Sociology
Sociology is the study of human social behavior, groups, and how environments influence behavior. Sociologists focus on the origins, organization, institutions, and developments of society. Students take courses to prepare for a sociology major or to fulfill general education requirements. Career options include social work, human services, law enforcement, legal professions, business, and teaching.
Contact Information
Department Chair: Robert Kelley Dean: Ric Matthews |
Department: Behavioral Sciences Office: Building 3100, (760) 795-6871 |
Full-Time Faculty
Karen Baum Thao Ha Bruce Hoskins |
Associate Degrees
Associate in Arts Degree
Pre-Social Work
Social work is the study and application of assisting people in meeting their social, psychological, and economic needs. Students are encouraged to get experience working in the field as a volunteer or in an internship capacity early in their educational degree program.
The Pre-Social Work Program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in social work. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.
Required courses: | ||
ANTH 102 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
or ANTH 102H | Cultural Anthropology (Honors) | |
BIO 100 | General Biology (Lecture and Lab) | 3-4 |
or BIO 101 | General Biology | |
CHLD/SOC 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
ECON 101 | Principles of Economics: MACRO | 3 |
PHIL 102 | Contemporary Moral Problems | 3 |
MATH 103 | Statistics | 3-4 |
or PSYC/SOC 104 | Statistics for Behavioral Science | |
PSYC 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
or SOC 101H | Introduction to Sociology (Honors) | |
Total Units | 24-26 |
Additional courses that may be required by individual universities for preparation for a social work major:
Required courses: | ||
ADM 100 | Introduction to the Administration of Justice | 3 |
or ADM 100H | Introduction to the Administration of Justice (Honors) | |
GERO 101 | Introduction to Aging | 3 |
PSYC/SOC 205 | Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
Associate in Arts Degree
Social Sciences
The Social Sciences Program examines all aspects of human existence from early man to present-day political systems. The program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in social sciences. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.
Select at least 6 units from one area of concentration.
1. Anthropology
Required courses: | ||
ANTH 101 | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
or ANTH 101H | Biological Anthropology (Honors) | |
ANTH 102 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
or ANTH 102H | Cultural Anthropology (Honors) |
2. Economics
Required courses: | ||
ECON 101 | Principles of Economics: MACRO | 3 |
ECON 102 | Principles of Economics: MICRO | 3 |
3. Geography
Required courses: | ||
GEOG 101 | Physical Geography | 3 |
GEOG 102 | Cultural Geography | 3 |
4. History - One of the following sequences:
Sequence A
Required courses: | ||
HIST 100 | World History to 1500 | 3 |
or HIST 100H | World History to 1500 (Honors) | |
HIST 101 | World History Since 1500 | 3 |
or HIST 101H | World History Since 1500 (Honors) | |
Total Units | 6 |
Sequence B
Required courses: | ||
HIST 103 | Western Civilization | 3 |
HIST 104 | Western Civilization | 3 |
Total Units | 6 |
Sequence C
Required courses: | ||
HIST 110 | United States History | 3 |
HIST 111 | United States History | 3 |
Total Units | 6 |
Sequence D
Required courses: | ||
HIST 116 | History of the Americas | 3 |
HIST 117 | History of the Americas | 3 |
Total Units | 6 |
5. Political Science
Select two courses. | 6-7 | |
Introduction to Political Science | ||
American Institutions and History | ||
Comparative Government | ||
Select at least 3 elective units from the following: | 3 | |
Principles of Human Communication | ||
General Psychology | ||
Introduction to Sociology | ||
or SOC 101H | Introduction to Sociology (Honors) | |
Statistics. Select one course from the following: | 3-4 | |
Statistics | ||
Statistics for Behavioral Science | ||
Foreign Language. Select two courses from the same foreign language: | 8 | |
Elementary Chinese (First Semester) | ||
Elementary Chinese (Second Semester) | ||
Elementary French (First Semester) | ||
Elementary French (Second Semester) | ||
Intermediate French (Third Semester) | ||
Intermediate French (Fourth Semester) | ||
Elementary German (First Semester) | ||
Elementary German (Second Semester) | ||
Intermediate German (Third Semester) | ||
Elementary Italian (First Semester) | ||
Elementary Italian (Second Semester) | ||
Intermediate Italian (Third Semester) | ||
Elementary Japanese (First Semester) | ||
Elementary Japanese (Second Semester) | ||
Intermediate Japanese (Third Semester) | ||
Intermediate Japanese (Fourth Semester) | ||
Elementary Spanish (First Semester) | ||
Elementary Spanish (Second Semester) | ||
Intermediate Spanish (Third Semester) | ||
Intermediate Spanish (Fourth Semester) | ||
Total Units | 20-22 |
Note: CSU requires foreign language competency, which is third-semester level, for social science majors. Some universities do not offer all of the disciplines listed above and others require a specific type of statistics course, depending on the area of concentration. Additional courses may be required at the lower-division level, depending on the specific transfer institution.
Associate in Arts Degree
Sociology
Sociology is the study of human social behavior, groups, and how environments influence behavior. Sociologists focus on the origins, organization, institutions, and development of society.
The Sociology Program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in sociology. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.
Required courses: | ||
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
or SOC 101H | Introduction to Sociology (Honors) | |
SOC 102 | Contemporary Social Problems | 3 |
SOC/PSYC 104 | Statistics for Behavioral Science | 3-4 |
or MATH 103 | Statistics | |
Select three elective courses from the following: | 9-15 | |
Cultural Anthropology | ||
or ANTH 102H | Cultural Anthropology (Honors) | |
Elementary Chinese (First Semester) | ||
Elementary Chinese (Second Semester) | ||
Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems | ||
Principles of Economics: MACRO | ||
Elementary French (First Semester) | ||
Elementary French (Second Semester) | ||
Intermediate French (Third Semester) | ||
Intermediate French (Fourth Semester) | ||
Cultural Geography | ||
Elementary German (First Semester) | ||
Elementary German (Second Semester) | ||
Intermediate German (Third Semester) | ||
World History Since 1500 | ||
or HIST 101H | World History Since 1500 (Honors) | |
Western Civilization | ||
United States History | ||
United States History | ||
Elementary Italian (First Semester) | ||
Elementary Italian (Second Semester) | ||
Intermediate Italian (Third Semester) | ||
Elementary Japanese (First Semester) | ||
Elementary Japanese (Second Semester) | ||
Intermediate Japanese (Third Semester) | ||
Intermediate Japanese (Fourth Semester) | ||
Calculus with Applications | ||
or MATH 150 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry I | |
Contemporary Moral Problems | ||
Introduction to Political Science | ||
American Institutions and History | ||
Comparative Government | ||
Introduction to International Relations | ||
Introduction to Women's Studies | ||
Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences | ||
Elementary Spanish (First Semester) | ||
Elementary Spanish (Second Semester) | ||
Intermediate Spanish (Third Semester) | ||
Intermediate Spanish (Fourth Semester) | ||
Total Units | 18-25 |
Certificates
Certificate of Proficiency
Research Fundamentals
The certificate in Research Fundamentals emphasizes the skills needed to interpret research data and conduct basic research in accordance with the procedures and methods of behavioral science. The certificate is designed for individuals interested in learning research skills and for those who need assistance in improving these skills for their work.
Required courses: | ||
PSYC/SOC 104 | Statistics for Behavioral Science | 3 |
LIBR 101 | College Research Skills | 1 |
Select at least three elective units from the following: | 3 | |
General Psychology | ||
Introduction to Sociology | ||
or SOC 101H | Introduction to Sociology (Honors) | |
Introduction to the Administration of Justice | ||
or ADM 100H | Introduction to the Administration of Justice (Honors) | |
Select one course from the following electives: | 3 | |
Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences | ||
Research Strategies for the Online World | ||
Total Units | 10 |
Certificate of Proficiency
Volunteer Services
This certificate offers students core courses in behavioral science combined with at least one behavioral science course that offers service learning. The academic courses provide a fundamental understanding of human behavior. A course that includes service learning requires volunteering in the community combined with written reflection on the volunteer experience. This certificate emphasizes working directly with people in need within the service-learning tradition, and it integrates academics with practice. This certificate can enrich the service of experienced volunteers, guide those interested in volunteering for the first time and transfer students interested in teaching and social service agency work, and provide early experience in public service. Students need to contact the Service Learning Office for information about instructors in behavioral science who offer service learning. In addition, students must provide verification of their volunteer participation through the Service Learning Office to earn the certificate.
Required courses: | ||
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
or SOC 101H | Introduction to Sociology (Honors) | |
SOC 102 | Contemporary Social Problems | 3 |
Select at least 5 elective units from the following: | 5 | |
Social Psychology | ||
Psychology/Sociology of the Family | ||
Child, Family, and Community | ||
Total Units | 11 |
Courses
SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in SOC 101 or SOC 101H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2208.00)
In this course, stress is given to sociological principles applied to human relationships and social institutions. Analysis of the nature of social organizations and forms of culture which have developed as a result of human needs will also be covered.
SOC 101H: Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in SOC 101 or SOC 101H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (2208.00)
This course offers a thorough study of human society and social phenomena. It is guided by sociology's basic principle that people's lives are affected not only by individual characteristics, but also by their place in the social world. The course emphasizes the connections among human relationships, social institutions, and social organizations, which allow students to evaluate themselves, and the world around them, more analytically and critically. As an honors course, it provides an enhanced experience for motivated students through exigent course work and readings, a seminar format, enriched and in-depth analysis of social issues, and application of higher-level critical thinking skills. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for SOC 101 or 101H.
SOC 102: Contemporary Social Problems
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2208.00)
Analysis of social problems in a diverse society with emphasis on economic, racial and gender inequality, crime, poverty, the family, education, health care, and others. Evaluation of causes, consequences, and solutions to the problems of our society.
SOC 103: Social Psychology
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in PSYC 103 or SOC 103.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2208.00)
Social psychology examines the effects of society and social groups on individuals. Emphasizes the sociological and psychological factors in socialization, self-concept, interpersonal relationships, and group dynamics. Special attention paid to social cognition, attitudes, social influence, language and cross-cultural differences in social psychology.
SOC 104: Statistics for Behavioral Science
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MATH 101 or MATH 101B with a grade of C or better or qualification through the Math Competency Exam or approved equivalent.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in BTEC 180, BIO 180, PSYC 104 or SOC 104.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (2208.00)
Statistical methods for analyzing data in the behavioral sciences. Topics include basic research design; descriptive statistics, probability, and sampling distributions; statistical inference and power; linear correlation and regression; t-test and one-way analysis of variance; chi-square. Students will use appropriate technology (e.g., calculators and SPSS) to analyze real-world data, and report results using American Psychological Association style. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BIO/BTEC 180, MATH 103, or PSYC/SOC 104.
SOC 105: Introduction to Justice Studies
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in ADM 105 or SOC 105.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (2208.00)
An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of justice studies. Explores social, economic, and criminal justice issues by means of sociological, philosophical, and legal perspectives and methodologies. Students will critically assess the obstacles and opportunities central to the pursuit of justice in the United States and abroad. Topics of analysis may include formal legal systems, institutionalization of injustice, environmental justice, and genocide. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for ADM 100/100H or ADM/SOC 105.
SOC 110: Comparative Cultures
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2208.00)
This course compares and contrasts a variety of cultures from around the world, past and present. The emphasis is on examining social structure, social institutions, values, beliefs, norms, and customs from multiple perspectives. Similarities and differences between cultures, relevant subcultures, and/or regional communities are examined in relationship to education, family, economics, religion, and politics, the status of women and men, ideologies, history, and current events. Multiple theoretical perspectives are applied.
SOC 120: Introduction to Women's Studies
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2208.00)
This is a sociology course which draws upon the interdisciplinary nature of Women's Studies. Women's issues are explained and analyzed using sociological research, theories, and concepts, but other relevant schools of thought are also introduced. The course includes emphases on comparing and contrasting women's issues over time, current research findings, and increasing awareness of the objective conditions of women's lives as related to social institutions, social class, and racial and ethnic groups. Similarities and differences between women across cultures, subcultures, and countries are also explored.
SOC 145: Psychology/Sociology of the Family
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in PSYC 145 or SOC 145.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2208.00)
Studies the family as a social institution and includes social and psychological factors applied to understanding the family and intimate relationships. The course examines social, cultural, and psychological factors linked to sexuality, love, partner selection, and marital choice; adjustment and conflict in marriage, family, and intimate relationships; and changing models of families. Included are cross-cultural comparisons of family systems, historical perspectives, family organization, and changes and trends in contemporary society that influence the family.
SOC 205: Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences
Units: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or SOC 101; and PSYC 104 or SOC 104; and ENGL 100.
Corequisite: PSYC 104 or SOC 104 (for students with MATH 103 credit).
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in SOC 205 or PSYC 205.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (2208.00)
This course introduces research methodologies used in the behavioral sciences. It emphasizes an appreciation of the scientific method, the development of research skills, knowledge of research ethics, and the evaluation of scientific research. Students conduct library research, design and implement research projects using appropriate methodologies and controls, analyze and interpret data using a statistical computer program, and write research reports using APA format. Students with MATH 103 may take PSYC/SOC 104 concurrently with Research Methods.
SOC 207: Race and Ethnic Relations
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2208.00)
Systematic examination of how race and ethnic relations are affected by the concepts of power, prejudice, ethnocentrism, and racism. This course connects historical oppression to current racial and ethnic dynamics in the United States. Factors involved is establishing, sustaining, and changing systems of racial and ethnic inequality and how they are connected to class and gender will be studied.
SOC 210: Child, Family, and Community
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 100.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in CHLD 210 or SOC 210.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2208.00)
This course focuses on processes and results of the child's integration into the social world of family and community. It includes child behavior and development as they are shaped by the family and social institutions along with understanding cultural and developmental diversity in society and their impact on teaching, parenting, and family relations.
SOC 292: Internship Studies
Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: Complete 6 units at MCC prior to internship; permission of instructor and department chair required.
Corequisite: Must currently be enrolled in 3 units and complete 60 hours of non-paid or 75 hours of paid work per unit of credit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(2208.00)
Individualized study linking classroom learning to the workplace. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. (May be taken for a total of 12 units.)
SOC 298: Directed Studies in Sociology
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and department chair.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours.
Laboratory 6 hours.
Laboratory 9 hours. (2208.00)
Individualized study, project, or research in area of particular interest to the student and not included in the regular courses of the college. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. (May be taken for a total of 3 units.)