Sociology

Sociology

What is Sociology?
The sociology curriculum is intended to provide an understanding of the interactions and workings of societies, their institutions, organizations and groups. Through an introduction to the basic concepts, theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches of the discipline, students are familiarized with the sociological imagination, encouraging a deeper understanding of the relationships between personal experience (one’s own and others’) and the social world. Courses not only acquaint students with diverse cultures and social structures but also emphasize the dynamics of power and inequality on local, national and global levels, as they operate through race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexuality. Our curriculum emphasizes the concepts and practice of social justice. Built into courses and the curriculum are opportunities for students to develop agency and a sense of social responsibility by critically engaging the social world outside the classroom. The experiential focus of the curriculum includes participation in international study, community-based service and learning and internships.

The department emphasizes the active engagement of our students in sociological inquiry. Toward that end, many courses are designed to teach students the basics of the theory construction and methodological processes. Our courses encourage students to make their own discoveries about human social experiences, and all seniors are required to synthesize and apply what they have learned in the completion of a faculty-mentored senior project.

The department offers a variety of support services for student research including the student-run sociology lab, where advanced majors serve as tutors helping others with course papers and research projects. While the department’s curriculum provides a strong foundation for graduate work in the discipline, our strength is in the development of strong critical and analytical skills as well as our support of writing and oral presentation skills and computer and visual literacy, all of which are essential for success in any chosen life course. In the tradition of a liberal arts education, the sociology curriculum is designed to promote in our students a sense of curiosity about the diverse ways humans create, transform and adapt to their surroundings, self-reflection and appreciation of perspectives and experiences outside their own, and public intellectualism through attentive, creative and articulate engagement with community affairs and social issues.

The department has partnered with community based learning programs to offer a variety of courses where students engage in organized service activities that address community needs while offering structured opportunities to reflect on those activities in ways that promote active learning and personal development. Our campus-community programs have offered sociology majors the chance to work with children, seniors, persons with disabilities and farmers, as well as participate in programs designed to advocate for the poor, the environment and victims of violence.

Working in Sociology
Characteristics and Skills Necessary for Success

• Interest in learning about people and cultures
• Interest in understanding social structures and human behavior
• Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing
• Interest in social research
• Ability to collect and analyze data
• Desire to help others
• Well-developed sense of curiosity

Click HERE for a table on Career Areas, Employers, and Strategies for Employment

Sample Job Titles

Learning More About Religious Studies

• Visit the Career Services office and check out our Career Resource Library
• Visit the SLU Sociology Department website
• Check out Sociology course descriptions in the Catalog
• Talk with a professor in Sociology about the major. Click here for a list of possible questions to ask.
• Perform an informational interview with a professional in the field. Click here for information on how to find a professional, contacting them, and a list of possible questions.
• Get connected with SLU alum in the field through SAINTSLink, participate in Shadow-a-Saint or complete an Internship.

Additional Resources

• Professional Associations
  • *American Sociological Association Resources for Students
  • International Sociological Association
  • Society for the Study of Social Problems
  • The American Society for Criminology
  • Justice Studies Association
  • Global Studies Association of North America
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
  • American Psychological Association                                                       
  • American Public Health Association
    
  • American Sociological Association


• Occupational Outlook Information
  • Social Scientists
  • Counselors
  • Social and Human Service Assistants
  • Teachers-Postsecondary
  • Teachers-Elementary, Middle and Secondary
  • Market and Survey Researchers
  • Police and Detectives
  • Social Assistance Industry Guide
  • Advocacy, Grantmaking and Civic Organizations Industry Guide
  • State and Local Government Industry Guide
  • Federal Government Industry Guide


• Miscellaneous Career Information
  • Spotlight on Careers
  • *Careers in Sociology
  • World Wide Learn Guide to Sociology Major
  • Social Science Jobs in the Federal Government
  • *A Call to Serve
  • *PublicServiceCareers.org
  • Federal Agencies that Collect Demographic Statistics
  • Idealist
    The Sociology Page


• Job Postings
  • USA Jobs
  • Social Service Jobs
  • Human Services Career Networ

Related Majors and Minors at SLU
African Studies
African-American Studies
Anthropology
Asian Studies
Canadian Studies
Caribbean & Latin American Studies
European Studies
Francophone Studies
German Studies
Global Studies
Japanese Studies
Latin American Studies
Multi-Language
Native American Studies
Psychology