2026-2028 Catalog
How to Read Course Descriptions

SOC Courses

SOC 1101 Orientation to the Sociology Major (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Sociology major or minor.

Orientation to the sociology major and tools for academic success. Introduction to requirements of the major, available university resources, strategies for academic success, and future career options in sociology and related fields. The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Credit/No Credit grading only. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 lecture. Formerly SOC 101.
SOC 1110 Comparative Societies (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2

Introduction to sociological theory and methods, emphasizing a comparative analysis of social institutions of contemporary societies in major world regions, including the family, politics, and the economy. Direct comparisons made between United States social institutions and those of other societies. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly SOC 110.
SOC 1111 Social Problems (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Recommended: SOC 110 or SOC 1110.

Introduction to sociology with an emphasis on problems inherent in selected social institutions. Instruction in social analysis, including theories of social problems, how those problems are studied, and a survey of possible solutions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly SOC 111.
SOC 2200 Special Problems for Undergraduates (1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One SOC class and consent of department chair.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of special problems. Repeatable up to 6 units. Formerly SOC 200.
SOC 2201 Foundational Sociological Perspectives on Society (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Corequisite: One of the following: SOC 110, SOC 1110, SOC 111, SOC 1111, SOC 218, SOC 2218, SOC 222, or SOC 2222.

Directed, in-depth study of a specialized topic of sociological inquiry. Skills development in methods, empirical applications of theory, and oral and/or written communication of sociological ideas and findings. The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 4 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 lecture.
SOC 2216 U.S. Race and Ethnic Relations (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
USCP
Recommended: SOC 110 or SOC 1110.

Exploration of U.S. ethnic minorities' experiences and related contemporary issues. Sources and manifestations of economic and social discrimination patterns and how they affect individual and group life chances. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills USCP. Formerly SOC 216.
SOC 2218 International Political Economy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2

Sociological perspectives on the history of global political economy and why inequality perpetuates within/between countries. Comparison of nations with an emphasis on the Global South. Examining power relations that underpin modern political economy which caused planet-threatening socioecological crises worldwide. Course may be offered classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly SOC 218.
SOC 2222 Classical Social Theory (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: SOC 110 or SOC 1110.

Overview of classical sociological theory. How classical theorists developed and delimited sociology. Dialogue of modern and contemporary theorists with classical theory. Application of classical social theory to contemporary social life. Examination of basic assumptions and comparison of different perspectives. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly SOC 222.
SOC 2270 Special Topics (1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: one SOC class and consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 3 lectures. Formerly SOC 270.
SOC 3301 Sociological Perspectives on Society (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Corequisite: One of the following: SOC 315, SOC 3315, SOC 321, SOC 3321, SOC 326, SOC 3326, SOC 343, or SOC 3343.

Directed, in-depth study of a specialized topic of sociological inquiry. Skills development in methods, empirical applications of theory, and oral and/or written communication of sociological ideas and findings. The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 4 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 lecture.
SOC 3302 Criminology (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: SOC 110 or SOC 1110.

Sociological theory and research on crime, criminality, and victimization. Critical analysis of crime, including how we define, study, and try to reduce and stop crime in our communities. Classic and contemporary perspectives on punishment, deterrence, and restorative justice are covered. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 302.
SOC 3303 Social Work, Social Advocacy, and Social Service Agencies (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Any lower-division SOC course. Recommended: Junior standing.

Introduction to social work, advocacy in social services agencies, and issues of social justice in policy. History and development of social work and services in the U.S. including major issues in social service policy. Scope and diversity of specific programs in the social services. Field trip may be required. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 301.
SOC 3305 Social Movements (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Recommended: SOC 110 or SOC 1110.

Description and analysis of social movements in contemporary societies as they relate to significant societal changes historically and in the present. Analysis of factors and forces producing social movements worldwide, including actions to resist changes springing from market calculus. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 305.
SOC 3306 Sociology of the Family (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One of the following: SOC 110, SOC 1110, SOC 111, or SOC 1111.

Family stages, relationships and strengths. Alternative and diverse forms of families. Courtship, marriage, parenting, launching children and aging. Horizontal stressors (trauma and divorce) vs. vertical stressors (racism and poverty). Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 306.
SOC 3308 Sociology of the Environment (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: One of the following: SOC 110, SOC 1110, GEOG 150, or GEOG 1150.

Complex interactions between society and environment. Cultural relationships with nature. Environmental movements, food security, population growth. Local and global inequities regarding consumption, toxins, sea level rise, and natural disasters. Emphasis on environmental justice: race, class, and gender. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 308.
SOC 3310 Self, Organizations, and Society (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: SOC 110 or SOC 1110.

Examine socialization, the formation and changing of attitudes, social perception, role strain, collective behavior, intergroup and intragroup relations, and generic social processes that reproduce inequality by studying how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by macro and micro-processes. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 310.
SOC 3311 Sociology of Gender and Sexuality (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: One of the following: SOC 110, SOC 1110, WGQS 201, or WGQS 2201.

Analysis of social constructions of sex, gender, sexuality. Explores how gender stereotypes are created and reproduced. Focus on media representations, intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality. Effects on individuals and structures of work, education, family, and abusive relationships. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as SOC/WGQS 3311. Formerly SOC/WGQS 311.
SOC 3315 Global Race and Ethnic Relations (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Diverse structures of unequal relationships among racial and ethnic groups in several countries including the United States. Theories about sources of economic and social discrimination and colonialism. Focus on the concept of ethnicity. Evaluation methods to restructure race and ethnic relations. International case histories. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly SOC 315.
SOC 3321 Migration (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Critical examination of migration, with emphasis on migration to and within the United States. Social and economic impacts on sending communities, receiving communities, and migrants themselves. Grounded in migration theory. Comparisons between current and historical migration trends and policies. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs) and USCP. Formerly SOC 321.
SOC 3323 Social Stratification (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Social class and the distribution of income, wealth, status and power in society, with emphasis on contemporary United States. social mobility, race, gender, and ethnic inequalities. Political power and the nature of welfare. Nature, causes and solutions to poverty. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 323.
SOC 3326 Sociology of the Life Course (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Change and continuity of the self through the life course. Impact of aging on the physical, emotional, intellectual and social aspects of well being, and how this knowledge can be applied to enhance the quality of life. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly SOC 326.
SOC 3327 Social Change (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and SOC 110 or SOC 1110.

Compares social change strategies over time, across diverse social problems, and at different organizational scales. Critically examines how social change is implemented, especially by groups historically marginalized due to race/ethnicity, lower socioeconomic status, sexuality, and other social identities. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.
SOC 3343 Sociology of the Global South (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Investigation of societies in the Global South. Gender, race, education, health, aging, families, inequality, and resilience. Analysis of the historical background, structure, and dynamics of the world system. Emphasis on voices from within the focal communities. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly SOC 343.
SOC 3350 Identity and Equity in American Schools (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of one course in GE Area 1 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Interdisciplinary examination of school, family, and community relationships, at the school and classroom level. Role of teachers' and students' intersectional identities in school achievement, disciplinary, and life-course outcomes. The school-to-prison-to-deportation pipeline. Educational equity and related issues. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs) and USCP. Formerly LS 350.
SOC 3353 Research Methods for Sociology (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: STAT 217 or STAT 1110; and two SOC courses.

Methods of social research. Logic of scientific inquiry, research design, sampling and measurement, data collection, and data analysis. Quantitative and qualitative techniques including surveys, interviews, ethnographic methods, and the use of existing data. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly SOC 355.
SOC 3354 Qualitative Research Methods (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: SOC 110, SOC 1110, SOC 111, or SOC 1111.

Principles and tools of qualitative data collection and analysis for social research. Strengths/limits of qualitative approaches. Research design based on specific, testable questions about the social world. Research techniques: observation, interview, focus group data collection, and qualitative coding and analysis. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 354.
SOC 3395 Sociology of Complex Organizations (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and SOC 110 or SOC 1110.

Bureaucratic, collectivist, and other organizations from a sociological perspective. Organizational authority, structure, and culture. Organizational crises and relations to and within their environments. Inequality within organizations, and as a result of organizations. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 395.
SOC 4400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One SOC class and consent of department chair.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of special problems. Repeatable up to 8 units. Formerly SOC 400.
SOC 4402 Gender, Crime, and Violence (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One of the following: SOC 311, SOC 3311, WGQS 201, or WGQS 2201.

Criminal behavior of individuals and groups, including intimate partner violence, gender & power based violence, gun violence, police violence, white-collar criminality, hate crimes, and state violence. Intersectional examination of theories of causation, sources of data, and policing, punishment, and rehabilitation practices. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 402.
SOC 4406 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: SOC 302 or SOC 3302.

Sociological examination of juvenile delinquency as a social and legal concept, covering the nature, volume and social distribution of juvenile crime. Formal structure of juvenile justice and how justice for juveniles is applied in practice. Field trip may be required. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 406.
SOC 4412 Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and SOC 302 or SOC 3302.

A sociological perspective of contemporary crime and criminal justice issues, such as racial profiling, drug enforcement, and mass incarceration. Incorporates criminological theory to examine the nature, function, and causes of crime in society. Focuses on the control and treatment strategies of adult offenders. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 412.
SOC 4414 Theories of Social Work in Counseling Agencies (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; One of the following: SOC 110, SOC 1110, SOC 111, or SOC 1111.

Focus on social workers as counselors and case managers. Counseling theories, skills, values and knowledge, using the bio-psychological-social/strengths perspective. Traditional and innovative therapy techniques. Choosing career paths/agency settings. Field trip may be required. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 seminars. Formerly SOC 414.
SOC 4420 Practical Interviewing and Counseling Skills in Social Work (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: SOC 414 or SOC 4414.

Practical skills for interviewing, assessing and counseling clients. Hands-on practice and role play. Techniques to establish rapport, evaluate mental status and develop appropriate goals. Required documentation standards in social work agencies. Useful skill sets for medical or research interviewing. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 seminars. Formerly SOC 420.
SOC 4423 Gender and Work (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Relationship between social institutions of gender and work. Extent, causes, and intersectional nature of workplace gender inequality. Individual, organizational, and social strategies to create more egalitarian organizations and challenge gender and work norms and underlying assumptions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as SOC/WGQS 4423. Fulfills USCP. Formerly SOC/WGQS 423.
SOC 4431 World Population Processes and Problems (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One of the following: SOC 110, SOC 1110, ANT 201, or ANT 2201. Recommended: SOC 355, SOC 3353, ANT/GEOG 455, or ANT/GEOG 4455.

Introduction to demography, emphasizing historical patterns and impacts of population change. Is population a problem? Fertility, mortality, the demographic transition, food security, environmental degradation, population control, population aging, intergenerational transfers, migration, and sustainability. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 431.
SOC 4433 Global Climate Justice (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Analysis of climate change actions' impact on the global South's vulnerable populations, considering business-as-usual effects on class, racial, gender, and global inequality. Examining climate justice movements and localized adaptation, exploring justice concepts and potential interventions in climate change contexts. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.
SOC 4435 Sociology of Health and Illness (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One of the following: ANT 201, ANT 2201, ES112, ES 1112, ES/WGQS 350, ES/WGQS 3350, HLTH 255, HLTH 1155, HLT 260, HLTH 1160, ISLA 123, ISLA 1123, PSY 3320, SOC 110, SOC 1110, SOC 111, SOC 1111, WGQS 210, or WGQS 2301.

Provides a sociological examination of health and illness. Includes an introduction to sociological theories related to health, illness, and medicine. Focuses on how race, class, and gender influence illness experiences, health care, and health social movements. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 435.
SOC 4440 Internship (2-12 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Recommended: Junior standing.

Supervised training, research, and work in public and private organizations. Credit/No Credit grading only. Repeatable up to 12 units. Formerly SOC 440.
SOC 4444 Incarceration and Society: Perspectives on the Criminal Justice System (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One of the following: SOC 110, SOC 1110, SOC 111, or SOC 1111; and consent of instructor. Recommended: SOC 402, SOC 4402, SOC 406, SOC 4406, SOC 412, or SOC 4412.

Meet with stakeholders in the criminal justice system. Examination of impact of incarceration on individuals and families. Service-learning course. Field trip may be required. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 444.
SOC 4461 Senior Project I (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Projects typical of problems which graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. Formerly SOC 461.
SOC 4462 Senior Project II (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Projects typical of problems which graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. Formerly SOC 462.
SOC 4464 Professional Development for Sociologists (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; and SOC 110 or SOC 1110.

Preparation for professional advancement in the field of Sociology. Supervised career planning emphasizing resume development, selection of an internship or international experience, exploration of career options and graduate programs. Lectures from outside, practicing professionals. Credit/No Credit grading only. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 lecture. Formerly SOC 464.
SOC 4470 Special Advanced Topics (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One SOC course and consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 8 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 4 lectures. Formerly SOC 470.