This is an archived copy of the 2016-2017 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Liberal Arts
Dean
Anne Fleischmann (Interim)
Associate Deans
Susan Lucyga, Lynn Medeiros (Interim)
Location
Division Office
W 107, Rocklin Campus

Overview

Sociology is a disciplined quest for the understanding of human behavior—particularly in urban, industrial society. Through a systematic analysis of society, its groups, institutions and processes, sociologists hope to better understand and predict human behavior. The introductory course provides a foundation in sociological concepts, with the goal of having students acquire the perspective in sociology and the ability to see their personal position in a societal context. Other sociology courses focus on social problems, race and ethnic relations and the family.

TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS in Sociology are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Positions for which four-year graduates in Sociology are qualified include, but are not confined to, research, social work, personnel and corrections/probation work.

Faculty

Jennifer Kattman

Professor, Rise/Sociology

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento

Megan E. Seely

Professor, Sociology/Women and Gender Studies

B.A., California State University, Chico
M.A., California State University, Sacramento

Degrees/Certificates

Sociology for Transfer

AA-T Degree

Sociology is a disciplined quest for the understanding of human behavior, particularly in urban, industrial society. Through a systematic analysis of society, its groups, institutions and processes, sociologists hope to better understand and predict human behavior. The introductory course provides a foundation in sociological concepts, with the goal of having students acquire the perspective in sociology and the ability to see their personal position in a societal context. Other sociology courses focus on social problems, race and ethnic relations and the family.

The Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Sociology or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Required Courses
SOC 0001Introduction to Sociology3
SOC 0002Social Problems3
SOC 0015Introduction to Statistics in Sociology3
Select 6 units from the following:6
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality
Introduction to Research Methods
Sociology of Gender
Select 3 units from the following or unused course from the preceding area:3
The Family (also HDEV 0022)
Sociology of Women's Health
Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control
Feminism and Social Action (also WMST 0004)
Introduction to Sociology of Sport
Internship in Sociology
Total Units18

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

SOC 0001. Introduction to Sociology

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Sociological analysis of social institutions, social interaction and behavior, collective behavior, social change, deviance, conformity, and social stratification. (C-ID SOCI 110) (CSU, UC)

SOC 0002. Social Problems

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of SOC 1 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
A sociological approach to the study of major social problems, addressing areas such as social stratification and social institutions. Utilizes a critical approach and emphasizes the social construction of social problems. (C-ID SOCI 115) (CSU, UC)

SOC 0003. Race, Ethnicity and Inequality

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in SOC 1
Hours: 54 lecture
Examines the impact of race and ethnic relations in the United States within social institutions such as politics, economics, education, housing, and criminal justice. Topics include majority-minority relations, discrimination, prejudice, social stratification, inequality, racism, and related subjects. (C-ID SOCI 150) (CSU, UC)

SOC 0004. The Family

Units: 3
Also known as HDEV 22
Advisory: Completion of SOC 1 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
A sociological approach to the analysis of the family as a social institution. Of particular interest are the changing structure of family, gender roles, dating and mate selection, marriage, alternatives to marriage, intimacy, relationships, and parenting. (C-ID SOCI 130) (CSU, UC)

SOC 0005. Sociology of Women's Health

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of ENGL A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Provides a sociological analysis of health issues that concern women throughout their life course. The impact of physiology, psychology, culture, society, and politics upon women's well-being are addressed using the feminist perspective. (CSU, UC)

SOC 0009. Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in SOC 1
Hours: 54 lecture
Sociological analysis of crime, the criminal justice system, deviance, and mechanisms of social control. Explores the history and social construction of crime, criminality, and deviance. Examines definitions of crime and deviance as well as methods used to control deviant behavior. (C-ID SOCI 160) (CSU, UC)

SOC 0010. Feminism and Social Action

Units: 3
Also known as WMST 4
Advisory: Completion of ENGL A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Examines sociological underpinnings of social action and explores unique contributions of feminism in challenging traditional gender scripts. Provides an overview of the ways in which women engage in deliberative social action to change the conditions of their lives and of their communities. Emphasizes sociological theory as applied to issues related to the institutions of family, health, religion, employment, sexual harassment, housing, and interpersonal violence. (CSU, UC)

SOC 0015. Introduction to Statistics in Sociology

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or MATH D with grade(s) of "C" or better, or placement by matriculation assessment process
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in SOC 1
Hours: 54 lecture
Application of statistical methods to sociological data. Topics include: descriptive and inferential statistics including levels and types of measurement; measures of central tendency and dispersion; normal, t, and chi-square distributions, probability and hypothesis testing, correlation and regression. Statistical software applied to sociological and/or other social science data. (C-ID SOCI 125) (CSU, UC)

SOC 0020. Introduction to Research Methods

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of SOC 1 and 15 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (54 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Students examine fundamental elements of empirical research and the ways sociologists think critically. Includes attention to the nature of theory, hypotheses, variables, and ethics of research. Application of qualitative and quantitative analytic tools including logic and research design, such as survey, observational, experimental, case study, and comparative historical research. Computer applications are utilized to analyze data. (C-ID SOCI 120) (CSU, UC)

SOC 0024. Introduction to Sociology of Sport

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in SOC 1
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the examination of sport in contemporary society using a sociological approach. Analyzes sport as a social institution and examines sport's interaction with politics, economics, education, religion, gender, race, media, and ethics. Focus on the impact of sport on participants, spectators, and society as a whole. (CSU)

SOC 0027. Sociology of Gender

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
A cross-cultural comparison of gender roles, gender identities, and sexualities viewed from sociological perspectives. Examines the social construction of gender inequities and the debates on sex and gender. Analyzes the impact of social, cultural, and political factors on gender expectations and practices. (C-ID SOCI 140) (CSU, UC)

SOC 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

SOC 0095. Internship in Sociology

Units: 0.5-4
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)

SOC 0301. Achieving Equity in Higher Ed: California Community Colleges

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
A sociological approach to the study of equity within community colleges, with focus on California community colleges, including the various policies and strategies to achieve equity. Utilizes the critical approach when evaluating and applying policies and strategies to achieve equity. In addition to regular class meetings, students are required to participate in a minimum of 2 hours/week of assigned activities including, but not limited to, attending meetings on campus, field trips, and volunteering in campus organizations or centers. (CSU)

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

  • Apply sociological theory and critical analysis to key concepts in the study of society in a formal written assignment.
  • Describe, analyze and apply sociological research.
  • Apply principles of social justice to the study and practice of sociology.