Division: Social Sciences
Sociology is a social science dedicated to studying the micro, meso, and macro aspects of social life. As so, sociology studies a diverse set of topics. At the micro level, we examine human behaviors such as love, crime, prejudice, and coping. At the meso level, we explore communities, policing, organizations, and grassroots movements. At the macro level, we take an interest in culture, religion, institutions, wars, systems of oppression, and aspects of globalization. The goal of sociology is to understand how our everyday lives are interconnected with, shaped, and influenced by the society we live in.
Sociology students will acquire various abilities, such as: the ability to analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative data; understand and apply sociological theories; and use sociological concepts to discuss social behavior, communicate social issues, and identify group/cultural influences.
The most common career opportunities with a baccalaureate degree include: law, public administration, social services, applied research, leadership, and management in non-profit organizations.
Transfer requirements in sociology are available in the Counseling Department. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements.
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Contact Information
Sociology Faculty Contact
C Quesada | cq@cos.edu
Catherine Medrano | catherineme@cos.edu
Esther Villegas-Sandoval | esthers@cos.edu
Social Sciences Division Chair
Marla Prochnow | (559) 730-3723 | marlap@cos.edu
Kern: 730D | Visalia Campus
Dean of Business, Social Science, and Consumer Family Studies
Milli Owens | (559) 737-6281 | millio@cos.edu
Kern: 716C| Visalia Campus
For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES
SOC 001 Introduction to Sociology
3 unit(s)
An introductory study of the basic concepts, theoretical approaches, and methods of sociology. Topics include culture and diversity, socialization and the self, the analysis and explanation of social structure, group dynamics, deviance, social stratification, class, race/ethnicity, gender, the family, social change, and global dynamics.
SOC 002 Social Problems
3 unit(s)
This course focuses on the identification and analysis of contemporary social problems, including topics such as: drug abuse, deviant sexual behavior, violence, crime, inequities of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, and inequalities within our social institutions. Special attention will be given to (1) the role of power and ideology in the definition of social problems, (2) their causes and consequences, (3) evaluations of proposed solutions, and (4) methods of intervention.
SOC 010 Sociology of Gender
3 unit(s)
This course offers a sociological analysis of the social construction of gender, masculinity, and femininity historically and cross-culturally. Students will examine the debates on sex and gender and analyze the impact of economic and political change on gender expectations and practices. Coursework will focus on how people “do” and practice gender, specifically by using a macro analysis of how institutions shape gender and a micro analysis of how individuals are socialized. (C-ID SOCI140)
SOC 015 Self and Society
3 unit(s)
Examines human behavior and the development of the self in a social context – specifically looking at the impact of culture, socialization, and institutions. Includes an investigation of topics such as social learning; attitudes; persuasion; perceptions; altruism; conformity; liking and loving; aggression; prejudice; collective action; and social movements.
SOC 026 Sociology of the Family
3 unit(s)
This course offers a sociological analysis of the family, including: historical and recent changes; present nature and current family structures; and the socio-cultural and economic forces shaping these changes in families. Students will explore topics such as: dating, communication, conflict resolution, human sexuality, family planning, parenthood, divorce/separation, remarriage, aging, changing gender roles, and family economics. Using an intersectional, theoretical, and critical lens, students will explore the impact of oppression on family life as well as how families can function as agents of social change. (C-ID SOCI130)
SOC 043 Sociology of Deviance
3 unit(s)
Examines how and why people are labeled as deviant, the causes and consequences of deviance, and society's methods of social control. Topics include the social construction of deviance, major sociological perspectives of deviance, crime, violence, sexual deviance, substance abuse, mental disorders, criminalization, and stigmatization.
Sociology
Quesada, C.
A.A., West Hills College, Lemoore
B.A., California State University, Fresno
M.A., University of California, Merced
Medrano, Catherine
B.A., University of California, San Diego
M.A., University of California, Santa Barbara
Villegas-Sandoval, Esther
B.A., California State University, Northridge
M.A., California State University, Northridge