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
Transfer
- California State University, San Bernardino: Sociology major
- University of California, Riverside: Sociology major
Local Bachelors Programs - Visit the High Desert Four-Year Universities website.
- Brandman University, Victor Valley Campus: Sociology major
- Park University, Victor Valley: Social Psychology major
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.
Sociology, AA-T
State Control Number: 31245
Program Code: SOCT.AA or SOCT.IGETC.AA
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes
Sociology offers much to the student who desires to understand the web and rhythm of human behavior. From intimate, personal, and family relationships to international corporation activities; from marginality, deviance and crime to recreation, religion and medicine, few disciplines have such broad scope and relevance. The Associate in Arts for Transfer in Sociology fulfills the lower division requirements for the Baccalaureate degree in Sociology at a California State University. Students should consult with a counselor to determine whether this degree is the best option for their transfer goals.
To earn this degree complete the major coursework listed here with “C” grades or better and the following graduation requirements: 60 CSU transferable units; either the CSU General Education or IGETC (for CSU or UC) pattern; and a 2.0 minimum overall CSU GPA. Courses used in the major may also be counted in the general education areas. Courses used for this major may also be used to earn other degrees at VVC.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
| Complete two courses from the following: | 6.0-9.0 | |
| Social Problems | ||
| Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Statistics in Social and Behavioral Sciences | ||
or MATH 120 | Introduction to Statistics | |
or MATH 120H | ||
or MATH 120S | Introduction to Statistics With Skills Support | |
| List A | ||
| Complete two courses from the following or any Required course above not already used: | 6.0 | |
| Introduction to Marriage and Family | ||
| Introduction to Race and Ethnicity | ||
| List B | ||
| Complete one course from the following or any course from the lists above not already used: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Introduction to Criminal Justice | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Geography | ||
| Introductory Psychology | ||
| Total Units | 18-21 | |
Sociology Courses
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 1O1.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0 or ENGL 101H
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
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.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
This course is a survey of analytical and theoretical concepts involved in the sociological study of courtship, marriage and family in American society.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
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
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
Cooperative Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Cooperative 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 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. Cooperative 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 Cooperative 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.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
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.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101, Minimum grade C
Recommended Preparation: MATH 120
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
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.