Sociology

Women’s Studies (see separate section)

Social Research (Undergraduate)

Social Research (Graduate)

General Sociology Option

Research Skills Option

 

Undergraduate

Alan Ryave, Department Chair

Dexter Edward Bryan, Richard B. Hovard, Fumiko Hosokawa, Kanghu Hsu, John C. Quicker, Sharon Raphael, Steve R. Riskin, Sharon Squires, Clare Weber, Kara Zugman

Betty Melton, Administrative Coordinator    

Department Office:  SBS B-334, (310) 243-3431

Graduate

William R. Blishke, Graduate Program Coordinator

Elba Frickel, Administrative Coordinator        

Social and Behavioral Sciences Graduate Program Office:
SBS G-322, (310) 243-3435

 

Faye Arnold, William R. Blischke, Alan Bomser, Jeanne Curran, Robert M. Christie, Harold Charnofsky, F. Donald Laws, Herman J. Loether

 

With the increasing complexity of modern life, sociology plays
an important role in helping governments, corporations and citizens to cope better in a rapidly changing world.  The  methods and knowledge developed by sociologists and the diverse subjects they study reflect the complexity of human behavior and social life. The newly emerging patterns of social change continue to alter our life, making the effective applications of social analysis more important than ever  before in solving problems of human organizations.

The Department of Sociology is committed to providing sociological skills to people entering a wide variety of careers and professions.  The department is composed of a diverse, innovative and stimulating faculty who teach and pursue research in a variety of areas that are important in today’s changing world.  The Sociology Program educates students for many different careers in both public and  private sectors, which increasingly recognizes the relevance of sociological training for a broad range of professions and organizations. The sociology faculty offers undergraduate and graduate programs with several emphases that respond directly to the needs of today’s students.

Graduate students as well as undergraduate majors and minors may concentrate their studies in a variety of applied fields such as law and society, social research and computer applications, clinical and community  or criminology.  In addition, students may extend their research training and receive a Certificate in Social Research, either graduate or undergraduate.

Undergraduates majoring in sociology may elect to concentrate their studies in any of the areas mentioned above or in any of several other areas that best fit their academic or professional goals.  Students majoring in other disciplines or professional programs may tailor a minor in sociology to complement their major field of study.  Sociology Minors are offered to complement a wide range of majors, including psychology, political science, computer science, liberal studies and many others.  Graduate students often plan their studies in the context of more specific career and professional goal, or to augment their current professions.

 

Student internships are made available in subject areas in the Sociology Department such as law and society, clinical and community sociology, criminology, education and society, and others where faculty research and professional practice provide such opportunities.  Interested students should talk with faculty involved in such areas.

 

The Department offers an established graduate program leading to the Master of Arts in Sociology.  The program is designed to provide all students with a strong foundation in sociological theory and research methodology.  The graduate program is designed to allow for a substantial degree of student choice. Students may choose a macro- or micro-based program of study and select from several areas for further specialization or experience.  These areas include, but are not restricted to, such concentrations as social research and computer applications; sociology of education; community and clinical sociology; law and society; criminology and deviance; and general sociology.  Students are expected to select a major advisor who can best facilitate their specific interests in the program.  Dr. William Blishke, the graduate program coordinator, provides students with detailed information about the program, its options and current faculty interests and concerns. Finally, students may choose one of the following options to complete their program of graduate study: comprehensive exam, thematic project or thesis.  Students with an interest in teaching and administrative applications of the degree are encouraged to complete via examination.  Those with research interests or who may wish to pursue advanced graduate study toward a doctoral degree are encouraged to opt for the thesis or thematic project options.

The Department of Sociology has an established record of success in graduate education.  Many of the department’s graduates have found careers in research, teaching and a wide range of other fields.  Special emphasis is  placed upon the acquisition of practical and policy-relevant research participation by graduate students in the Center for Urban Research and Learning.  Students are encouraged to take an active role in the department, the discipline and the wider community. Students may apprentice in one or more of the many advanced forms of social scientific research, including evaluation research, social impact analyses, ethnographic field research, etc. Students who wish to pursue advanced study beyond the M.A. degree may elect to take additional work necessary to acquire the Graduate Certificate in Social Research.

 

Sociology faculty provide advisement for majors, minors and graduate students in sociology, and also provide general education advisement for sociology majors.  Faculty are available for both daytime and night students. 

Students interested in law and society should contact Jeanne Curran or Stephen Riskin; for advisement in criminology and deviance, contact John Quicker; for clinical and community programs, contact Clare Weber or Kara Zugman; for gerontology, contact Sharon Raphael; for education and society, contact Dexter Ed Bryan, William Blischke, or Richard Hovard; for research and computer applications and the certificate programs in social research, contact Robert Christie or Herman Loether.  For graduate advisement, William Blishke should be contacted.  For general sociology advising, call 243-3431.  Students are advised to contact an advisor early, in order to take the best advantage of opportunities offered by the Department.

 

High school students contemplating a major in sociology are encouraged to take the college preparatory courses, including English, mathematics and social sciences.  Courses in computers, logic and life science also are recommended.

Students planning to transfer from community college should consult with their counselor or advisor to assure that appropriate lower division courses are completed before the transfer. 

 

The Sociology Department’s programs are designed to prepare students for graduate study in sociology and for professional positions and careers in a variety of fields in federal, state and local agencies as well as for jobs in private business and non- profit institutions.  They also may complement technical and administrative programs by broadening students’ understanding of social behavior and social organization. The following brief descriptions cover some typical areas of employment for sociology students have entered.

Research

Sociologists work as researchers and data analysts in many different types of employment settings.  Some examples are:  research in law enforcement agencies, federal, state, and local government agencies; organizational research in corporations; marketing and site selection research for banks; census research; program evaluation research; legal research; prison research; human factors research for “high-tech” industries; and applied social research in areas such as worker morale, voter preferences and the social environment of business.  Contact the director
of the Center for Urban Research and Learning for further information, (310) 243-3500.

Teaching

Students may prepare for a career in teaching science at the secondary level (junior high or high school) by completing an approved "Subject Matter Preparation Program."  Completion of such a program is the first step in meeting the state requirements for a teaching credential.  As the program requirements for the "Subject Matter Preparation Program" in science have changed recently, interested students should consult the departmentally designated advisor for current information.

An undergraduate degree in sociology with an emphasis in theory and research prepares one for advanced study at the master’s and doctoral degree levels, necessary for teaching at  the college and university levels.  For information concerning social science and elementary school teaching careers, a special advisor is available, Dexter Edward Bryan (243-3431).

Clinical and Applied Practice

The sociology student may find careers in agencies and departments that address social and interpersonal problems by developing programs and employing professionals to assist their employees in overcoming a wide range of life problems.  Some enter marriage, family and child counseling practice; others become independent consultants to management for corporations or government, or even private investigators.  Some graduates have started their own agencies in these fields.  For further information, contact the Department of Sociology at (310) 243-3431.

Public Services

A great number of public agencies and community organizations employ sociology graduates in their social services programs. Some examples include social case worker, children’s services specialist, police officer, parks and recreation worker, probation and parole officer, city planning and environmental policy positions, agency-community liaison worker, ombudsman, special agent for the FBI or Secret Service, human resources and personnel managers, disabled services specialist, veterans affairs specialist, community redevelopment director and adoption agency head.  Contact the Department of Sociology for career information or other questions, (310) 243-3431.

 

The department has a chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, International Sociology Honor Society, for students who meet honor society requirements.  Contact the Department of Sociology Office for details, (310) 243-3431.

 

A undergraduate student may be a candidate for graduation with honors in Sociology by meeting the following criteria:

1.   A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills;

2.   A minimum GPA of at least 3.5 in all courses used to satisfy the upper division requirements in the major;

3.   Recommendation by the Sociology faculty.

 

 

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. 

 

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

See the "United States History, Constitution, and American Ideals" requirements in the University Catalog.  Courses used to satisfy this requirement do not apply to General Education .

 

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

 

Student completing this major will need to complete a minor in another field.

 

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

A.  Lower Division Required Courses (7 units)

SOC 101.      The Individual in Society (3) or

SOC 102.     Understanding Social Relationships (3)

SOC 220.      Analytical Statistics for Sociology (4)

 

B.  Upper Division Requirements (26 units)

1.   Required Courses (14 units)

SOC 305.        Methods of Sociological Research (4)

SOC 311.        Social Organization (3)

SOC 340.        Social Psychology:  Sociological Perspectives (3)

SOC 355.        Modern Sociological Theories (4)

2.   Electives  (12 units):  Select four additional upper division courses in sociology with the assistance of an advisor.

 

The Sociology Department recommends that each student select an area for the major or minor.  At least four 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:

o    Social Research and Computer Applications

o    Law and Society

o    Clinical and Community Sociology

o    Education and Society

o    Criminology

o    Gerontology

o    Ethnicity, Diversity and Society

 

 

Five courses selected upon advisement (a maximum of six lower division units may apply toward the minor).  The department also provides advisors who pay particular attention to the professional needs of students working in the technical, administrative and business fields.  Minor areas may be “tailor-made” to meet the specific educational interests and career needs of students (see previous academic advisement section).

 

A.  The following required courses may be applied to the major in Sociology  (26 units):

SOC 220.      Analytical Statistics for Sociology (4)

SOC 303.      Qualitative Methods (3)

SOC 304.      Computer Applications in the Social Sciences (3) or

SOC 307.     Micro Computer Data Base Applications in Social Science (3)

SOC 305.      Methods of Sociological Research (4)

SOC 355.      Modern Sociological Theories (4)

SOC 401.      Inferential Statistics for Sociology (4)

SOC 402.      Multivariate Analysis in Sociology (4)

 

NOTE:  Appropriate courses from other disciplines may be substituted with the assistance of an advisor.)

 

B.  The following course must be taken in the Center for Urban Research and Learning (16 units):

SOC 302.      Workshop in Social Research (4,4,4,4)

 

To be considered for admission to the Sociology Graduate Program, applicants must complete the appropriate forms and pay the established fees through the Office of Admissions. Successful applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) of uppser division undergraduate course work (excluding units earned in extension studies). The applicant should have two letters of recommendation forwarded to the program coordinator. Applicants not possessing the above qualifications may apply directly to the Sociology Graduate Committee for special consideration.

Only those applicants who show promise of success and fitness will be admitted to the graduate program, and only those who continue to demonstrate a satsifactory level of scholastic competence and fitness shall be eligible to continue in the program.

 

To become classified in the Sociology Graduate Program, a student must demonstrate a background in social science theory and methods. This usually entails a theory and a methods course taken at the undergraduate level. Students in need of this exposure will be required to take appropriate undergraduate theory and/or methods course(s) in order to be classified. Students eligible for classification should contact the graduate coordinator.

 

Candidacy status denotes the successful completion of a major portion of the graduate academic program.

To be advanced to candidacy students must have completed the following:

1.   Meet graduate writing assessment requirement;

2.   The following core courses with a minimum grade of “B”
in each course:

SOC 505.        Seminar in Sociological Research (3)

SOC 506.        Laboratory in Sociological Research (1)

SOC 511.        Seminar in Social Organization (3) or

SOC 550.       Seminar in Interaction Processes (3)

SOC 555.        Seminar in Sociological Theory (3);

3.   Completion of two additional graduate seminars in sociology with a minimum grade point average of 3.0;

4.   Approval of the student’s eligibility for the comprehensive exam by the graduate coordinator; or

5.   Approval of a thesis or thematic project proposal by a committee consisting of at least two members of the full- time faculty of the sociology department.  Proposals are submitted in writing and the title is registered with the department.

 

 

1.   Required Core Courses (10 units)

SOC 505.      Seminar in Sociological Research (3)

SOC 506.      Laboratory in Sociological Research (1)

SOC 555.      Seminar in Sociological Theory (3)

SOC 511.      Seminar in Social Organization (3) or

SOC 550.     Seminar in Interaction Processes (3)

2.   Classified students are required to take SOC 505, Seminar in Sociological Research, and SOC 555, Seminar in Sociological Theory, during their first year in the program.

3.   20 additional units from sociology course offerings (a maximum of nine units may be taken from 300 or 400 level courses and only with the consent of the graduate coordinator).

4.   Completion of the comprehensive exam, thesis  or thematic project.

5.   Of the 20 units taken under “3”, at least three should be graduate seminars, those students selecting the thesis or the project may include five units of  SOC 599.  Those students selecting the comprehensive examination option must include two units of SOC 599.

6.   An overall grade point average of 3.0 or better with no grade lower than a “B” in the core courses.

 

1.   Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites and must be completed before classified standing in the program will be granted.

SOC 304.      Computer Applications
in the Social Sciences (3) or

SOC 307.     Micro Computer Data Base
Applications in Social Science (3)

SOC 402.      Multivariate Analysis in Sociology (4)

 

NOTE:  This option will also satisfy requirements for the Graduate Research Certificate.

 

2.   Core Courses  (10 units)

SOC 505.      Seminar in Sociological Research (3)

SOC 506.      Laboratory in Sociological Research (1)

SOC 555.      Seminar in Sociological Theory (3)      

SOC 511.      Seminar in Social Organizations (3) or

SOC 550.     Seminar in Interaction Processes (3)

3.   Required Courses (20 units)

SOC 503.      Seminar in Ethnographic
Analysis in Sociology (3) [I]

SOC 502.      Graduate Workshop in Research
and Theory (4) or

SOC 302.      Workshop in Social Research (4)

 

NOTE:  A total of 16 units of SOC 502 and SOC 302 must be taken and at least 12 units must be in SOC 502.)

 

4.   Serve as project director (or co-director) of a selected Center  for Policy Research and Evaluation sponsored project for the minimum of one term and the submission of an approved written report of the project.

5.   A grade point average of 3.0 or better in graduate study.

 

Master’s Requirement

In addition to the major requirements, students must meet all university requirements for the master’s degree.  Students should consult the section of the catalog entitled “Graduate Degrees and Postbaccalaureate Studies."

Outdated Coursework

Students usually complete the program within two or three years.  However, some students do not maintain continuous attendance and, hence, take considerably longer.  Students must complete the entire program within seven years.  Courses taken in the eighth year are subject to a validation process.  According to California State University policy courses taken more than eight years before the student graduates must be repeated.  Consult the general regulations regarding "outdated coursework" elsewhere in the catalog.

 

 

The Graduate Certificate in Social Research is designed to qualify recipients to supervise researchers in all phases of research projects from the initial conceptualization to the final report writing.  To obtain the certificate candidates must demonstrate their competence to teach and supervise researchers in conceptualization, research design, sampling design, data collection, data analysis  and report writing.  Note:  The student in the certificate program must meet the admission requirements for the Sociology Master’s Degree Program and must maintain a 3.0 (“B”) average.

A.  The following required courses may be applied to the master of arts degree in Sociology (18 units):

SOC 304.      Computer Applications in the Social Sciences (3) or

SOC 307.     Micro Computer Data Base Applications  in Social Science (3)

SOC 402.      Multivariate Analysis in Sociology (4)

SOC 503.      Seminar in Ethnographic Analysis

in Sociology (3) [I]

SOC 505.      Seminar in Sociological Research (3)

SOC 506.      Laboratory in Sociological Research (1)

SOC 555.      Seminar in Sociological Theory (3)

 

NOTE:  Appropriate courses from other disciplines may be substituted with consent of advisor.

 

B.  The following courses must be taken in the Center for Urban Research and Learning (16 units):

SOC 302.      Workshop in Social Research (4) or

SOC  502.    Graduate Workshop in Research and Theory (4)

 

NOTE:  A total of 16 units must be taken from B, including at least 12 units of SOC 502.

The credit value for each course in semester units is indicated for each term by a number in parentheses following the title.  Departments may indicate the term in which they expect to offer the course by
the use of:  “F” (fall), “S” (spring) or “EOY” (every other year).

 

 

SOC 101   The Individual in Society (3) FS.

An introduction to the study of self, socialization, and social interaction. Interpersonal relations and the structure of social roles; deviance and normality in everyday life.

SOC 102   Understanding Social Relationships (3) FS.  

Dynamics of the basic units of society, such as marriage and family groups, associations, and bureaucracy.  Study of work, class and mobility, conflict and cooperation, crime, delinquency and social control. 

SOC 220   Analytical Statistics for Sociology (4) FS. 

Prerequisite: Algebra I is recommended.

Statistical techniques for the description and analysis of sociological data.  Tabular, graphic, and parametric analytical proce- dures.  Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week.

 

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor is required; SOC 220, SOC 305, SOC 355 are recommended.

Workshop in research methods and theory applied to actual research projects culminating in public reports.  Repeatable course.  Eight hours of workshop per week.

SOC 303   Qualitative Methods (3) EOY.

Use and application of unstructured, structured, and participant observation methods to sociological phenomena. Unobtrusive and non-reactive procedures of research. 

SOC 304   Computer Applications in    the Social Sciences (3) EOY.

Prerequisite:  SOC 220 or its equivalent is recommended.

Applications of computers in the Social Sciences; data processing, modeling, simulation, data base management, biblio- graphic searches.  On-line and batch applications.  One hour  of lecture and four hours of activity per week.

SOC 305   Methods of Sociological Research (4) FS. 

Prerequisite: SOC 220.

Examination of methods employed in the investigation of sociological phenomena.  Consideration of the research process as a whole, including quantitative and qualitative techniques.  Includes supplemental workshop. Three hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.

SOC 306   Program Evaluation (3) F

Emphasis on the role of program evaluation in decision making, improvement, and accountability.  Students will become involved in evaluation activities.

SOC 307   Micro Computer Data Base Applications in Social Science (3) EOY.

Exploration of individualized data base systems for social science. Creation and management of data base files, both user generated and commercial software.  Emphasis on the usefulness of the microcom-puter in storing, accessing and analyzing social science data, report generation and accessing mainframe archives. One hour of lecture and four hours of activity per week.

 

SOC 401   Inferential Statistics for Sociology (4) F.

Prerequisites:  SOC 220 or its equivalent is required; algebra is recommended.

Inferential statistical techniques as tools for analysis of sociological data.  The logic of statistical inference.  Parameter estimation and hypothesis testing.  Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week.

SOC 402   Multivariate Analysis
in Sociology (4) S.

Prerequisites: SOC 220 or its equivalent is required; SOC 401 is recommended.

Consideration of the integral involvement of statistics in research, with special emphasis on multivariate techniques. Criteria for selection of appropriate techniques.  Three hours of lecture and three hours laboratory per week.

 

SOC 311   Social Organization (3) FS.

Forms of organizing. Contemporary social systems: the family, the political system, the economy, religion and education. 

SOC 315   Sociology of Work (3) FS.

Sociological analysis of work in industrial society.  Examination of the labor force, industrial organization, occupational roles, and careers.  Consideration of impact of technological change.

SOC 316   Sociology of Adult Life and Aging (3) FS.

Prerequisite: SOC 101 or SOC 102 is required.

The developmental processes occurring throughout the life-cycle with special focus on problems and issues surrounding middle and old age.  Utilization of demographic, cross-cultural, family, community, and societal studies to explore the social    dimensions of aging. 

 

SOC 320   The Family (3) FS.

Study of the social processes and structural patterns affecting contemporary family life in American society. 

SOC 321   Sociology of Education (3).

Examination of the organization and functions of educational institutions, comparison of American educational systems with educational systems in industrial and developing nations.  Special attention given to the impact of schools on the life choices of culturally diverse groups. 

SOC 322   Social Environment of Education (3) FS.

An integrative study of socialization factors of the young child from various backgrounds and patterns of relationships between the teacher, parent, and community figures in culturally diverse situations.

SOC 326   Sociology of Medicine (3).

Social and cultural aspects of health, health behavior, and health organizations.  Research on the distribution of disease in society, organization of health professions, social change, health care, stress and disease.  Examination of social and cultural factors affecting utilization and structure of health services. 

SOC 328   Social Agencies: Practice and Power (3) EOY.

Study of the sources of power and the practical function of social agencies evaluated in their social context and for their impact upon the individual. 

 

SOC 331   Minority Racial and Ethnic Relations (3) FS. 

Investigation of current American racial and ethnic problems in world-wide and historical perspective. 

SOC 334   Women in Society (3) EOY. 

Analysis of the changing role of women in different historical and cultural settings.  Emphasis on the conflict women face from the value and belief systems of their cultures, those of their broader society and their social identity as women.  The course will draw on material from diverse cultures, including both industrialized and developing countries.

SOC 335   Social Movements (3) EOY. 

A study of major social movements with varying specific emphasis on topical problems or relevant issues from semester to semester.  For example, a specific semester may be devoted to Social Movements: Black Awareness; or Social Movements: Utopias.  Repeatable course. 

 

SOC 340   Social Psychology:  Sociological Perspective  (3) FS.

The reciprocal influence that individuals and groups exert on one another from a sociological perspective.  Focus on language and other symbolic processes, role taking and role playing, and the importance of the self-concept in interpersonal behavior. 

SOC 341   Seminar in Small Groups (3) EOY.

Study and discussion of social interaction in small groups.  Historical and theoretical background, research findings, leadership, and the small group as a social system. Classroom exercises in group dynamics.  Three hours of seminar per week.

 

SOC 355   Modern Sociological
Theories (4) FS.

Analysis of contemporary sociological theories with attention to historical origins. Relationship of theory to research and theory construction.  Includes supplemental theory building workshop. Three hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.

 

SOC 362   Gangs and Adolescent Subcultures (3) S. 

Examines gang phenomena nationally and regionally.  Focus on organizational, behavioral, etiological, and preventive factors associated with development and perpetuation.  Street, motorcycle, prison, ethnic and other subcultural formations are examined. 

SOC 363   Sociology of Alcohol and Other Drug Use (3) FS.

Introduction to drugs and alcohol as a contemporary social problem.  Sociological analysis of drug use and abuse.  Course includes systematic review of policy implications and therapeutic applications of sociology of drug use, especially chemical dependency and alcoholism. 

SOC 364   Corrections (3) F.

Analysis of various sociological aspects of correctional operations: correctional settings, institutional life, types of correctional programs, rehabilitation, recidivism, alternatives to prisons, probation and prevention, the adjudicative process, and theoretical and empirical considerations of correctional systems. 

SOC 365   Deviant Behavior (3) FS.

Consideration of deviant behavior.  Study of the forms and processes of deviance, and the distribution of its occurrence.  A systematic analysis of particular kinds of violations of normative rules as related to general processes of interaction in everyday social activities.

SOC 367   Sociology of Law (3) S.

The social context within which legal systems function, the effectiveness of law as a mechanism of social control,  the relationship between law and social change, and the social basis for the administration of justice and punishment.

SOC 368   Criminology (3) FS.

Theories of the genesis of crime: patterns
of criminal behavior; nature of criminal organizations; analysis of relationship of crime to the social structure; criminal statistics and crime rates: police and the criminal justice system. 

SOC 369   Juvenile Delinquency (3) FS.

Social context, definition, implications, and causes of juvenile delinquency as a social phenomenon; analysis of factors associated with delinquent behavior.  Problems of adjustment of delinquents and factors in treatment and in post-treatment adjustment. 

SOC 370   A Sociological Approach to the Law:  Moot Court (3).     

Prerequisites:  Fulfillment of EPT and ELM requirement; POL 304 and THE 120 are recommended. 

Training course of the Stanley Mosk Moot Court Competition.  Case study of a selected problem and its progress through the legal system.  Emphasis on difference between social and legal solutions.  Students argue case before attorneys and judges.  Repeatable course for up to three times.
Two hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.

 

SOC 380   Urban Sociology (3) F

This class examines the general courses, processes, and consequences of urban development.  Interdisciplinary perspectives and research methodologies for studying urban settings will be reviewed.

SOC 381   Field Studies in Urban Problems (3) S.

Field experiences in the urban setting, with special emphasis upon investigation and understanding of the human and social dimensions of urban problems.  Two hours
of lecture and two hours of activity per week.

SOC 383   Black Communities: Class, Status and Power (3) EOY. 

An analysis of the structure of the Black community: class, economic and political power, the role of leadership, and the conditions for social development.

SOC 395   Special Topics in Sociology (3) FS. 

Intensive sociological analysis of a topic of special interest to both the faculty member and students.  Repeatable course. 

SOC 494   Independent Study (1-3) FS. 

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

A reading program of selected topics conducted under the supervision of a faculty member.  Repeatable course.  

 

Graduate standing or consent of  the graduate program coordinator is prerequisite to enrollment in graduate (500 level) courses.

SOC 502   Graduate Workshop in Research and Theory (4) FS.

Prerequisites:  SOC 302 is required; SOC 220, SOC 305 and SOC 355 are recommended.

Practicum in theory and research culminating in preparation of a public report.  Entire experience is based on professional research projects in the Social Systems Research Center.  Student is expected to assume some supervisory responsibility.  Repeatable course.  Eight hours of workshop per week.

SOC 505   Seminar in Sociological Research (3) S.

Prerequisites: SOC 305 or equivalent are required; SOC 401 or SOC 402, SOC 403 and SOC 407 are recommended; concurrent enrollment in SOC 506 required for Sociology graduate students, recommended for all others.

Advanced study of sociological research techniques and  strategies. Consideration of research design and analysis as they relate to theory testing. Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 506   Laboratory in Sociological Research (1) S.

Co-requisites: SOC 505 is required for Sociology graduate students and recommended for all others. 

Laboratory exercises in the application of research techniques, including formulation of the research problem, case selection, instrument design, observation, data reduction and processing, analysis, and interpretation. Three hours of laboratory per week.

SOC 511   Seminar in Social Organizations (3) F.

An examination of the basic forms of social organization in historical and comparative perspective.  The basic social scientific conceptions of social organization will be compared and contrasted in terms of methodological and policy implications.  Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 518   Seminar in Marriage and the Family (3) F.

A sociological examination of contemporary social issues and changes affecting marriage and family life in American society.  Normative and alternative family and marital life styles will be explored. Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 529   Seminar in Social Gerontology (3) S.

A detailed sociological discussion and presentation of theoretical and methodological issues and problems in the field
of social gerontology.  Fieldwork will be conducted.  Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 550   Seminar in Interaction Processes (3) S.

Experience in both the theoretical and practical study of microsociology. Stress on the small group, with specific concern for problems such as communication, leadership, decision-making, gamesmanship, equilibrium, and change.  Relevant research literature reviewed, and laboratory experiments in interaction processes conducted. Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 555   Seminar in Sociological Theory (3) F.

Prerequisite: SOC 355.

A detailed examination of classical and contemporary sociological theory. Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 560   Seminar in the Sociology of Racial and Ethnic Relations (3) EOY.

A  systematic inquiry into the experience of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States.  Analysis of the sociological literature on interethnic relations, ethnic stratification and inequality. Implications for social policy.  Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 561   Seminar in Aging: Minorities and Special Groups (3) EOY.

Analysis of the situation of the elderly within selected population groups including the black aged, Mexican-American aged, the aging woman, the rural and urban poor aged.  Community resource persons will
be invited to participate.  Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 563   Seminar in the Sociology of Alcohol and Other Drug Use (3) S.

Social scientific approach to chemical substance use, misuse and dependency.  Analysis of contemporary and historical definitions of alcohol and drug use.  Origin, maintenance and transformation of patterns of drug use.  Social responses to abuse and politics of use and abuse.  Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 568   Seminar in Criminology (3) F.

Analysis of specific issues in criminology.  Issues that may be considered include the following: causative theories, major types of crime, formal crime control agencies, and prevention and control.  Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 569   Seminar in Juvenile Delinquency (3) F.

Investigation of the causes, nature and consequences of Juvenile Delinquency from a sociological perspective.  Reading and discussion of theoretical studies and empirical research. Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 595   Special Topics in Sociology (3) FS.

A course designed to consider sociological analysis of a variety of special interest topics.  The repeatable nature of the course makes it possible for students to work with more than one instructor on a topic of particular interest to the student. Course may be repeated once for a total of 6 units.   Three hours of seminar per week.

SOC 596   Practicum in Teaching Sociology (3).

Prerequisite: Classified graduate standing.

Supervised experience in teaching Sociology.  Techniques and skills appropriate to instruction at the college level.  Instructional and valuative experiences under supervision of sociology faculty.  Repeatable for credit for a maximum of six units.

SOC 597   Directed Reading (1-3) FS.

Independent reading under direction of supervising faculty member in Sociology.  Repeatable course.                              

SOC 598   Directed Research (1-3) FS.

Independent research under direction of supervising faculty member in Sociology.  Repeatable course. 

SOC 599   Graduate Capstone in Sociology (1-5) FS.

Prerequisites:  SOC 505, SOC 555, SOC 511 or SOC 550 and Advancement to Candidacy in Sociology Graduate Program is required.

Supervised thesis, special project, or comprehensive examination in sociology.  Repeatable course. 

SOC 600   Graduate Continuation Course (0) FS.

Graduate students who have completed their coursework but not their thesis, project, or comprehensive examination,
or who have other requirements remaining for the completion of their degree, may maintain continuous attendance by enrolling in this course.  Signature of graduate program coordinator required.

The following courses are scheduled only on a "demand" basis.  Students should consult the department office for information about the next scheduled offering.

SOC 309   Writing Skills in Sociology (3) FS.

Introduction to basic research and presentational skills of Sociology and social and behavioral sciences.  Skills development in research and writing, using library and other data sources, organizing projects, writing reports.  One hour of lecture and four hours of activity per week.

SOC 325   Sociology of Religion (3). 

Study of religion from sociological perspective:  how religions are enacted and expressed as social and cultural events; the relation of religion to social structures; emphasis of the awareness of religion as an aspect of complex multiethnic society.

SOC 386   Sociology of the Helping Professions (3).

Analysis of the importance of social and environmental factors within the helping context. Particular emphasis on variety of settings for helping, and on issues of social ethics and cultural sensitivities. 

SOC 503   Seminar in Ethnographic Analysis in Sociology (3).           

Ethnographic fieldwork and analysis in Sociology. Theories and techniques of field observations and methods of analysis of observational data, including field notes, documents, and audio-visual records.  Concentration on methods of doing sociology so as to extrapolate principles of social behavior from observation of on- going activities in organized settings.  Three hours of seminar per week.