Sociology, Bachelor of Arts

Requirements

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree

See the "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

Elective Requirements

Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 units.

General Education Requirements (43 units)

See the "General Education" requirements in the University Catalog or the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 Units)

See the "Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement" section in the University Catalog.

Statutory Requirements: United States History, Constitution and American Ideals (6 Units)

See the "Statutory Requirements" section in the University Catalog. 

Minor Requirements

Single field major, no minor required.

Major Requirements (42 units)

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Lower Division Required Courses
SOC 101	The Individual In Society	3
or SOC 102	Understanding Social Relationships in a Global Perspective
SOC 220	Analytical Statistics	4
Upper Division Required Courses
SOC 305	Methods Of Soc Research	4
SOC 309	Writing Skills in Sociology	3
SOC 311	Global Organizations and Social Processes	3
SOC 340	Social Psychology: Sociological Perspective	3
SOC 355	Modern Sociological Theories	4
Select six additional upper division courses in sociology with the assistance of an advisor		18
Total Hours		42

Basic Areas of Study

The Sociology Department recommends that each student select an area for the major or minor. At least six elective courses should be taken from that chosen area of study (Upon consultation with an advisor a student may elect to substitute another course for one in his/her specialty).

The basic areas of study are as follows:

• Applied Research

• Community Studies

• Criminology and Justice Studies

• Helping Professions

• Social Change in Global Contexts

• Social Inequalities

Applied Research

The applied research area emphasizes practical skills needed to conduct research projects in diverse social settings. Courses cover such topics as statistical analysis, research methods, feminist methods, program evaluation, and ethnographic data analysis. The goal of the area is to provide students with hands-on research experiences from a sociological perspective. Students will gain many of the technical skills needed to conduct community research, program evaluation, and data analysis projects. These skills are increasingly important in non-profit agencies as well as in large university and private research centers.

Select 6 courses from the below list (18-20 units)

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SOC 220	Analytical Statistics	4
SOC 302	Workshop in Social Research	3
SOC 303	Qualitative Methods	3
SOC 304	Computer Applications	3
SOC 305	Methods Of Soc Research	4
SOC 306	Program Evaluation	3
SOC 408	Survey Research	3
SOC 503	Seminar in Ethnographic Analysis in Sociology	3

Community Studies

The area of community studies uses multiple methodologies to explore social justice issues in diverse communities. It is designed to provide students with an overview of different approaches to the field. Classes address theories of community, issues in community studies, ethics, and data analysis. Many of the classes include practical fieldwork requirements such as internships, service learning, and research with community partners. This area will prepare students for careers in research, program evaluation, social work, non-profit management, urban planning, and public policy among others.

Select 6 courses from the below list (18 units)

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SOC 302	Workshop in Social Research	3
SOC 306	Program Evaluation	3
SOC 326	Sociology Of Health	3
SOC 331	Minority Racial and Ethnic Relations	3
SOC 334	Women In Society	3
SOC 335	Social Movements	3
SOC 340	Social Psychology: Sociological Perspective	3
SOC 341	Seminar In Small Groups	3
SOC 362	Gangs and Adolescent Subcultures	3
SOC 363	Sociology of Alcohol and Other Drug Use	3
SOC 380	Urban Sociology	3
SOC 381	Field Studies in Urban Problems	3
SOC 383	Black Communities: Class, Status and Power	3
SOC 384	Community Organizing	3
SOC 503	Seminar in Ethnographic Analysis in Sociology	3

Criminology and Justice Studies

This area of study utilizes a social scientific lens to examine various institutions associated with the criminal justice system. Specifically, this area explores criminological theories regarding the etiology of crime, juvenile delinquency, ganging, and deviant behavior as they relate to policing, courts, corrections, and laws. The courses will delve into issues such as social inequality and power relations between correctional institutions and communities. With an emphasis on social justice, this area will give students the tools to analyze these topics from feminist, global, and critical race theory perspectives, preparing students for graduate school, law school, or government employment.

Additionally, students educated within a social justice framework are prepared to contribute to the justice professions through evaluation, research, ethical practice, and dedicated service.

Select 6 courses from the below list (18 units)

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SOC 331	Minority Racial and Ethnic Relations	3
SOC 362	Gangs and Adolescent Subcultures	3
SOC 364	Corrections	3
SOC 365	Deviant Behavior	3
SOC 367	Sociology Of Law	3
SOC 368	Criminology	3
SOC 369	Juvenile Delinquency	3
SOC 380	Urban Sociology	3
SOC 381	Field Studies in Urban Problems	3

Helping Professions

This area of study looks at the social service resources in the community as they link up with diverse populations in society. Community agencies provide social services, mental health services and health services as they interface with ethnic communities, the elderly and families from all walks of life. Understanding the theories of helping and the methods of service delivery become important in assessing the effectiveness of social agencies. Community fieldwork and hands-on experience at agencies provide the student with opportunities to view the function of these agencies and their purpose in serving communities.

Select 6 courses from the below list (18 units) 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SOC 306	Program Evaluation	3
SOC 316	Sociology Of Adult Life: Aging	3
SOC 320	The Family	3
SOC 326	Sociology Of Health	3
SOC 328	Social Agencies: Practice and Power	3
SOC 363	Sociology of Alcohol and Other Drug Use	3
SOC 381	Field Studies in Urban Problems	3
SOC 383	Black Communities: Class, Status and Power	3
SOC 384	Community Organizing	3
SOC 386	Sociology of the Helping Professions	3

Social Change in Global Contexts

This area of study focuses on the relationship between global processes (political, economic, and cultural) and social institutions and communities. Students will develop analytical skills that pertain to the changing social environments on a local, regional, and global level. This area highlights how collective and individual social factors shape and are shaped by the shifting conditions brought about by globalization. The goal of this area is to prepare students for further study in the area of global studies as well as careers in which knowledge of the global dimensions of social life are required. Topics included but are not limited to: the social impact of immigration, the environment, labor issues, race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, human rights, and new forms of citizenship and governance.

Select 6 courses from the below list (18 units)

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SOC 311	Global Organizations and Social Processes	3
SOC 315	Sociology Of Work	3
SOC 321	Sociology Of Education	3
SOC 326	Sociology Of Health	3
SOC 334	Women In Society	3
SOC 335	Social Movements	3
SOC 384	Community Organizing	3
SOC 387	Theory and Research in Globalization	3

Social Inequalities

This area of study focuses on forms of racial formation, the social construction of gender and inequality, class and domination and subordination. Students will develop the skills to critically understand the intersections of race, class, gender, sexualities, citizenship and inequalities that shape social lives. Furthermore, students will acquire an understanding of resistance and social movements aimed at addressing inequalities. The study of social inequalities prepares students for a wide range of careers where sensitivity to diversity and advocacy are called for.

Select 6 courses from the below list (18 units) 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SOC 311	Global Organizations and Social Processes	3
SOC 321	Sociology Of Education	3
SOC 322	Social Environment of Education	3
SOC 327	Sociology of Sports	3
SOC 331	Minority Racial and Ethnic Relations	3
SOC 334	Women In Society	3
SOC 335	Social Movements	3
SOC 362	Gangs and Adolescent Subcultures	3
SOC 383	Black Communities: Class, Status and Power	3
SOC 384	Community Organizing	3

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Sociology department seeks to provide the appropriate learning contexts that will enhance students’ basic skill in writing, reading and critical thinking
2. Introduce students to a sociological perspective ie to conceptualize and theorize sociologically
3. To instruct students to rigorously qualitative and quantitative research methods and recognize the importance of linking method to theory
4. To cultivate in students in students an appreciation of how strong academic skills can enhance career opportunities and serve community needs
5. To inform students of the importance of personal and professional ethics.
6. Evaluate the validity and reliability of data
7. Design and Execute a research project
8. Write and clear sociological analysis
9. Demonstrate the difference between theory and methods
10. Ability to conduct statistical analysis

4- Year Roadmap

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
GE Area 1C Oral Communications		3
SOC 101 or SOC 102	The Individual In Society or Understanding Social Relationships in a Global Perspective	3
GE Area 3A, or 3B, OR 4A, or 4B		3
GE Area 4A, or 4B		3
Elective to meet 120 units		2
	Hours	14
Spring
GE Area 5A Physical Science or 5B Biological Science		3
GE Area 2 Mathematical concepts & Quantitative Reasoning		3
GE Area 3A, or 3B OR 4A, or 4B		3
GE Area 3A, or 3B OR 4A, or 4B		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
Second Year
Fall
GE Area 1B Critical Thinking		3
GE Area 5A Physical Science or 5B Biological Science		3
GE Area 5C Laboratory		1
SOC 220	Analytical Statistics (or equivalent)	4
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	14
Spring
GE Area 1A English Composition		3
Major Elective		3
GE Area 3A, or 3B OR 4A, or 4B		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
Third Year
Fall
SOC 305	Methods Of Soc Research	4
SOC 311	Global Organizations and Social Processes	3
Major Elective		3
GE Area 3UD Integrative Studies in the Humanities		3
SOC 309	Writing Skills in Sociology (satisfies GWAR requirement)	3
	Hours	16
Spring
SOC 340	Social Psychology: Sociological Perspective	3
SOC 355	Modern Sociological Theories	4
GE Area 4UD Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences or 5UD Integrative Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	16
Fourth Year
Fall
Major Elective		3
Major Elective		3
GE Area 4UD Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences or GE Area 5UD Integrative Studies in the Physical & Biological Sciences		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
Spring
Major Elective		3
Major Elective		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	120

2-Year Roadmap (transfer students)

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
SOC 305	Methods Of Soc Research	4
SOC 311	Global Organizations and Social Processes	3
Major Elective		3
GE Area 3UD Integrative Studies in the Humanities		3
SOC 309	Writing Skills in Sociology (satisfies GWAR requirement)	3
	Hours	16
Spring
SOC 340	Social Psychology: Sociological Perspective	3
SOC 355	Modern Sociological Theories	4
Major Elective		3
Elective to meet 120 units		1
GE Area 4UD Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences or GE Area 5UD Integrative Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences		3
	Hours	14
Second Year
Fall
Major Elective		3
Major Elective		3
GE Area 4UD Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences or GE Area 5UD Integrative Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
Spring
Major Elective		3
Major Elective		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	60