Sociology is the systematic study of human social behavior. Sociologists examine not only how social structures shape our daily interactions but also how society constructs social categories and social meanings. This course offers an overview of sociological theories, concepts and methodologies through readings and discussions. You will develop a deeper understanding of self and society by applying sociological concepts and methods in class and in lab projects.
Units: 3 to 4
Student and faculty member select topic of study and number of credits. (Offered as interest warrants.)
Units: 1 to 6
This course explores the principles of sociology as they apply to social inequality between cultures, communities, ethnicity, and gender.
Units: 3
This course explores various contemporary social problems facing the United States. It examines how problems affect and are affected by American culture and social institutions. Students learn to interpret social problems within the context of sociological theories. Additional topics may include substance abuse, aging, ethnic relations, urban issues, unemployment, terrorism, violence, and the role of ideology and interest groups in shaping social problems. (Credit/No Credit Available)
Units: 4
Units: 2
Units: 2
This course examines family as a social institution, combining functional and sociological approaches. It utilizes historical and cross-cultural perspectives to examine and compare patterns of family behavior. Additional topics may include human sexuality, divorce, family planning, communication, gender equity, courtship/dating, and the psychodynamics of family life. (Credit/No Credit Available) (Prereq: SOC 100)
Units: 4
Units: 4
Units: 2
This course examines the ways in which societies define deviance and their attitudes and beliefs. It employs a critical sociological approach to explore conformity/non-conformity and the relationship between individual liberty and social control. It also analyzes social reactions and outcomes of these definitions. Topics may include sexuality, suicide, prostitution, drug addiction, crime, and gender. (Credit/No Credit Available) (Prereq: SOC 100)
Units: 4
Units: 4
This course utilizes historical and sociological perspectives to examine social stratification and inequality. It explores the unequal distribution of wealth, status and power and analyzes the cultural and economic systems that maintain them. (Credit/No Credit Available) (Prereq: SOC 100 and STAT 100)
Units: 4
Units: 4
This course studies historical, contemporary, and anticipated population conditions and trends as they relate to social issues and organization of society. It explores the population processes (fertility, mortality, and migration) as they affect and are affected by various influences such as urbanization, family, and environment. Additional topics may include undocumented migration, US-Mexico border, and globalization. (Credit/No Credit Available) (Prereq: SOC 100 and STAT 100)
Units: 4
This course offers a broad introduction to the social dimensions of emerging information and communication technologies. An emphasis is placed on the specific historical and cultural contexts that shape practices of technology. Attention is given to the diverse ways technology shapes social life, including culture, economy, education, and military. It also examines how social structures of gender, race, class, sexuality, and nation are reproduced or reconfigured by technology. (Credit/No Credit Available) (Prereq: SOC 100 and STAT 100)
Units: 4
Student and faculty member select upper-division topics of study and total number of credit hours.
Units: 2 to 4
Studies a particular topic in Sociology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.) (Credit/ No Credit Available)
Units: 2 to 4
Student and faculty member select advanced topic of study and number of credits. (Offered only as interest warrants.)
Units: 1 to 6
Units: 2 to 4