Adjunct Faculty, Sociology and Criminology (Fall 2025)

Position Available: August 25, 2025

FLSA Status: Exempt (salary)

Job Status: Part-time Faculty (non-tenure track)

Location: On campus (River Forest, IL and Pilsen, Chicago, IL)

Position Summary:

The Department of Sociology and Criminology at Dominican University is seeking part-time adjunct faculty to teach the following in-person courses in the Criminology and Sociology programs:

SOC 110.05: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

• M 6:00 PM-8:50 PM; In person, Main Campus, River Forest, Illinois
• 3.00 credits - 8/25/2025 to 12/12/2025
• Cap 25 students
  
  
  

Introduction to the discipline of sociology as a tool for the study of human life. Through a survey of basic sociological perspectives and theories, this course examines the social institutions of everyday life in order to become aware of the way human action and human actors shape and are shaped by their societies.

• Listed also as Black World Studies 110
• This course will satisfy the core area requirement in social sciences or science literacy.
  
  
  

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SOC 385.01: CRITICAL APPROACHES TO RACE AND ETHNICITY

• Online without meeting/Asynchronous
• 4.00 credits - 8/25/2025 to 12/12/2025
• Cap 25 students
  
  
  

This course examines the scholarship of race & ethnicity in the United States that is grounded in the structural and critical scholarly perspectives. It highlights research and theories on the ideologies, behaviors, policies, procedures/practices, and structures that influence race and ethnicity in the U.S.

• Listed also as Black World Studies 385
• Prerequisite(s): SOC 110 Intro Soc and junior standing, or consent of instructor.
• This course will satisfy the core area requirement in social justice and sustainability.
• This course will satisfy the core requirement in multicultural studies.
  
  
  

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SOC 386.01: SOCIOLOGY OF U.S. IMMIGRATION

• MWF 9:30 AM-10:20 AM; Online Zoom
• 3.00 credits - 8/25/2025 to 12/12/2025
• Cap 25 students
  
  
  

This class provides students with a solid understanding of the complexities of international migration to the United States. Its goal is to analyze how post-1965 immigration, mostly from Latin America and Asia, has impacted U.S. society. Students will learn how to critically analyze and evaluate theoretical explanations of the global forces driving international migration, theoretical explanations of immigrant integration experiences, the various responses by government and society on the impact of immigration, and the effects these responses have on the lives of immigrants and their families.

• Listed also as LLAS 386
• Prerequisite(s): SOC 110 Intro Soc and junior standing, or consent of instructor.
• This course will satisfy the core area requirement in social justice and sustainability.
  
  
  

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CRIM 265.02: CRIME AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

• TR 3:30 PM-4:45 PM; In person, Chicago Campus (Pilsen)
• 4.00 credits - 8/25/2025 to 12/12/2025
• Cap 25 students
  
  
  

An inquiry into the relationship between state, crime, environment, and social structure, with special emphasis on the linkages between social hierarchies and criminalization of social conduct as reflected in contemporary issues. The course includes a semester-long project choice of research, community education, or civic engagement.

• This course will satisfy the core area requirement in social science, social justice, and sustainability.
  
  
  

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CRIM 370.01: DEVIANCE AND SOCIAL CONTROL

• TR 9:45 AM-11:00 AM; Online Zoom
• 3.00 credits - 8/25/2025 to 12/12/2025
• Cap 25 students
  
  
  

This course examines behavior that is legal but evokes social disapproval or discomfort, including examples of positive deviance such as extreme do-gooders, whistleblowers, and orthopraxy. The course explores major theoretical schools for their strengths, limitations, and relevance for understanding deviance in contemporary United States. Topics may include polyamory and nonheteronormative sexualities, forms of ratebusting, religious and intentional communities, and deviance in workplace or professional contexts.

• Prerequisite(s): SOC 110 Intro Soc and CRIM 255 Intro Crim, or consent of the instructor.
• This course will satisfy the core area requirement in social justice and sustainability.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Sociology, Criminology, or a related field
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of demonstrated teaching experience (experience with Canvas Learning Management System preferred)
  
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Adjunct faculty are responsible for the following:
• Adhere to the university policies, procedures, and university calendar with respect to reporting information to university offices.
• Administer student evaluations and submit the required paperwork related to instruction, including grades and course evaluations, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Grade weekly assignments, respond to student emails and phone calls promptly, and provide feedback in a timely manner.
• Prepare course materials, including writing test questions and delivering assignments appropriate to the subject matter.
• Hold office hours in person and/or via Zoom to support student learning.
• Adhere to the goals and objectives of the course, as guided by the Department Chair.
  
  
  

To Apply:

Dominican University will accept applications for this position until it is filled. Please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) CV/resume, including a list of references, and (3) a one to two-page teaching philosophy statement.

Official transcripts will be required of finalists; submission instructions will be provided to applicants as necessary.

Physical Demands

• Ability to spend moderate durations of the workday standing or walking around
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Note: accommodation will be made for applicants who cannot meet these physical demands
  
  
  

Salary and FLSA Status

• Salary: $1,000 - $3,800. The actual pay is determined based on credentials, experience, course level, and credit hours.
• FLSA Status: Exempt, Part-Time
  
  
  

Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.

About Dominican University

Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.

Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.

Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu.

Expectations for all Dominican Employees

To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a supportive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.

Institutional Statement

Dominican University is committed to fostering a supportive academic community that provides access and opportunity for all our students.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal and state employment regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need accommodations due to a disability, you may contact us at opc@dom.edu for assistance.