From the outside, New Orleans looks pretty tough to categorize. Although it’s called the Big Easy, the amount of diversity and character in our culture might seem difficult to place. But that’s exactly what interests you about studying sociology, isn’t it? You want to understand people—their beliefs, their problems, their behavior, their organizations. The two-week celebration of Mardi Gras features elaborate parades, masquerade balls, cultural traditions, and performance art. Our architecture reflects our multicultural heritage and includes everything from intricate cathedral ceilings to historic shotgunstyle homes. Whether you’re interested in graduate school or going directly to work in social services or policy, here at Loyno we can equip you with the skills to make it happen.
Overview of Courses
In addition to our foundational sociology core, theory, and research methodology, you will complete a sociology research project and internship and choose electives to tailor the program to your interests. Here’s a sample of what you can expect to learn and do:
- Global Sociology
This course provides a substantive overview and sociological critique of the conflicts surrounding issues such as social inequality, racism and privilege, family, crime and deviance, and environmental degradation, with an emphasis on understanding their root causes, social impacts, and policy/behavioral solutions. - Criminal Behavior
The course is divided into three parts: (1) the definition and measurement of crime; (2) an overview of psychological, biological, but mainly sociological explanations of criminality; and (3) an examination of various forms of crime and the application of criminological theories to them. -
Race, Racism, and Privilege
This course provides an examination of the social construction of race, changing racial ideologies and the manifestation of these as racism and privilege, both historically and currently. Particular attention is paid to the historical and sociological basis for racial/ethnic tensions in the United States and discrimination against racial/ethnic minorities. Additionally, there is an emphasis on self-reflection and an interrogation of the significance of the role race plays in all of our lives.
Curriculum
The Sociology department offers three tracks or concentrations within the major for students who wish to specialize in one of the discipline's core subfields. Students do not have to choose a track or concentration and can graduate with a general Sociology degree. The concentration areas are as follows:
This innovation responds both to job market demands for professionals with a recognized area of expertise and student demands for an undergraduate education with a clear professional identity that will increase their competitiveness in applying for jobs and graduate school.
Sociology Course Information
Find out more about the Sociology major: