Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. Since human behavior is shaped by social factors, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious cults; from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the sociology of work to the sociology of sports. In fact, few fields have such broad scope and relevance for research, theory, and application of knowledge.
Sociology provides many distinctive perspectives on the world, generating new ideas and critiquing the old. The field also offers a range of research techniques that can be applied to virtually any aspect of social life: street crime and delinquency, corporate downsizing, how people express emotions, welfare or education reform, how families differ and flourish, or problems of peace and war. Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is increasingly tapped by those who craft policies and create programs. Sociologists understand social inequality, patterns of behavior, forces for social change and resistance, and how social systems work.
Career Opportunities
Bachelor’s or advanced degree is usually necessary. Career opportunities are the following: Claims Examiner, Criminologist, Educator, Employment/Personnel Specialist, Interviewer/Researcher, Law Enforcement/Probation or Corrections Officer, Public Relations Consultant, Social Worker/Counselor, Statistician/Population Analyst, Urban Planning Consultant, Youth Counselor/Recreation Specialist
Faculty
Garcia, James
Jraisat, Issa
Transfer
- California State University, San Bernardino: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- California State University, Fullerton: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- University of California, Riverside: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Administrative Studies
- University of California, Riverside: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Law and Society
- California Baptist University: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- University of Redlands: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology (SOAN)
For the most up-to-date information on these programs and others, visit assist.org. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 23 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication, and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Discuss and critically evaluate aspects of groups, cultures, and society.
- Identify and review sociological perspectives and theory.
- Describe and analyze social issues and social problems.
- Recognize and utilize statistics and research methods for sociology.
Sociology Courses
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (3.0 Units)
This course is a survey of the various characteristics of social life, the process of social interaction and the tools of sociological investigation. Emphasis is on culture, socialization, and basic institutions. C-ID SOCI 110.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0 or ENGL 101H
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
SOC 102 Social Problems (3.0 Units)
An examination of contemporary social problems with emphasis on how issues come to be defined as social problems, the causes and consequences of social problems, as well as an evaluation of solutions. C-ID SOCI 115.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
SOC 103 Introduction to Marriage and Family (3.0 Units)
This course is a survey of analytical and theoretical concepts involved in the sociological study of courtship, marriage and family in American society. C-ID SOCI 130.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
SOC 104 Introduction to Social Work (3.0 Units)
This course provides an introduction to the social work profession and the roles, responsibilities and work settings of the social worker. Emphasis is placed on the history of social work, theories that guide social work practice, and the social welfare policy. .
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.4
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
SOC 107 Introduction to Race and Ethnicity (3.0 Units)
This is a one semester sociological survey of major racial and ethnic groups in American society. This course will focus on historical experiences and the relationship to contemporary social realities faced by these groups in American society. It will also investigate their contributions and special experiences. C-ID SOCI 150.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
SOC 109 Introduction to Gender (3.0 Units)
Sociological analysis of the social construction of gender, masculinity, and femininity historically and cross-culturally. This course examines the debates on sex and gender and analyzes the impact of economic and political change on gender expectations and practices. Focus on macro-analyses of how institutions shape gender and microanalyses of how individuals are socialized and how they "do" and practice gender. C-ID SOCI 140.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
SOC 110 Sociology of Sport (3.0 Units)
This course covers sociological aspects of the study of sport with an emphasis on research, theory, and analysis. Sociological theories and concepts will be used to examine individual and group behavior in sport with an emphasis on social interaction. This course also examines the ways in which sport has impacted various groups in the United States of America. Topics include the sociological imagination, sociological theory, sociological research methods, and the role of sport sociologists. .
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
SOC 112 Introduction to Disability Studies (3.0 Units)
This course explores the social and personal meanings of disability and chronic illness. We'll use sociological theories and concepts from Disability Studies to understand how disability is shaped by society. A key focus will be on intersectionality, examining how disability connects with gender, race, class, and sexual orientation. Students also learn about research methods used to study disability, helping them critically understand real-world experiences and policies. This course is great for anyone interested in disability, especially if you're looking at careers in health, education, law, or social work. Grade option.
Recommended Preparation: Recommended Preparation: ENGL-C1000.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
SOC 130 Introduction to LGBTQ Studies (3.0 Units)
This introductory course offers a comprehensive examination of contemporary LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) issues. We will explore these topics through the lens of diverse sociological theories (such as queer theory, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism) to understand the social construction of sexualities and gender identities. The course also introduces fundamental social science research methods, enabling students to critically analyze empirical findings related to LGBTQ+ experiences in various contexts, including bio-medical, political, racial, and sexual spheres. Grade option.
Recommended Preparation: Recommended PreparatioN: ENGL-C1000.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
SOC 138 Work Experience Education Sociology (1-8 Units)
Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competi tive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories.Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains.Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281.The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
SOC 138D Work Experience Education Sociology - Level 4 (1-8 Units)
Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, 8- or 6- week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. WEE Sociology138d is designed for a Sociology student's fourth semester as an intern, extern or employee at their place of work. .
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
SOC 160 Introduction to Crime and Deviance (3.0 Units)
Sociological analysis of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. Explores the history and social construction of crime and criminality and examines the definition of crime and its violations as well as the laws and methods used to control criminal behavior. Discuss measurement of crime and basic theoretical explanations of criminal behavior. C-ID SOCI 160.
Recommended Preparation: Recommended preparation: SOC-101
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
SOC 217 Introduction to Social Science Research Methods (3.0 Units)
This course surveys the research methods employed in the social sciences. Research design, experimental procedures, descriptive methods, instrumentation, and the collection, interpretation, and reporting of research data, and the ethics of research are introduced. C-ID POLS 160 and SOCI 120.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101, Minimum grade C
Recommended Preparation: MATH 120
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only