Sociology focuses on the systematic understanding of social interaction, social organization, social institutions, and social change. Major themes in sociology include the interplay between the individual and society, the ways in which society is both stable and changing, the causes and consequences of social inequality, and the social construction of human life. Understanding sociology helps discover and explain social patterns and see how such patterns change over time and in different settings. Sociology also develops critical thinking by revealing the social structures and processes that shape diverse forms of human life.
For more information on opportunities available to undergraduate sociology majors visit: http://www.asanet.org/students/resources_majors.cfm.
Curriculum in Sociology
NOTE: The following is for informational purposes only. The official curriculum is published in the LSU General Catalog. Please consult the sociology department and/or the catalog for further information.
TOTAL SEM. HRS. • 120
A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in Sociology 2001, 2201, 2211, and 3101.
Sociology majors are strongly advised to schedule all College of Humanities & Social Sciences and departmental lower-level requirements in their first two years.
Consult "Degree Requirements of the College" in this section of the catalog for specific instructions regarding electives and the general education biological and physical sciences, literature, mathematics, and social sciences requirements. A certain course may satisfy general education, college, and/or departmental requirements.
*If sequence is taken in biological sciences, then alternative science should be in the physical sciences category and vice versa.
| FRESHMAN YEAR | SEM. HRS. |
|---|---|
| English 1001 | 3 |
| Foreign language courses | 8-10 |
| Math 1021 | 3 |
| Sociology 2001 | 3 |
| General education analytical reasoning course | 3 |
| General education natural science sequence* | 6 |
| General education humanities course | 3 |
| 29-31 |
| SOPHOMORE YEAR | SEM. HRS. |
|---|---|
| English 2000 | 3 |
| Foreign language | 8-6 |
| Sociology 2201, 2211 | 7 |
| General education natural science sequence* | 3 |
| General education humanities courses | 6 |
| Approved electives | 5 |
| 32-30 |
| JUNIOR YEAR | SEM. HRS. |
|---|---|
| Sociology 3101 | 3 |
| Approved sociology electives (3000-level or above) | 6 |
| General education arts course | 3 |
| General education social sciences course | 3 |
| Approved electives | 15 |
| 30 |
| SENIOR YEAR | SEM. HRS. |
|---|---|
| Approved sociology electives (3000-level or above) | 9 |
| Approved sociology elective | 3 |
| Approved electives | 17 |
| 29 |
Criminology Concentration
Sociology majors have the option of pursuing a concentration in criminology. Criminology is the study of the nature and causes of crime, patterns of crime, and the social control of criminal behavior. A concentration in criminology is available by selecting the following courses: (1) SOCL 3371, 3501, and 4471 as approved sociology electives (3000-level or above; (2) SOCL 4461 as an approved sociology elective and POLI 4020 or 4021 or 4022 or 4023 as one of the approved social sciences electives.