Sociology Department

Course Offerings:

The Department of Sociology offers the following courses:
(Not all courses are offered every semester. Please refer to the schedule of classes/admissions information regarding time and place.)

SOC 101 Introductory Sociology Principles
Presents an introductory survey of the fundamental theories, philosophies and problems associated with the study of sociology in a pluralistic society. A multicultural approach is used throughout in the analysis of human relationships and social structure. Topics for this course include: institutions and their functions, social interaction, social change, collective behavior, the environment and education.
ONLINE Section/s may be available Offered every semester

SOC 110 Marriage and Family
An introductory survey of the sociological factors involved in love, marital and family relationships.  Using a multi-cultural approach, consideration is given to the complex issues of dating, courting, mate selection, alternatives to marriage, conflict, communication, sex roles, child-bearing and child-rearing.  Usually 2 sections offered every semester

SOC 120 Introduction to Human Sexuality
Prerequisite: Student must be at least 18 years of age or have parental consent in order to take this class.
An introductory survey of the behavioral, biological, historical, religious, and socio-cultural aspects of human sexuality in a pluralistic society.  A multi-cultural approach is used throughout in the study of the anatomy and physiology of sexual function, treatment of dysfunction, psychosexual development and the relationship between sexuality, changing social/cultural standards and contemporary values.  Sex across the life span, pregnancy, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, homosexuality, sexual assault, incest, and child molestation are among the topics covered. Offered every semester

SOC 201 Social Problems
A study of undesirable socially constructed social problems. Special emphasis is on the range of phenomena considered social problems which may include: war, poverty, crime, racial/ethnic conflict, environmental degradation, health care, terrorism, drug abuse, ageism, unemployment.
ONLINE Section available. Usually 2 sections offered every semester

Soc. 202 Gender and Society
This course addresses the concept of gender as an organizing principle in men’s and women’s lives from a sociological perspective. The class will address the issue of the social construction of gender and how it relates to race, ethnicity, class and sexuality, and how social institutions are gendered. Topics to be covered will include cultural ideas of gender and gender and the economy, politics, the media, families, and education. It will also address how gender impacts interactions between individuals and groups. Usually offered in the Fall Semester

Soc. 205 Introduction to Social Research Methods
Students examine fundamental elements of empirical research and the ways social scientists think critically. The course includes attention to the nature of theory, hypotheses, variables, and ethics of research. Students will apply qualitative and quantitative analytical tools.  Topics may include logic and research design, survey, observation, case study, focus groups, ethnographic methods, linguistic analysis, and historical/comparative research methods. The course is designed for students in the social sciences. CSU GE and IGETC Social Science.
Prerequisite: Sociology 101 or Anthropology 100  Offered in the Spring Semester

SOC 210 American Minority Relations
A survey of theories, problems, nature, and the dynamics of racism.  Power and inequality, prejudice and discrimination and patterns of racial/ethnic relations are examined conceptually and historically, using data from scientific, philosophical, sociopolitical, legal and cultural sources.  Models and concepts for positive change will be explored. Offered in the Spring Semester starting Spring 2013

SOC 215 Sociology of Cultural Diversity: Challenge and Change
This course is designed to create an awareness of, and appreciation of, and tolerance of diverse cultures. Topics covered will include the nature of culture, world views, customs and mores, views on religion, marriage and family, children and the elderly, ethnocentrism, stereotyping, the nature of prejudice and discrimination and social change. Offered in the Fall Semester

Soc. 220: Intro to Human Services
Sociology 220 represents an introduction to the purposes, historical context and organizational structure of human services.  Emphasis is threefold:  the development of human services and related careers in response to situations of individuals or groups who need assistance to live better lives (purpose); the recent history of human services dating from the early 1960s, which is marked by an increased awareness that many people need different kinds of assistance; and the purposes of the organizations that deliver services to clients. Offered in the Spring Semester

SOC 225 Contemporary Social Issues - Topics Vary
A specialized course designed to acquaint the student with major social issues facing the United States and to a limited extent, the world.  This course focuses on origins, sustaining causes and possible solutions to social issues. The specific issue will be decided by the course instructor and announced in the schedule of classes. This course may be taken a maximum of 4 times.

SOC 230 Juvenile Delinquency
This course is a study of adolescents and their lives within contemporary society with emphasis on what is defined and accepted as justice for adolescents in general and delinquents in particular.

Soc. 250 Sociology of Aging
This course represents an introductory survey of the fundamental theories and problems of aging.  Using a multicultural approach, the course investigates the sociological, psychological, and physical aspects of the human aging process from middle age to old age.  Students are required to investigate why we study aging, to understand the demography of aging as well as the historical and cross-cultural aspects of the aging process in a society.  A  knowledge of current policies and their effects on the aged population is also desirable.  Using and understanding various methodologies is also part of the course. ONLINE Section may be available

Not all courses are offered every semester. Please refer to the schedule of classes/admissions information regarding time and place.