The sociology major is designed to give liberal arts students concepts and tools for understanding human behavior in society. An undergraduate major in sociology prepares students for graduate or professional school. Those intending to enter the job market immediately after graduation will find that the analytical and data analysis skills they have gained as sociology majors will allow them to apply for entry-level research positions in both government and business..

Major Requirements

The following courses are required (11 units):

SO 101
SO 204 and 304
SO 215, 335, or 339
SO 305, 308, or 370
five elective units in sociology
SO 499

Methods courses (SO 204 and SO 304) should be taken during the sophomore year.

Minor Requirements

SO 101
SO 215, 335, 339, or 383
SO 305, 308, or 370
two elective units in SO

Courses in Sociology

SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (1)

The study of human society: the processes of social interaction and organization. Emphasis is placed on learning the basic concepts, principles, and theoretical perspectives of sociology. Prerequisite: MA 115, placement, or consent. Fall, Spring, Summer.

 

SO 102 Contemporary Social Problems (1)

The application of sociological principles and perspectives in the analysis of current issues. The impact of social change, deviations from norms, and conflicts between social structures and social goals and values are considered in relation to social problems. Fall, Spring.

 

SO 204 Survey Data Analysis and Statistics I (1)

Theory and practice in formulating hypotheses and evaluating them by analyzing secondary sources of data with SPSSPC+. Emphasis is placed on data management, data analysis, the use of appropriate statistics, and the interpretation of statistical output. Also listed as PS 204, this course may be counted for credit in either sociology or political science. Though intended as a prerequisite for SO 304 or PS 304, this course can help any student develop analytical skills. Laboratory once a week. Prerequisites: SO 101 or PS 101 and MA 125, equivalent, or consent. Fall.

 

SO 215 Sex, Gender, and Society (1)

A survey of theory and research on males and females; biological and cultural factors in development and abilities; perception and treatment of the genders by society; current gender issues and their historical context. Also listed as PY 215, this course may be counted for credit in either sociology or psychology. Prerequisite: SO 101, SO 102, or PY 101. Spring.

 

SO 303 Social Psychology (1)

The study of the social phenomena that affect the behavior of individuals, including social perception, social cognition, and social influence. Also listed as PY 303, this course may be counted for credit in either sociology or psychology. Prerequisite: PY 101, SO 101, or SO 102.

 

SO 304 Research Methodology (1)

The scientific method applied to social and political phenomena; formulating hypotheses; techniques for collecting data, measuring variables, and interpreting research findings. The course includes a laboratory in which statistical procedures are applied, interpreted, and documented through completion of a significant research project. Also listed as PS 304, this course may be counted for credit in either sociology or political science. Prerequisite: SO 204. Spring.

 

SO 305 Sociology of the Family (1)

A study of the relationship between the family and the changing external environment as well as the dynamic processes within the family. Historical and cross-cultural perspectives are considered along with alternatives to the traditional family. Prerequisite: SO 101 or SO 102. Fall.

 

SO 308 Criminal Justice (1)

An investigation into the social processes involved in the criminal justice system. Crime and delinquency, police organization and behavior, and the sociology of law are stressed. Prerequisite: SO 101 or SO 102. Spring.

 

SO 309 Work Behavior (1)

The application of the methods and principles of the science of human behavior to people at work. Also listed as PY 309, this course may be counted for credit in either sociology or psychology. Prerequisite: SO 101, SO 102, or PY 101. Fall.

 

SO 312 Community Service Practicum (1)

Individual field work under joint supervision of sociology faculty and social service agency personnel. Intended for majors. Prerequisite: SO 101 or SO 102. Graded "S"/"U".

 

SO 335 Race and Ethnic Relations (1)

An examination of some of the major issues in the relations between dominant and minority groups. Emphasis is on contemporary U.S. society although historical and cross cultural analysis are included. Prerequisite: SO 101 or SO 102. Spring.

 

SO 337 Social Movements and Politics (1)

An examination of the relationship between social movements, social change, and politics. Emphasis is placed on social movement theory, types of social movements, and case studies of social movements. Prerequisite: SO101 or SO102.

 

SO 339 Social Stratification (1)

The study of economic class, prestige, life style, and power hierarchies. Causes and consequences of structured social inequality are emphasized. Prerequisite: SO 101 or SO 102. Fall.

 

SO 370 Sociology of Medicine (1)

Investigations of the organization and distribution of health care, and the influence of social factors on health (a Leadership Studies designated course). Prerequisite: SO 101 or SO 102. Spring.

 

SO 373 Urban Sociology (1)

Social organization of the urban community; historical and contemporary patterns in the structure and growth of the city; cross-national processes of urbanization and social change. Prerequisite: SO 101 or SO 102. Fall.

 

SO 380 Sociology of Religion (1)

An examination of the social dimension of religion and analysis of the dialectic between religion and society. Sociological theories of religion, religious organizations and behavior, and processes of social change and secularization are studied. Attention is given to religion in America with use of comparative and historical material. Prerequisite: SO 101 or SO 102. Spring.

 

SO 383 Social Aspects of Aging and Dying (1)

An examination of the social dimensions of aging and dying. Sociological theories of aging and dying, ways in which societies structure this process, and the patterned experience of aging and dying are considered. Prerequisite: SO 101 or SO 102. Fall.

 

SO 393, 493 Independent Study (½, 1)

Directed reading and inquiry into selected areas of sociology. Prerequisite: SO 101 or SO 102.

 

SO 398, 498 Teaching Experience in Sociology (1)

With the approval of the faculty advisor, qualified students may register for this course.

 

SO 412 Community Service Practicum (1)

See SO 312 for description. Prerequisite: SO 101 or SO 102. Graded "S"/"U".

 

SO 450 Sociological Theories (1)

A review of concepts and issues associated with various theoretical perspectives. Differences in macrosociological and microsociological approaches are examined. Intended for majors, but open to other students with consent of instructor. Fall.

 

SO 470 Seminar for Majors (1)

Application of theory to a particular problem area. The product may be a term paper and/or empirical research. Topics vary according to interests and needs. The course stresses the ability to communicate ideas orally and in writing. Prerequisite: SO 304 or consent.

 

SO 499 Senior Project in Sociology (1)

A capstone experience that can be done as an independent project or as part of a regular interim course. The project requires a substantial paper that demonstrates a knowledge of sociological concepts and research methodology. Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent. Interim.