Sociology
Division: Social Sciences
Sociology is the social science that studies human behavior at the societal level. Students will acquire the ability to analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative sociological data, communicate effectively about 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.
Contact Information
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
Jesse Wilcoxson | (559) 737-6281 | jessew@cos.edu
Kern: 716 | Visalia Campus
For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES
SOC 001 Introduction to Sociology
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Sociology 1 is an introductory study covering basic concepts, principles, methods, and theoretical perspectives of sociology. Topics include culture, personality, social inequality, diversity, institutions, population and ecology, and social change. Course objectives include the ability to apply sociological principles to everyday life. Approved for Distance Learning format. (C-ID SOCI110)
Prerequisites: ENGL 261 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C or eligibility for ENGL 001 as determined by COS Placement Procedures.
SOC 002 Social Problems
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
An identification and analysis of contemporary social problems including (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. Topics will vary. (C-ID SOCI115)
Prerequisites: ENGL 261 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C or eligibility for ENGL 001 as determined by COS Placement Procedures.
SOC 010 Sociology of Gender
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This course explores the social construction of feminine and masculine identities both historically and in cross-cultural contexts and explores both the macro sociological understanding of gender as well as the micro level analysis of how individuals "do" gender. It analyzes the impact of economic and political change on gender expectations and practices.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 251 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C. (C-ID SOCI140)
SOC 026 Marriage and Family Life
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
A sociological analysis of the family, including historical and recent changes, present nature and the socio-cultural and economic forces shaping these changes. Including this analysis, the following topics will be covered: dating and mate-selection, communication conflict resolution, dual career families, human sexuality, family planning, parenthood, divorce and remarriage, changing gender roles and family economics.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 251 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C or eligibility for ENGL 001 as determined by COS Placement Procedures. (C-ID SOCI130)
SOC 043 Sociology of Deviance
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Students in this course will examine rule breaking behavior and society's responses to it. The course considers deviance as a social phenomenon, cause, consequences and methods of social control.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 251 or ENGL 261 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C or eligibility for ENGL 001 as determined by COS Placement Procedures.
SSCI 025 Statistics - Social Sciences
4 unit(s)
Hours: 4 Lecture/Discussion
The course offers an introduction to the appropriate use of statistical techniques across a wide variety of disciplines including the use of probability, hypothesis testing, and predictive techniques to facilitate decision-making. Other topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-square and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. The role of quantitative methods in social science research is emphasized. (C-ID SOCI 125 or C-ID MATH 110)
SSCI 050 Law and Democracy
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Equivalent Course: SSCI 150
This course provides an overview of the American legal system including its development, structure and history. The course will review the legal and judicial process in the United States covering the adversarial system, jurisdiction of federal and state courts, and the general process of judicial review. Explanation of different sources of law including statutes, court cases and administrative agency rules. Review of basic legal reasoning and introductory research methods. Introduction to civil law, criminal law, family law, real property law, contracts, employment, immigration, intellectual property, and other areas of law. Also included is a review of the principles of legal ethics.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: POLS 005 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
SSCI 121 Civic Learning
1 unit(s)
Hours: 1 Lecture/Discussion
This course requires students to get hands-on experience and strengthen ties in the community, specifically related to the legal field. Possible examples include: voter information drives, volunteering at a legal service office or other law-related agencies, working on development of legislation and advocacy for public policies.