Sociology Courses*
SOCI 100C • Introduction to Sociology (3 units)
An introduction to the study of society, considering the fundamental concepts of sociology in each of three great areas: social structure, social processes, and social problems. Sociology deals with the way individuals, groups, and institutions are related to one another.
SOCI 230 • Social Problems (3 units)
A selective sociological analysis of major problems confronting American society, discussion of individual and social disorganization, poverty, urbanization, deviancy, effects of mass media, and other issues.
SOCI/ESS 258 • Sociology of Sports and Human Movement (3 units)
Looks at the historical and contemporary interpretations of the role of play, games, sports, dance, fitness, and recreation in a variety of cultures. Addresses sociocultural issues such as gender and minorities in sport.
SOCI 291, 292, 293 • Special Topics (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Study of a special topic in Sociology. May be repeated for credit.
SOCI/PSYC 324 • Social Psychology (3 units)
Prerequisites: PSYC 103C, and ANTH 102C or SOCI 100C. An examination of interpersonal behavior as it is influenced by social processes, culture, face-to-face interactions, and personality characteristics; including interpersonal and group behavior in relationship to social values, norms, attitudes, roles, and social needs.
SOCI 332 • Marriage and the Family (3 units)
The institutions of marriage and the family are explored from the sociological perspective which emphasizes the influence of societal norms on human behavior and social structures. Commonly held conceptions of traditional marital forms and alternative forms of cohabitation both historical and modern are examined using the analytical tools of social science theory, research methods, and statistics.
SOCI 333 • Sociology of Women (3 units)
Provides students with sociological ways of thinking about gender and the status of women. Analyzes the social and historically situated constructions of gender and explores the impact of race and class on gender. Focuses on women in US society but includes opportunities to explore cross-nation aspects.
SOCI/PSYC 335 • Social and Psychological Aspects of Aging (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYC 103C. Views human aging from an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspective. The physiology of aging and its psychological ramifications are explored, as is the sociology and spirituality of the older adult in contemporary society.
SOCI/ANTH 343 • Class, Race, Ethnicity and Gender (3 units)
This course focuses on the distribution of power and resources across racial and ethnic/cultural groups, class structure, and gender. Phenomenological, institutional, and structural aspects of prejudice and discrimination are examined using the matrix of domination (the intersection of attributes related to class, race, ethnicity and gender) to explore the life experiences of individuals.
SOCI 345 • Family Violence (3 units)
Investigates the identification, causes, and prevention of all types of intrafamily abuse: child, spouse, sibling, and parent. Explores theories and research findings for practical application. Studies the sociocultural contexts in which abuse and violence occur. For students whose careers will bring contact with victims and/or perpetrators of family violence.
SOCI 348 • Sociology of Childhood (3 units)
Examines the diverse conceptions of childhood historically and the social forces that produced the modern form of childhood. Explores children’s experience and culture and discusses the social condition of children in contemporary US society.
SOCI 352 • Urban Sociology (3 units)
A study of urban life with emphasis on its organization, unique functions, and problems.
SOCI 353 • Methods of Social Research (3 units)
Prerequisite: SOCI 100C. The design, preparation, and execution of competent social research through a research project, to develop an understanding of social theory construction and research methodology.
SOCI/PSYC 358 • Human Sexuality (3 units)
Prerequisites: PSYC 103C and six units of upper division psychology or sociology or consent of the instructor. Human Sexuality provides an overview of human sexual anatomy, physiology, gender identity, sex role development and expression, modes of sexual expression, sexual deviation, the meaning of sexuality within relationships, and ethical considerations.
SOCI 359 • Medical Sociology (3 units)
Explores the social forces that shape the health and illness of populations, the changing social definitions of wellness and social expectations. The course examines the role of society and culture in wellness-related decision making and health-care delivery systems.
SOCI 362 • Juvenile Delinquency and Justice (3 units)
Prerequisites: SOCI 100C and PSYC 103C or permission of instructor. The causes of juvenile delinquency are reviewed from a broad social systems perspective. Delinquent crimes, gang activity and violence are studied, as is the system of juvenile justice. Course is designed for those who will be working with juveniles.
SOCI 363 • Social Stratification (3 units)
Prerequisite: SOCI 100C. A sociological view will be utilized to draw attention to those structural aspects of society which cause unequal access to the resources available. Various theoretical perspectives will be presented and evaluated. The major dimensions of class differentiation in America and selected countries around the world will be described and discussed.
SOCI 364 • Sociology of Organizations (3 units)
Prerequisite: SOCI 100C. A survey of the development of theoretical perspectives of formal and complex organizations from the sociological perspective. The internal processes and relationship to the external environment will be examined. Examples of empirical research will be reviewed.
SOCI 365 • Sociological Theory (3 units)
Prerequisite: SOCI 100C. An introduction to the theorists and theoretical models which result from examination and analysis of our empirical world of social relations, social structures, and social institutions.
SOCI 366 • Criminology (3 units)
Prerequisite: SOCI 100C or consent of the instructor. Addresses law, crime, and crime control as social phenomena that can be adequately understood only in terms of larger social and cultural contexts. Analyzes the nature and patterns of criminality and explores methodological and conceptual questions concerning crime data and research. Reviews traditional and contemporary theories, policies, practices, and issues.
SOCI 367 • Sociology of Corrections (3 units)
Prerequisite: SOCI 100C or consent of the instructor. Provides an overview of modern adult corrections; specifically, probation, parole, incarceration, community-based corrections, and prevention programs. Includes survey of history, application and theory of punishment philosophies and practices. Studies contemporary correctional policies, practices, and issues.
SOCI 372 • Deviance and Social Control (3 units)
Prerequisites: SOCI 100C and PSYC 103C. Explores how societies decide what behaviors are deviant, how they attempt to prevent and/or correct deviance and the consequences to the offenders and the social structures in which they occur. Emphasis is given to research that describes deviance, theories which explain the social conditions contributing to the emergence and perpetuation of deviance, and the analysis of society’s programmed efforts to resolve the problems deviance produces.
SOCI/PLST 423 • Sociology of Religion (1-3 units)
The social structural approach to the study of religion, with particular emphasis on American society. One unit weekend elective courses that can be taken independently or in groups of two or three. Each unit will focus on one of the following major topics: defining religion; the restructuring of American religion; religion and the public square.
SOCI 440 • Clinical Sociology (3 units)
Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor; fifteen upper division units in sociology. Principles and practices of sociotherapy, emphasizing sociological intervention techniques. Oriented toward enabling students in the application of sociological principles to the understanding of interpersonal, family, occupational, and personal problems.
SOCI 450 • Sociology Teaching Internship (1-3 units)
Open to seniors with a grade point average of 3.0 or above with approval of the department chair. Regular hours each week for classes and/or meetings are established at the beginning of the semester. The intern assists an instructor in planning and conducting a course and/or laboratory sessions. May be repeated for a maximum of six units.
SOCI 455 • Sociology Research Assistantship (1-3 units)
Prerequisites: SOCI 100C, SOCI 353, and SOCS/MATH 265C. Open to juniors and seniors and requires the consent of the professor serving as the principal investigator of a research process. The student assistant will be assigned to work on various steps of the research process from the formulation of the problem through the analysis of the data and preparation of the research report in written and/or oral formats. May be repeated for a maximum of six units.
SOCI/PSYC 460 • Field Practicum (1-4 units)
Prerequisite: PSYC 103C, or junior or senior standing. Field experience in a social service agency such as an outpatient health facility, a community organization, or a social program. The course can be taken from 1-4 units and may be repeated for credit. Thirty hours of field experience will be required for each credit hour. This course is controlled by the instructor and all field sites must be approved by the professor. The course instructor and the university manage the course requirements and responsibilities, which may include: a research paper, weekly journals, and various written assignments. The course requires weekly interaction between professor and student, as well as training and preparation that are comparable with other courses within the major. May be repeated for credit.
SOCI 468 • Law and Society (3 units)
Prerequisite: SOCI 100C or consent of the instructor. Examines law and the legal structure in its social context. Explores the nature, sources, dimensions, and impact of law from social scientific perspectives. Analyzes the uses and limits of law in maintaining order and promoting social change.
SOCI 470 • Special Topics (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Study of a special topic in one of the fields of sociology. May be repeated for credit. Special topic courses are developed by faculty according to student interest and are offered periodically.
SOCI 480 • Individual Studies (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor and division chair. May be repeated for credit.
SOCI 490C • Senior Seminar (3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. This course is designed to serve as a rite of passage for graduating seniors. It particularly is intended to assist the student in integrating the multifaceted aspects of their educational experience with their short- and long-term life goals. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum Capstone requirement for Sociology majors.
* This information is provided for ease of use, however it is not the official record. See the academic catalog for official course descriptions and requirements.