The SGSA Journal
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. [See detailed guidelines here.]
How to Submit: All submissions must be made through our online submission portal. [Access the portal here.]
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. [Access the portal here.]
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 this portal, and we will ensure a copy is made available to you.
For more information:
Jake Pritchard
Editor of the SGSA Journal
jpritchard1@luc.edu
PUBLICATIONS: Essays
Modernity, Sociology, and Religion: Sociology of Religion by Eyyup Yilmaz (pub. Feb. 2025)
PUBLICATIONS: Reviews
“Who You Worship, Where You Worship, What You Worship”: Religion in Heretic (2024).
Film review by Jake Pritchard (pub. Feb. 2025)