Course Descriptions

SOC 5 Sociological Perspectives (3)
An introduction to the scientific study of human social behavior, including the foundational theories and the basic elements of social research. Viewing human life as inherently social, the social and environmental forces which influence and are influenced by personal experience, culture, and social arrangements, are examined.

SOC 6 The Family, Child, and Community (3)
The study of the family as a primary group and as an institution. Varieties of family patterns, pre-material and marital behavior, child-parent relationships, and family disorganization and reorganization are considered.

SOC 7 Introduction to Human Services (3)
An introduction to the broad field of the helping professions in human services agencies. Includes theoretical applications and analysis of the range of issues addressed in these setttings for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities such as healthcare access, family trauma, caregiver stress, housing, mental health, intervention and prevention services.

SOC 10 Deviance and Youth (3)
An examination of the combined structural, social and psychological elements which are manifested as deviance or delinquency in the juvenile population. Topics such as youth violence, substance abuse, adolescent sexuality and parenting, gang cultures, and crime will be studied, not only in the context of social conditions, but also within the juvenile justice system and social resource organizations, with a focus on the California Youth Authority system and the Los Angeles County Probation Department.

SOC 13 Anatomy for Human Services (3)
An introduction to the structure of the human body. This course provides a basic understanding of the human organism and explores the relationship between psychosocial functioning and biological functioning. It is designed for those preparing for the social services professions, such as social work.

SOC 25 Internship: Human Services (3)
Required for all A.A. Human Services Majors. The internship site to be selected and mutually agreed upon by student and advisor. A minimum of 120 hours of on-site experience must be conducted under the supervision of the internship advisor. This course is not open to those outside the A.A. Human Services Program. Prerequisite: Approval of the advisor and sophomore standing.

SOC 30 Human Communication (3)
An examination of the basic human social processes of cooperation, collaboration, competition, and conflict. On a macro level, students will explore the relationship between these processes and types of social systems. On the micro level, the theories and techniques of interaction which drive personal relationships and informal social structures will be studied. Case studies will be conducted.

SOC 33/133 Music and Sound Design (3)
A study of the intersection of musical expression, sound design and  production. Studio processes, technical aspects, the economics and politics of production, icon development, social networking, opportunity structures, and presentation of self are also addressed. An important communications course, also taught with film students.

SOC 49 Multicultural Issues for Health Care Professionals (3)
A survey of ethnic and cultural factors that have an impact on the work of health care professionals and the experience of patients within the context of health care settings.

SOC 104 The Family (3)
An exploration of the structure, functions, and challenges of the institution of the family from a cross-cultural perspective. The impact of the forces of social, political, religious and economic change on the structure of the family, and the multiple dynamics of intergenerational relationships will also be analyzed. GS-IIIF

SOC 103 Group Therapy: Theory and Practice (3)
This course will explore the theories that guide group therapy as an intervention, support mechanism or site to develop interpersonal social and interaction skills. An emphasis on strategies and techniques will allow students to explore topics such as grief, anger management, delinquency, and drug abuse as personal, interpersonal and social issues.

 SOC 105 Couples (3)
An integrated biopsycholsocial approach to the study of intimate relationships. The course focuses on the interaction between the biological, psychological and sociological dimensions of the relationship system. Attachment and communication styles, distance regulation, pairing patterns, and the impact of history and culture are addressed. Case studies will be conducted.

SOC 106 Introduction to Psychotherapy (3)
Introduction to the major methods of psychotherapy, particularly as applied to couples and families. The integration of theory and practice will be emphasized. Therapies that will be covered include structural family therapy, systems family therapy, strategic therapy, Milan systemic approach, intergenerational therapy, Satir’s communication approach, cognitive-behavioral, narrative therapy, solution-focused approach, and symbolic-experiential therapy.

SOC 109 Forensic Studies: Criminalistics (3)
The examination of theories and techniques associated with the recognition, collection and analysis of physical evidence from the context of a crime scene. The course will enable students to use the physical and social environment to provide information for use by the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: SOC 5.

SOC 110 Juvenile Delinquency (3)
An examination of the theories and concepts applied to deviance and social disorganization as it manifests itself among the juvenile population. Topics include contemporary gang culture and other issues of youths at risk. Fieldwork will be conducted in conjunction with course. Prerequisite: SOC 5.

SOC 111 Criminology (3)
The scientific application of the theories of crime and deviance, reflecting the structural and environmental influences of contemporary American society. Prerequisite: SOC 5.

SOC 112 Medical Sociology (3)
An examination of contemporary social phenomena associated with health and illness and the dissemination of health care, both nationally and internationally. Analysis of regional, national and international data on the health status of a variety of populations will be examined. In addition, the intersection of health, health care delivery, demography, economic trends, and the swift pace of changing technology—both medical and non-medical—will be explored. Societal implications for the future will be discussed.

SOC 114 Corrections (3)
An exploration of the corrections system in the U.S. from its inception to the present day. Topics include prison and jail cultures, ethical issues related to incarceration, history of incarceration, and the different types of correction modalities to include institutional-based corrections. A study of the responsibilities of correction officers, probation officers, parole officers, and parole agents is included. Prerequisite: SOC 5

SOC 115 Sociology of Violence (3)
This course will explore questions about the origins of violence in human society and the social processes that produce or inhibit violence. A focus will be on the social construction and social definition of violence in contemporary society. Also included is a study of the types of measurement used to report and study violence, including the perspective of victims, offenders, law enforcement agencies and agencies for violence prevention. Prerequisite: SOC 5

SOC 116 Criminal Justice (3)
The scientific study of crime, criminal law, and components of the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and corrections or those agencies whose goal it is to apprehend, convict, punish, or rehabilitate law violators.

 SOC 117 Quantitative Research Methods (3)
An introduction to and application of quantitative methods used in social science research. A research project will be undertaken. Current computer applications used in research will be applied. Prerequisite: SOC 5.

SOC 118 Ethnography (3)
An introduction to qualitative methods used in social science research. Ethnographic methods such as observation, case studies, and interviewing techniques will be studied. Prerequisite: SOC 5.

SOC 120 Case Management in Health and Human Services (3)
A study of the methods and practices utilized by health and human services case managers working in a variety of social service resource settings, such as hospitals, daycare centers, senior centers, non-profit outreach programs, and convalescent facilities. Fundamental business, management and social interaction skills will be highlighted. Field work will be conducted in conjunction with the course. Case studies will be conducted.

 SOC 124 Sociobiology (3)
The essential inquiry of this course is to explore what dimensions of the human condition are based on our generic heritage versus our cultural heritage. Are phenomena such as prejudice, competition, aggression, altruism, heroism, and child-parent bonding an outcome of our biology or socialization? A comparative, evolutionary perspective will be applied in order to explore the intersection of culture and biology.

SOC 125 Cultural Anthropology (3)
An examination of the basic social structures of society. A study of the similarities among, and differences between, societies, including a comparison of primitive and modern cultures. GS-VI

SOC 128 Introduction to Social Work (3)
An introduction to the basic theories and practice in the field of social work. Course will emphasize human diversity (including cultural, gender, age, SES, personality, geographic locale, and special populations such as victims of violence and the homeless), problem-solving and intervention modalities that can be used for individuals and families. Interactions between client and social worker will also be a major focus, along with assessment, planning, practice actions and evaluation methods. Case studies will be conducted.

SOC 130 Human Communication (3)
An examination of the basic human social processes of cooperation, collaboration, competition, and conflict. On a macro level, students will explore the relationship between these processes and types of social systems. On the micro level, the theories and techniques of interaction which drive personal relationships and informal social structures will be studied. Case studies will be conducted.

SOC 131 The Documentary and Social Justice (3)
The elements, style, research and a production method of the documentary as a communication medium is examined. Introductory-level student projects will be developed, informed by genealogical, anthropological, and psychosocial theory and methods.

SOC 132 History of Film (3)
The purpose of this course is to examine the history of film as a communication medium of culture, social trends, values and sentiments. The organizational, political, economic, and strategic dynamics involved in this medium of creative expression and the production demands and constraints associated with it are also studies.

SOC 134 Mediation and Negotiation (3)
The examination and practice of theory and skills required for formal and informal dialogue, understanding, or resolution of differences. Focus will be on student development of mediation and negotiation skills through application of techniques to group, community, and interpersonal issues.

SOC 135 Mass Media (3)
An examination of the popular mass media as a reflection, characterization, and interpretation of culture and society. In addition, the use of the mass media in politics, economics, social change, and religion will be explored. A focus on critical analysis of ongoing and emerging trends in television, film and music will be conducted.

SOC 136 Disney, Inc. and Mass Popular Culture (3)
The course analyzes the near-Orwellian influence that mass media can have on society. Utilizing Disney as an example, students will examine the power and influence of media conglomerates and their role in shaping and reinforcing social norms. The class will explore the Disneyland cultural phenomenon; how and why Disney has been able to become an important, if not dominant, part of American culture; and the ways in which Disney both reflects, as well as shapes, American society. Special emphasis is placed on examining how Disney movies not only reflect era specific ideologies and social trends, but also the tremendous impact and influences these films did have, and continue to have, on shaping social institutions, both domestically and abroad.

SOC 138 Non-Profit Management Seminar (3)
This course will introduce managerial theories on leading non-profit organizations. The learning experiences includes review of literature, class presentations and active sponsorship of service organizations. A service-learning project integrates theory with practice, requiring team cooperation, planning, and accountability.

SOC 145 Social Psychology (3)
Surveys the pervasive and invisible social forces acting upon individuals. Explores the cultural and familial interactions facilitating the socialization of people. Provides a critical analysis of the known social influences or hindering individual development.

SOC 155 Personality and Crime (3)
An in-depth study of the cultural context of personality, the impact of culture on personality and the impact of personality on culture. Individual characteristics such as motivation, creativity, presentation of self, perceptions of self, values, beliefs, and way of life as they are influenced and driven by culture will be explored.

 SOC 160 Diversity in Society (3)
The study of the complexities and intricacies of what is meant by human diversity in a variety of manifestations. The influence, implications and intersections of race/ethnicity, gender, religion, political affiliation, education, occupation, family heritage, sex orientation, regionalism, and personal identity communities are examined. Discussion of multiple cultural identity, intermarriage and cross-cultural communication is a recurring focus throughout the semester.

SOC 161 Dynamics of Majority-Minority Relations(3)
A study of history and contemporary interactional dynamics among majority and minority groups within the United States and California. Analysis of the nature and manifestations of culture, adaptive strategies of culturally diverse populations, and the development of programs and practices that honor, motivate, and empower all segments of society will be explored. Examination of personal biases and identification of deficient knowledge in the area of cultural diversity and majority-minority relations is encouraged.

SOC 162 Human Rights (3)
The examination of human rights from a contemporary global perspective. A range of topics will be explored, including poverty, nutrition, regional cultural conflict, environmental degradation, access to health care, housing, and other basic resources necessary for human survival. The intersection of religion, politics, economics, and culture will be emphasized.

SOC 163 Women's and Children's Human Rights (3)
An exploration of contemporary human rights issues with a focus on women and children, as they are encouraged at the local, national, and global level. Topics include women's rights in prison, healthcare access, child labor, children at war, and spousal abuse.

SOC 165 Historical and Contemporary Social Thought (3)
An overview of the historical roots, evolution, and contemporary manifestations of such social thoughts as social justice, individualism, social responsibility, universalism, modernism and post-modernism, rationalization, democratization, tribalism, globalization, and scientific inquiry.

SOC 166 Sociological Theory (3)
A critical evaluation of major contemporary sociological theorists as representative of various schools of sociological inquiry. An analysis of social behavior through the application of sociological theory.

SOC 167 United States Women of Color and the American Experience (3)
This course is a study of the historical, social, and cultural development of women of color in the United States. Analysis of the nature and construction of gender identity, adaptive strategies of culturally and ethnically diverse women, and the development of practices that honor, motivate, and empower women will be explored. Guided discussions will include an examination of the relations and disjunctions of Black, Latina/Hispanic, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Native American women in the context of race, nationality, privilege, economics, patriarchy, and education in America.

SOC 175 Urban Sociology (3)
An examination of the shift from rural to urban communities, the current conditions of a metropolitan lifestyle and the emergent dynamics of the global community. Applying theoretical approaches toward the understanding and resolution of urban dilemmas surrounding topics such as poverty, housing, multi-ethnic populations, on a community and global level.

SOC 176 Field Experience (1-3)
An on-site experiential course designed to advance the understanding of community issues through participation in a civic project, in collaboration with a faculty member and a community organization. this may consist of an internship experience in a community organization. Prior consent of advisor required. Prerequisite: SOC 5. 

SOC 180 Social Stratification (3)
A study of the class system in the United States. This specifically includes an examination of stratification as it occurs by educational and occupational attainment, prestige, status, income, and power. Variations among these variables as mediated by race, age, and gender will be explored.

SOC 185 Global Development (3)
A study of the multiple interrelationships between political structure, political movements, socioeconomic development, environment, and global population change. From a global perspective, shifts in population composition, quality of life and resource management and availability, and how societal conditions are influenced by such forces as political organization, international relations, religion, and environmental conditions will be explored. Comparisons among these socioeconomic and political dimensions between developed and developing nation-states will be discussed, along with the possible implications of globalization around the world.

SOC 197 Internship and Practicum (3)
The application of the major’s program of study through an internship experience. A minimum of 100 hours of on-site experience is required, along with practicum attendance and participation. Development of a professional portfolio is also required. Internship site is to be selected and mutually agreed upon by student and professor. Open to majors only and to be taken in senior year of study. Prerequisite: Senior standing.