Courses currently taught at NMU:
Introduction to Sociology (SO 101),
Sociology of Aging (SO 201)
Life Cycle (SO 302),
and Social Change (SO 351).
Twenty- eight years of teaching experience primarily at the undergraduate level. I have been making sociological documentary films for twenty- five years. Gradually I have evolved into cultural sociologist employing a blend of historical and anthropological perspectives along with sociology.
Research interests have focused on ethnic and occupational traditions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Some of this has resulted in published book chapters and articles on Finnish Americans. Most of my research has been expressed in documentary films: two on Finnish American cultural history and traditions; one on traditional wilderness workers (trappers, loggers and commercial fishers) three on the Lac Vieux Desert Ojibwa Band in Watersmeet, MI; and three for the purpose of sociological intervention with alternative school kids, adults with disabilities, and vehicular homicide victims. See the Up North Films website at upnorthfilms.org
Grants: Have been awarded numerous grants from local, state and national agencies to produce and direct documentary films. Funding agencies have included state humanities councils (MI, MN, ND, WI), the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities and many grants from the Michigan Council for the Arts. Awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to teach and study in Finland in 1982. Delivered numerous papers at academic conferences. Film screenings at major academic conferences and film festivals nationally on PBS and Finnish television networks Films have won both academic and artistic honors.
Education:
Post-Doctoral, University of Michigan 1976
PhD. (1975), MA. (1972) and BS. (1967) Michigan State University
Office: Room 137 Gries Hall
Studio: 104 Jacobetti
Phone: 227-2041
e-mail: loukinen@nmu.edu
