Course Descriptions
Lower Division
SOCL 1010 Introduction to Sociology (3 units)
Basic concepts and perspectives in sociological analysis. Prerequisite to other Sociology courses. Satisfies G.E. area D2. (CAN SOC 2) (Fall, Spring)
SOCL 2000 Intergenerational Experiences and Life Course Developments (3 units)
Provides students with the background for understanding life span development of the “self” and “others” as integrated social, psychological, and physiological beings. Specifically, focuses on cross-generational experiences encompassing post-adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and the latter part of the life cycle. Attention will be given to special demographics, socialization patterns, role changes, interaction patterns, stereotypes, environmental influences, and critical life events. Satisfies G.E. area E1. (Fall, Spring)
SOCL 2010 Sociology of Sexual Behavior (3 units)
(Same as GEND 2010) Examines a variety of approaches to understanding sexual behavior. Typical patterns of sexual interactions will be contrasted with deviant sex styles. Presents a wide range of conflicting viewpoints on some of the most controversial issues today including abortion, sex education, and HIV/AIDS. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010. (Fall)
SOCL 2240 Social Problems (3 units)
Factual and evaluative considerations in the definitions, explanation, and resolution of social problems. Critical analysis of current approaches to social problems focusing on procedures and fallacies in thinking in society.
Upper Division
SOCL 3000 Classical Theory (4 units)
The emergence of sociology from social philosophy and the historical development of sociological thought. Corequisite: SOCL 3003. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Lecture, 3 hours; activity, 2 hours) (Fall)
SOCL 3030 Research Methods (4 units)
Introduction to research design and methodology in Sociology: theory, implications of theoretical framework, hypothesis formation, conceptualization and measurement of sociological variables, research process, research designs, methods of data collection, sampling procedures, and written reports. Corequisite: SOCL 3033. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or equivalent. (Lecture, 3 hours; activity, 2 hours) (Fall)
SOCL 3040 Qualitative Methods (4 units)
Theories and practices of inductive, qualitative research methods in Sociology. Recognition of the value of methodological triangulation in social research. Discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of qualitative research, compared with those of quantitative research. Analysis and practice of various qualitative data-gathering and analysis techniques such as unstructured interviewing, participant observation/field research, content analysis, and developing grounded theory. Students explore methodological and ethical issues involved in all social research, with particular attention to those peculiar to qualitative research such as gaining entrance, developing rapport, maintaining respondents’ anonymity, demand characteristics, and debriefing. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010.
SOCL 3120 Criminology (3 units)
(Formerly SOCL 4121) Analysis of the types and incidence of crime in America in contrast with other cultures. Comparison of the various sociological, psychological, and biological causes of crime. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Fall)
SOCL 3130 Juvenile Delinquency (3 units)
(Formerly SOCL 4122) Covers the historical development of the juvenile justice system including courts, delinquency treatment, and social policies toward delinquency. Analysis of types and incidence of delinquency, as well as the major sociological forces which are linked to delinquency, i.e., family problems, poverty, racism, unemployment, school failure, juvenile gangs, and health problems. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Spring)
SOCL 3150 The Family (3 units)
Social structure and changing functions of the modern family. Relationship of family to other social institutions. Family roles and interaction. Satisfies G.E. area F3. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Fall, Winter, Spring)
SOCL 3160 Sociology of Youth (3 units)
Sociological analysis of the development of self and the socialization of the child and youth in sex and age roles. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010.
SOCL 3170 Sociology of Sex Roles (3 units)
Primarily analyzes the differences in women’s and men’s roles in the U.S. today. Major issues addressed include sex role socialization, the media’s portrayal of sex roles, differences in gender roles in the workplace, and interpersonal dynamics involved in friendships between members of the opposite sex. Also traces historical and contemporary developments in women’s and men’s liberation movements. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Spring)
SOCL 3180 Sociology of Film (3 units)
A look at the complex interaction of films produced in society and how films influence our society. Current day topics and issues will be explored through American and foreign media productions. Objective of this course is to give students a critical understanding of the influence of films in all aspects of American life. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 3200 Social Change (3 units)
Sociology and social change, types and problems of change, factors in rate and direction of change, classic and modern theoretical analysis of social change. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 3240 Social Deviance (3 units)
(Formerly SOCL 4240) The study of social behaviors which differ from the norm or expected behavior. Focus is on the reaction of segments of society to these behaviors; i.e., the process by which some behavior is ignored, other behaviors generate social sanctions, and certain behaviors are criminal. Review of the social benefits and function of deviance, as well as the conflict between those social forces which disagree on the proper response to deviant behavior. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 3250 Social Issues in Cross-Cultural Perspective (3 units)
Focus on major issues relevant to at least two cultures chosen for in-depth study. The main issues addressed will include poverty, pollution, and educational equality. Other topics that students may choose to study involve children’s socialization patterns, health or sexual practices, and the use and impact of the mass media in at least two cultures. Features field experiences to give students experimental knowledge. Satisfies G.E. area G. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 3310 Social Inequalities (WP) (4 units)
(Previously Social Stratification) Causes and consequences of socially structured inequalities including socioeconomic class, gender, and body image; focuses on U.S. society within the context of globalization. Satisfies upper-division writing proficiency requirement. Prerequisite: Completion of the Writing Proficiency Screening Test with a passing score.
SOCL 3320 The Sociology of Men and Society (3 units)
(Same as GEND 3320) A review of existing research and issues related to the social construction of diverse masculinities in contemporary societies. An emphasis on topics such as violence, sexualities, work, families, men’s associations, and health. Satisfies G.E. area G.
SOCL 3330 Social Organization in a Traditional Society (3 units)
Examines the social organization of a traditional society (the Alaska natives) in contrast to the social organization of modern, industrialized, urban societies. Roles, statues, kinship, and social institutions are investigated as integrative within society. This comparative and contrasting approach provides both the Sociology major and non-sociology majors a broad-based perspective in viewing contemporary society. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Winter)
SOCL 3400 Contemporary Theory (4 units)
Major contributions to systematic sociological theory. Critical analysis of selected works from Comte, Pareto, Weber, Durkheim, Sorokin, Parsons, and other classical and contemporary sociologists. Prerequisite: SOCL 3000 or consent of instructor. (Spring)
SOCL 3430 Population, Resources, and the American Future (4 units)
Is population a problem in contemporary America? An examination of the effects of rapid population growth and its relationship to the rapid depletion of renewable and nonrenewable resources both now and in the future. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 3500 Sociology of Poverty and Hunger (3 units)
Causes and consequences of hunger and homelessness in the U.S. with emphasis on the Central Valley. In a service learning capacity, students work with community agencies that serve and advocate for the homeless.
SOCL 3530 Self and Social Behavior (4 units)
Examines the social underpinnings which contribute to the development of the self. A seminar and an activity in which students keep a journal, engage in self observation and reflections, and make observations of others (especially significant others). As a seminar, students will be expected to exchange and examine ideas about the self from a theoretical as well as an experiential framework. Corequisite: SOCL 3533. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Lecture, 2 hours; activity, 4 hours)
SOCL 3600 Gender and Power (4 units)
(Formerly Sex Roles and Power) Causes and consequences of gender relations in society and among individuals, with emphasis on power and gender-related inequalities. Focuses on the United States with examples from other societies and cultures.
SOCL 3630 Tenderloin Lifestyles (4 units)
Allows students to observe and apply directly the concepts of social deviance by staying for a week in San Francisco’s Tenderloin or vice area. Class sessions will consist of a review of these concepts and preparation for the field study. Corequisite: SOCL 3633. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Lecture, 2 hours; activity, 4 hours) (Winter)
SOCL 3650 Sociology of Popular Culture (3 units)
Examines U.S. society’s dominant cultural values and beliefs regarding meritocracy and class, race, and gendered stratification as reflected in animated films, major carriers of popular culture. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Winter)
SOCL 3700 Sociology of Education (3 units)
Classrooms reflect local community social dynamics. Analyzes the relationship between school and local community from a sociological framework and provides methods, concepts, and theories to examine school/community interrelationships. Designed specifically for future teachers. (LIBS Integrative: Social Inquiry)
SOCL 3810 Body Image and Society (3 units)
Course examines the culture of beauty, body image, and various ways in which the human body is objectified/commodified. Issues addressed may include, but are not limited to, the following: race/ethnic, gender, and social class dynamics regarding body image; the social construction of beauty and resultant inequalities; plastic surgery; body disfigurement, both voluntary (tattooing, piercing) and involuntary; the Americanization of body image and beauty standards worldwide. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 3820 Food and Culture in a Global Society (3 units)
Course provides students with an understanding of the relationship between food and society. Topics include ecological constraints and possibilities; food production, processing, consumption, and distribution; food as symbolic representations of status and power; and food taboos. The relationship between environment, technology, and social organization is developed as it relates to food. The globalization of the agribusiness and food processing and distribution industries is explored. Satisfies G.E. areas F3 and G.
SOCL 3830 Thin and Fat: The Sociology of Eating Disorders (3 units)
Course examines American eating behaviors; race/ethnic, gender, and social class dynamics regarding weight; and various eating disorders, primarily in the United States and other developed countries. Topics include over-eating and obesity, bulimia and anorexia, as well as the social construction of appropriate body weight, the stigmatization of obesity, analysis of the diet and recovery industry, and the media’s role in shaping perceptions of body image.
SOCL 3900 Sociological Colloquium (1-2 units)
Depending on the instructor, the colloquium will focus on specific areas of sociological concern, including an analysis of deviance, stratification, race, sex roles, population, religion, etc. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 units. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 4000 Introduction to Gerontology (3 units)
(Formerly MDIS 3000, MDIS 4000) A broad overview of the current concepts, issues, and processes associated with human aging and the latter part of the life cycle. Prerequisite: Junior, senior, or graduate standing. (Offered alternate years)
SOCL 4010 Race and Ethnic Relations (3 units)
Sociological analysis of minority group relations; attention to specific racial, ethnic, and religious minorities. Satisfies G.E. area G. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 4020 Sociology of Small Group Dynamics (3 units)
Structure and processes of small human groups, theory, research methods, and empirical findings. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 4030 Research Analysis (4 units)
Social measurement, data analysis and interpretation, formulation of research designs, and application of research techniques. Includes understanding and performing basic research. Corequisite: SOCL 4032. Prerequisite: SOCL 3030. (Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours) (Spring)
SOCL 4170 Victimology (3 units)
Analysis of historical and contemporary theories and research on victims, victim compensation programs, spouse and child abuse programs, and community responses to crime. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Spring)
SOCL 4190 Treatment of the Offender (3 units)
Examination of counseling theories such as behavior modification, contingency contracting, transactual analysis, psychoanalysis, labeling theory, and humanistic psychology as they apply to community-based and institutional programs. Also reviews the content and structure of specific techniques which have been successful in reducing crime such as family intervention; drug, nutrition, and alcohol counseling; and job skill programs. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Spring)
SOCL 4200 Pornography and Human Sexuality (3 units)
What is pornography? What does pornography tell us about modern societies, the family, and the individual? Is it harmful? Is it necessary? How can it be controlled? What would a society without pornography be like? Selected readings and literary rendering will be the source of ideas, answers, and other questions. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)
SOCL 4230 Sociology of Religion (3 units)
Acquaints students with basic knowledge of religion in society. Explores the basic theories, concepts, and research in sociology. Examines religion and the basic institutions of society.
SOCL 4400 Political Sociology (3 units)
Sociological bases of political attitudes and behavior. Theory and research dealing with political socialization, voting behavior, legitimacy, and authority. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 4520 Personality and Society (3 units)
Relations between personality, social structure, and culture. Primary emphasis on roles, socialization, aggression, affiliation, leadership, and norms. Satisfies G.E. area F3. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)
SOCL 4700 Medical Sociology (3 units)
The social causes and consequences of illness in contemporary American society will be explored along with traditional and unique approaches to treating the sick. In addition, factors that prohibit equal access to medical care facilities will be examined. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 4710 Sociology of Aging (3 units)
Examination of the dynamics and processes of aging; social and psychological aspects of aging, including attitudes toward the aged. Sociological, social-psychological, and biological theories of the aging process will be explored; social programs for the elderly will be examined. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Fall)
SOCL 4720 Sociology of Death (3 units)
Social and institutional factors involved in death, death-related behaviors, attitudes toward death, and institutional influences on the death process. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Spring)
SOCL 4730 Alcohol and Alcoholism (3 units)
An overview of alcoholism and alcohol abuse as a social, economic, and individual problem. Review of exploratory models, symptomatic behavioral indicators, and methods of intervention. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Fall)
SOCL 4740 Sociology of Mental Health (3 units)
Students will identify community-based programs for treatment and prevention of mental illness. They will develop knowledge and understanding of the importance of sociological variables in identifying mental health. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Spring)
SOCL 4750 Sociology of Drug Use (3 units)
Familiarizes the student with the major sociological theories about drug use and the research investigating the theories’ claims. Also, discussion of research on issues in the field of drugs such as the social control efforts and drugs, the effects on both legal and illegal drugs, and the typical users of the various drugs. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Fall)
SOCL 4790 Social Welfare Services (3 units)
Historical development of welfare services; analysis of the structure, policies, and issues of public and private welfare services. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)
SOCL 4800 Formal Organizations in Modern Society (3 units)
Analysis of modern bureaucratic organizations and their place in American society. Corporate deviance, organizational change, and contemporary bureaucratic influences on American society will be stressed. Past and present theories of bureaucratic organizations will be examined. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or equivalent or consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)
SOCL 4810 Urban Sociology (3 units)
The urban concept: origin and development of urban areas; effects of urbanization, social institutions, and social relations; research methods applied to urban life and form. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor.
SOCL 4910 Cooperative Education (2-4 units)
Provides an opportunity to acquire relevant, practical experience in supervised paid employment within the discipline. Students are placed in private or public sector positions under the supervision of the employer and department Co-op coordinator. May be repeated for a total of 8 units depending upon the department policy. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing; consent of departmental coordinator. (Fall, Winter, Spring)
SOCL 4920 Nutrition and Criminal Behavior (4 units)
Examines the theories and evidence which show a relationship between diet and behavior. Various diet therapies will be discussed in terms of whether or not they work and why. The laboratory will include analysis of the student’s eating patterns to determine actual nutrient consumption. Corequisite: SOCL 4923. Prerequisite: SOCL 1010 or consent of instructor. (Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours) (Spring)
SOCL 4940 Sociological Internship (3-6 units)
Supervised experience relevant to specific aspects of sociology. Intensive field placement in an appropriate agency or organization. Individual meetings and written reports. Each student will be placed in an agency for 10 hours (3 units) to 20 hours (6 units) per week. Course may be repeated for a total of 6 units. Course may be repeated for a total of 6 units. Prerequisites: SOCL 4800 and consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)
SOCL 4941 Fieldwork in Sociology (1-6 units)
Introduces the student to applied fieldwork experience in Sociology. Under the supervision of a Sociology professor, students will apply methodological field research techniques (e.g. oral interviews, participant observation, administration of questionnaires or interview schedules, and the use of unobtrusive measures). Emphasis is on learning practical application and on guidance and mentoring from professional sociologists. (Fall, Winter, Spring)
SOCL 4950 Selected Topics in Sociology (1-5 units)
(Topics to be specified in Class Schedule) Topics vary each term, thus different topics may be taken for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Fall, Winter, Spring)
SOCL 4960 Senior Seminar (4 units)
Research, review, and discussion of the contemporary issues facing Sociology. Each student prepares an individual report. Prerequisite: Sociology major, senior status, or consent of instructor. (Spring)
SOCL 4980 Individual Study (1-4 units)
For students capable of independent work at an advanced level. may be repeated up to 6 units. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Fall, Winter, Spring)
