Graduate Student Association (SGSA)
About Us
The Sociology Graduate Student Association (SGSA) is a community that supports sociology graduate students throughout their academic journey at 草莓社区. We help students access the resources and opportunities needed to succeed and engage meaningfully with the program, faculty, peers, and beyond.
SGSA is not meant to be an additional burden, but a support system integrated into the academic experience. We encourage students to lean on SGSA during challenging periods, such as preparing for exams, writing theses or dissertations, or managing other responsibilities rather than disengage with the association. Our goal is to provide smooth, continuous support for sociology graduate students' academic, professional, and personal development, offering help when it’s needed most.
While the sociology department assists SGSA, the association thrives through the engagement and mutual support of all students. Every student’s involvement enriches both the collective and individual experience.
What We Do
- The Sociology Salon
Informal gatherings where students come together to discuss sociological topics over food and drinks, fostering intellectual exchange and community building. - The "Ask a Sociologist" Series
An engaging 60-second video series shared on SGSA’s social media platforms. Each video features a student—or occasionally a faculty member—analyzing a current issue through a sociological lens, connecting academic insights with real-world topics - The SGSA Journal
An online platform managed by sociology graduate students, showcasing their work and encouraging critical thinking. The journal offers students an opportunity to transform class papers into 1,500–2,000-word essays, supporting intellectual engagement, professional development, and public sociology. - Academic Workshops
Short, practical sessions designed to help students navigate key academic milestones. Topics include preparing for comprehensive exams, developing a thesis project, choosing a committee, and more. - Themed Boot Camps
One- or two-session workshops held each semester, based on student demand, focusing on building specific skills such as grant writing for sociological research, using R for data analysis and visualization, and more. - Writing Retreats
Structured sessions offering dedicated writing time, group activities, and breaks in a supportive environment. These retreats help students work on final papers, theses, or dissertations with focus and camaraderie. - Annual Research Event
Our signature event celebrating student research, providing a platform for sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and building academic connections. - SGSA Voice Box
An open platform for sharing your thoughts, suggestions, or concerns about the SGSA, the sociology department, or anything related to our program. All submissions are anonymous and shared with the department chair. !
The SGSA Team
Jenny Rakoto
President and Host of the Ask a Sociologist Series
mrakotoarisoa@luc.edu
Eyyup Yilmaz
Vice-President and Host of the Sociology Salon
eyilmaz@luc.edu
Jake Pritchard
Editor of the SGSA Journal
jpritchard1@luc.edu
Follow us on and !
About
The SGSA Journal is an online platform created by sociology graduate students, for sociology students. It transforms class papers that are not yet ready for publication into concise, engaging essays that are accessible and easy to read for a wider audience.
At its core, the SGSA Journal is committed to the principles of public sociology. We bridge the gap between academic research and everyday understanding by turning complex sociological ideas into practical and digestible pieces. This approach ensures that important insights reach beyond the classroom and foster a broader understanding of sociology’s relevance in daily life.
The journal promotes critical thinking, intellectual growth, and professional development. Through a collaborative review process with faculty feedback and editorial support, we ensure every piece meets high academic and editorial standards.
Ultimately, the SGSA Journal serves as a stepping stone for students to practice writing, publishing, and engaging in public sociology. It provides a space to refine ideas, develop a writing voice, and gain experience in sharing sociological insights with a broader audience.
In addition to essays, students can also submit book and movie reviews.
Submission Guidelines
For Essays:
Word Count: Submissions should be between 1,000–2,000 words.
Content & Focus: We’re looking for essays that demonstrate rigorous analysis, clear arguments, and meaningful engagement with sociological literature. Submissions can cover any area within sociology but should reflect originality, offer new insights, and contribute to ongoing sociological discussions.
Formatting & Style: Submissions must follow ASA style guidelines for citations and references. [.]
How to Submit: All submissions must be made through our online submission portal. [.]
Review Process: After submission, your paper will be assigned to a faculty reviewer who will assess its content and provide constructive feedback to enhance its academic rigor and impact.
Editing Process: Once reviewed, the paper enters the editing phase. Our student editorial team will work closely with authors to refine clarity, structure, and overall presentation, ensuring the essay meets the highest standards.
Publication: Finalized essays, once approved, will be published on the SGSA Journal section of the sociology department’s website. Accepted essays are published on a rolling basis, so your work can make an impact as soon as it’s ready!
For Book and Movie Reviews:
Word Count: Submissions should be between 750–1,500 words.
Content & Focus: We’re looking for reviews that demonstrate thoughtful analysis, clear arguments, and meaningful engagement with sociological themes. Submissions should critically evaluate the sociological relevance, implications, or impact of the book or movie being reviewed. Reviews should reflect originality, offer fresh perspectives, and contribute to sociological discussions.
How to Submit: All submissions must be made through our online submission portal. [.]
Editing Process: Once submitted, the review will be assessed by our student editorial team, who will work with authors to refine clarity, structure, and overall presentation, ensuring the review meets high academic and stylistic standards.
Publication: Finalized reviews, once approved, will be published on the SGSA Journal section of the sociology department’s website. Reviews are published on a rolling basis.
Note: The SGSA is happy to provide the books for students who wish to write reviews. If you need a book to complete your submission, please let us know through , and we will ensure a copy is made available to you.
Publications
Essays
Title of the Essay (linked to the essay)
Author's full name
Abstract (2-3 sentences summarizing the essay)
Publication Date
E.g.,
"Social Networks and Urban Inequality"
By: Jordan Smith
This essay explores how social networks influence economic mobility in urban communities, with a focus on systemic barriers and policy implications.
Keywords: Urban sociology, inequality, economic mobility
Published: January 2025
Book and Movie Reviews
Title of the Book/Movie Review (linked to the review)
Reviewer’s full name
Summary of the review (2-3 sentences highlighting the main points of the review)
Keywords
Publication Date
E.g.,
"The Sociology of Climate Justice"
By: Elena Rodriguez
This book review analyzes “Justice in a Warming World” by Dr. Samuel Carter, focusing on how global climate policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The review evaluates the book’s arguments on equity, activism, and policy change within the framework of environmental justice.
Keywords: Climate justice, environmental sociology, equity, policy change
Published: January 2025
For more information:
Jake Pritchard
Editor of the SGSA Journal
jpritchard1@luc.edu
Follow us on and !
About Us
The Sociology Graduate Student Association (SGSA) is a community that supports sociology graduate students throughout their academic journey at 草莓社区. We help students access the resources and opportunities needed to succeed and engage meaningfully with the program, faculty, peers, and beyond.
SGSA is not meant to be an additional burden, but a support system integrated into the academic experience. We encourage students to lean on SGSA during challenging periods, such as preparing for exams, writing theses or dissertations, or managing other responsibilities rather than disengage with the association. Our goal is to provide smooth, continuous support for sociology graduate students' academic, professional, and personal development, offering help when it’s needed most.
While the sociology department assists SGSA, the association thrives through the engagement and mutual support of all students. Every student’s involvement enriches both the collective and individual experience.
What We Do
- The Sociology Salon
Informal gatherings where students come together to discuss sociological topics over food and drinks, fostering intellectual exchange and community building. - The "Ask a Sociologist" Series
An engaging 60-second video series shared on SGSA’s social media platforms. Each video features a student—or occasionally a faculty member—analyzing a current issue through a sociological lens, connecting academic insights with real-world topics - The SGSA Journal
An online platform managed by sociology graduate students, showcasing their work and encouraging critical thinking. The journal offers students an opportunity to transform class papers into 1,500–2,000-word essays, supporting intellectual engagement, professional development, and public sociology. - Academic Workshops
Short, practical sessions designed to help students navigate key academic milestones. Topics include preparing for comprehensive exams, developing a thesis project, choosing a committee, and more. - Themed Boot Camps
One- or two-session workshops held each semester, based on student demand, focusing on building specific skills such as grant writing for sociological research, using R for data analysis and visualization, and more. - Writing Retreats
Structured sessions offering dedicated writing time, group activities, and breaks in a supportive environment. These retreats help students work on final papers, theses, or dissertations with focus and camaraderie. - Annual Research Event
Our signature event celebrating student research, providing a platform for sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and building academic connections. - SGSA Voice Box
An open platform for sharing your thoughts, suggestions, or concerns about the SGSA, the sociology department, or anything related to our program. All submissions are anonymous and shared with the department chair. !
The SGSA Team
Jenny Rakoto
President and Host of the Ask a Sociologist Series
mrakotoarisoa@luc.edu
Eyyup Yilmaz
Vice-President and Host of the Sociology Salon
eyilmaz@luc.edu
Jake Pritchard
Editor of the SGSA Journal
jpritchard1@luc.edu
Follow us on and !
About
The SGSA Journal is an online platform created by sociology graduate students, for sociology students. It transforms class papers that are not yet ready for publication into concise, engaging essays that are accessible and easy to read for a wider audience.
At its core, the SGSA Journal is committed to the principles of public sociology. We bridge the gap between academic research and everyday understanding by turning complex sociological ideas into practical and digestible pieces. This approach ensures that important insights reach beyond the classroom and foster a broader understanding of sociology’s relevance in daily life.
The journal promotes critical thinking, intellectual growth, and professional development. Through a collaborative review process with faculty feedback and editorial support, we ensure every piece meets high academic and editorial standards.
Ultimately, the SGSA Journal serves as a stepping stone for students to practice writing, publishing, and engaging in public sociology. It provides a space to refine ideas, develop a writing voice, and gain experience in sharing sociological insights with a broader audience.
In addition to essays, students can also submit book and movie reviews.
Submission Guidelines
For Essays:
Word Count: Submissions should be between 1,000–2,000 words.
Content & Focus: We’re looking for essays that demonstrate rigorous analysis, clear arguments, and meaningful engagement with sociological literature. Submissions can cover any area within sociology but should reflect originality, offer new insights, and contribute to ongoing sociological discussions.
Formatting & Style: Submissions must follow ASA style guidelines for citations and references. [.]
How to Submit: All submissions must be made through our online submission portal. [.]
Review Process: After submission, your paper will be assigned to a faculty reviewer who will assess its content and provide constructive feedback to enhance its academic rigor and impact.
Editing Process: Once reviewed, the paper enters the editing phase. Our student editorial team will work closely with authors to refine clarity, structure, and overall presentation, ensuring the essay meets the highest standards.
Publication: Finalized essays, once approved, will be published on the SGSA Journal section of the sociology department’s website. Accepted essays are published on a rolling basis, so your work can make an impact as soon as it’s ready!
For Book and Movie Reviews:
Word Count: Submissions should be between 750–1,500 words.
Content & Focus: We’re looking for reviews that demonstrate thoughtful analysis, clear arguments, and meaningful engagement with sociological themes. Submissions should critically evaluate the sociological relevance, implications, or impact of the book or movie being reviewed. Reviews should reflect originality, offer fresh perspectives, and contribute to sociological discussions.
How to Submit: All submissions must be made through our online submission portal. [.]
Editing Process: Once submitted, the review will be assessed by our student editorial team, who will work with authors to refine clarity, structure, and overall presentation, ensuring the review meets high academic and stylistic standards.
Publication: Finalized reviews, once approved, will be published on the SGSA Journal section of the sociology department’s website. Reviews are published on a rolling basis.
Note: The SGSA is happy to provide the books for students who wish to write reviews. If you need a book to complete your submission, please let us know through , and we will ensure a copy is made available to you.
Publications
Essays
Title of the Essay (linked to the essay)
Author's full name
Abstract (2-3 sentences summarizing the essay)
Publication Date
E.g.,
"Social Networks and Urban Inequality"
By: Jordan Smith
This essay explores how social networks influence economic mobility in urban communities, with a focus on systemic barriers and policy implications.
Keywords: Urban sociology, inequality, economic mobility
Published: January 2025
Book and Movie Reviews
Title of the Book/Movie Review (linked to the review)
Reviewer’s full name
Summary of the review (2-3 sentences highlighting the main points of the review)
Keywords
Publication Date
E.g.,
"The Sociology of Climate Justice"
By: Elena Rodriguez
This book review analyzes “Justice in a Warming World” by Dr. Samuel Carter, focusing on how global climate policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The review evaluates the book’s arguments on equity, activism, and policy change within the framework of environmental justice.
Keywords: Climate justice, environmental sociology, equity, policy change
Published: January 2025
For more information:
Jake Pritchard
Editor of the SGSA Journal
jpritchard1@luc.edu
Follow us on and !