationship of self identity and personal narratives to socialization and structural factors, and the ways in which social class, work, race and nation construct age, gender and sub-cultural forms of subjectivity
Outcomes
Students will gain familiarity with current research and theory concerning the relationship of self identity and personal narratives to socialization and structural factors, and the ways in which social class, work, race and nation construct age, gender and sub-cultural forms of subjectivitySOCL 432 Socialization Thru Life Cycle (3 Credit Hours)
This course traces the nature of socialization and development of the individual through the life cycle.
Students will become familiar with research and theory concerning the processes by which persons are socialized into sexual, racial, religious, occupational, marital, and parental social roles, identities and patterns of interactions at various stages of life
Outcomes
Students will become familiar with research and theory concerning the processes by which persons are socialized into sexual, racial, religious, occupational, marital, and parental social roles, identities and patterns of interactions at various stages of lifeSOCL 435 Adult Development and Aging (3 Credit Hours)
The older adult population and adult development is examined from social and cultural perspectives.
Studies will develop a knowledge of gerontological theories and research which pertain to the family, the community, political life, the economy, work and retirement, religious life, and other social institutions
Outcomes
Studies will develop a knowledge of gerontological theories and research which pertain to the family, the community, political life, the economy, work and retirement, religious life, and other social institutionsSOCL 438 The Family (3 Credit Hours)
This course explores families, their changing internal structures, and their roles in contemporary societies.
Students will develop an understanding of the household division of labor, mothering, the shifting character of marriage, the paid and unpaid work of care, dual career families, single parent households, racial/ethnic families, adoption, blended families, welfare policies, families in the class structure, and global issues
Outcomes
Students will develop an understanding of the household division of labor, mothering, the shifting character of marriage, the paid and unpaid work of care, dual career families, single parent households, racial/ethnic families, adoption, blended families, welfare policies, families in the class structure, and global issuesSOCL 439 Community Change (3 Credit Hours)
Contemporary communities are examined from a sociological perspective. Both geographic communities and communities of interest are studied.
Students gain an understanding of how research can be used to facilitate social change in community settings; and an awareness of how community organizations, informal networks, and broader social forces shape the character and sustainability of particular communities
Outcomes
Students gain an understanding of how research can be used to facilitate social change in community settings; and an awareness of how community organizations, informal networks, and broader social forces shape the character and sustainability of particular communitiesSOCL 440 Organizations & Organizational Change (3 Credit Hours)
This course examines the structures and processes that typify contemporary organizations, with particular attention to how organizations change.
Students will be able to apply sociological methods to analyze organizations, and will develop an understanding of bureaucracy and alternative structures; the effect of organizational structure on administrators, workers, and clients; and how organizations are affected by their social environment
Outcomes
Students will be able to apply sociological methods to analyze organizations, and will develop an understanding of bureaucracy and alternative structures; the effect of organizational structure on administrators, workers, and clients; and how organizations are affected by their social environmentSOCL 441 Sociology of Religion (3 Credit Hours)
This course studies the relationship between religion and society, and explores central topics in the sociology of religion.
Students will learn to define and explain religious organizations, beliefs, and practices as distinctly social phenomena, and understand how social processes both shape the form and content of religious life and in turn are shaped by them
Outcomes
Students will learn to define and explain religious organizations, beliefs, and practices as distinctly social phenomena, and understand how social processes both shape the form and content of religious life and in turn are shaped by themSOCL 442 Religious Conflict & Change (3 Credit Hours)
This course will explore the complex reciprocal relationship between religion and historical processes of social change.
Students will be able to analyze historical instances of religious conflict and change in the U.S. and other regions of the world; They will gain an understanding of how religion both affects and is affected by historical, political, and social change
Outcomes
Students will be able to analyze historical instances of religious conflict and change in the U.S. and other regions of the world; They will gain an understanding of how religion both affects and is affected by historical, political, and social changeSOCL 446 Knowledge, Power & Expertise (3 Credit Hours)
This course focuses on the relationship between knowledge, expertise and power in societies and how this relationship has consequences for the structure of knowledge and the organization of society.
Students will be able to demonstrate a sociological understanding of the construction of knowledge and the organization of authority and expertise
Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate a sociological understanding of the construction of knowledge and the organization of authority and expertiseSOCL 447 Sociology of Culture (3 Credit Hours)
This course will examine the relationship between social phenomena and cultural expressions, and the various ways sociologists have conceived of those relationships.
Students will learn to apply sociological theories and methods to an analysis of cultural fields and understand the diversity of contemporary cultural objects and expressions, and how they are produced and used in social action
Outcomes
Students will learn to apply sociological theories and methods to an analysis of cultural fields and understand the diversity of contemporary cultural objects and expressions, and how they are produced and used in social actionSOCL 448 Technology & Material Culture (3 Credit Hours)
This course will serve as an introduction to the sociology of things, most notably the sociology of technology, design and the built environment.
Students will develop an understanding of both cultural, constructivist and political-economic approaches to the construction of technology and artifacts, and of a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of their impact and audience-response
Outcomes
Students will develop an understanding of both cultural, constructivist and political-economic approaches to the construction of technology and artifacts, and of a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of their impact and audience-responseSOCL 452 Complex Organizations (3 Credit Hours)
Formal organizations treated comparatively and systematically as major components of modern social organization are featured.
Students will develop an understanding of leading theoretical traditions, historical and cross-national variation, organization-environment relations, and selected internal processes in the field of complex organizations
Outcomes
Students will develop an understanding of leading theoretical traditions, historical and cross-national variation, organization-environment relations, and selected internal processes in the field of complex organizationsSOCL 453 Occupations and Professions (3 Credit Hours)
This course focuses on the structure of paid work in modern society, and its relationship to unpaid work and to self-employment. Special attention is given to the role of skills and knowledge in the structuring of work.
Students will develop an understanding of how both macro and micro factors structure work; from capitalism, industrialism, gender, race and globalization to workplace interaction and culture
Outcomes
Students will develop an understanding of how both macro and micro factors structure work; from capitalism, industrialism, gender, race and globalization to workplace interaction and cultureSOCL 461 Race & Ethnicity (3 Credit Hours)
This course explores the construction, meaning, uses and consequences of racial and ethnic identity in American society over time.
Students will understand the role of migration and immigration on the construction of identity; analyze prejudice, discrimination, and inter-group conflict; and explore how social movements have and are changing these group relationships
Outcomes
Students will understand the role of migration and immigration on the construction of identity; analyze prejudice, discrimination, and inter-group conflict; and explore how social movements have and are changing these group relationshipsSOCL 462 The Urban Metropolis (3 Credit Hours)
This course examines urbanization and its consequences through social theory and empirical studies emphasizing the modern European and American experience.
Students will understand ecological and political economy perspectives on metropolitan development; changing regional patterns of population, housing, and employment; and urban governance, planning, and policies for the future
Outcomes
Students will understand ecological and political economy perspectives on metropolitan development; changing regional patterns of population, housing, and employment; and urban governance, planning, and policies for the futureSOCL 463 Sociology & Natural Environment (3 Credit Hours)
This course examines the relationship between social life and the natural environment.
Students will be able to demonstrate a sociological understanding of the relationship of humans to the natural environment and draw connections between basic ecological understandings of nature and the human impact on the natural world
Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate a sociological understanding of the relationship of humans to the natural environment and draw connections between basic ecological understandings of nature and the human impact on the natural worldSOCL 471 Sociology of Deviance & Control (3 Credit Hours)
This course is a socio-historical look at definitions of forms of deviant behavior and the identification of individuals as deviant.
The student will learn how history and philosophy shape the definitions of deviant behavior and the methods used to control it; They will develop a sociological imagination to perceive the meaning of deviance beyond the superficialities of today's headlines
Outcomes
The student will learn how history and philosophy shape the definitions of deviant behavior and the methods used to control it; They will develop a sociological imagination to perceive the meaning of deviance beyond the superficialities of today's headlinesSOCL 473 Criminology (3 Credit Hours)
This course examines modern and traditional theories of criminology and their implications for social control, with emphasis on current work in criminology theory, social planning, and evaluation research.
The student will acquire knowledge of the relationship between the various explanations of crime patterns and how these theories work to reduce or fail to reduce the level of criminal behavior
Outcomes
The student will acquire knowledge of the relationship between the various explanations of crime patterns and how these theories work to reduce or fail to reduce the level of criminal behaviorSOCL 481 Medical Sociology (3 Credit Hours)
This course will examine critical factors affecting mortality and morbidity; mental health; health services; community health; cross-cultural differences; aging and the strategy and conduct of socio-medical research.
The student will be able to critically analyze the social components of illness and of health and to integrate theory and research in the study of health care institutions globally
Outcomes
The student will be able to critically analyze the social components of illness and of health and to integrate theory and research in the study of health care institutions globallySOCL 482 Education in Society (3 Credit Hours)
This course focuses on the social processes that affect both the means and ends of education. It has three units: Schools as Organizations; Inequality in Education; and Education and Cultural Reproduction. Open to all Graduate students.
Improved understanding of the social processes and outcomes of education
Outcomes
Improved understanding of the social processes and outcomes of educationSOCL 483 Teaching Sociology (3 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: Completion of at least one semester of graduate coursework
Students will learn to identify good teaching practices, to practice relevant skills, and to begin a lifelong process of professional development. They will develop materials for an undergraduate course.
Students will create a portfolio of materials for an undergraduate course that reflect "best practices" in education
Outcomes
Students will create a portfolio of materials for an undergraduate course that reflect "best practices" in educationSOCL 490 Workshop: Applied Sociology (1 Credit Hour)
This focuses on special issues for methods used by applied sociologists, and topics vary from semester to semester. Most workshops involve presentations by faculty or applied sociologists from outside the university.
Students will develop expertise in, for example: survey research, evaluation research, use of population data in policy making, focus groups, and developing community leadership
Outcomes
Students will develop expertise in, for example: survey research, evaluation research, use of population data in policy making, focus groups, and developing community leadershipSOCL 491 Sociological Discourse (3 Credit Hours)
The course examines the nature of sociological argumentation in existing scholarly and popular literature and in the students' own writing.
Students will be able to formulate and present sociological arguments in both oral and written forms, and to demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between problem formulation, data collection and measurement and analysis in their own and others' work
Outcomes
Students will be able to formulate and present sociological arguments in both oral and written forms, and to demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between problem formulation, data collection and measurement and analysis in their own and others' workSOCL 494 Internship (3 Credit Hours)
Placements are typically in non-academic settings, e.g., government agencies, community organizations, businesses, or labor organizations. Students are expected to work a minimum of 100 hours and write an internship report.
Students will develop skills in applying sociological methods and theoretical perspectives to the understanding and ameliorating of social issues in real world settings
Outcomes
Students will develop skills in applying sociological methods and theoretical perspectives to the understanding and ameliorating of social issues in real world settingsSOCL 497 Independent Research (3 Credit Hours)
Students registered for independent study will meet as a workshop, under the guidance of a faculty member, at least three times per semester. These skills are important for expeditious completion of proposals, theses, and dissertations.
Students will develop the skills and dispositions necessary to be successful and productive in independent work
Outcomes
Students will develop the skills and dispositions necessary to be successful and productive in independent workSOCL 498 Independent Research (3 Credit Hours)
Work on an individual research project under the supervision of a faculty member.
SOCL 499 Directed Study (3 Credit Hours)
Develop a reading list and paper under the supervision of a faculty member.
SOCL 500 Seminar-Applied Sociology & Social Policy (3 Credit Hours)
This course examines the use of sociology in determining and selecting alternative social policies.
Students will develop knowledge about the roles that applied sociologists play in society; the relationship between sociologists and clients or organizations; the social research process and how it affects the research product; and ethical considerations of applied sociologists
Outcomes
Students will develop knowledge about the roles that applied sociologists play in society; the relationship between sociologists and clients or organizations; the social research process and how it affects the research product; and ethical considerations of applied sociologistsSOCL 505 Controversery Current Social Thought (3 Credit Hours)
This is a seminar in which students and faculty will examine in detail particular controversies that are emerging in theoretical approaches to sociology. Topics will vary.
Students will develop advanced skills in theoretical discourse
Outcomes
Students will develop advanced skills in theoretical discourseSOCL 510 Research Special Areas (3 Credit Hours)
Advanced methodology seminar in special topics.
Students will develop advanced skills in the special area
Outcomes
Students will develop advanced skills in the special areaSOCL 520 Topics in Contemporary Society (3 Credit Hours)
Various topics in the study of modern society
Students will develop advanced skills in the particular area
Outcomes
Students will develop advanced skills in the particular areaSOCL 525 Seminar in Comparative Studies (3 Credit Hours)
The seminar will expose participants to comparative approaches in defining issues, topics or institutions, researched by comparative sociologists and cultural anthropologists. Specific topics for consideration will vary.
Students will acquire knowledge of the utility of comparative approaches to cultural and social structures in developing greater definition and clarity, and a deeper understanding of a given topic
Outcomes
Students will acquire knowledge of the utility of comparative approaches to cultural and social structures in developing greater definition and clarity, and a deeper understanding of a given topicSOCL 540 Issues: Sociology of Religion (3 Credit Hours)
Focused study on a variable topic in the sociology of religion.
SOCL 560 Seminar-Issues in Communities & Urban Sociology (3 Credit Hours)
This course explores current issues in cities and in the sociological study of cities.
Students will become familiar with current debates in urban sociology and apply sociological theories and analysis to contemporary issues in cities
Outcomes
Students will become familiar with current debates in urban sociology and apply sociological theories and analysis to contemporary issues in citiesSOCL 580 Seminar: Issues in Medical Sociology (3 Credit Hours)
This course explores a specialized topic in the sociology of health and medicine. Restricted to Graduate Students.
Ability to analyze individual, social and institutional effects on health and medicine
Outcomes
Ability to analyze individual, social and institutional effects on health and medicineSOCL 595 Thesis Supervision (0 Credit Hours)
Write a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.
SOCL 600 Dissertation Supervision (0 Credit Hours)
Write a dissertation under the supervision of a faculty member.
SOCL 605 Master's Study (0 Credit Hours)
Develop a reading list and paper for an MA project under faculty supervision.
SOCL 610 Doctoral Study (0 Credit Hours)
This course can only be taken two times during a doctoral student's career.