2026-2028 Catalog

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

The minor provides students with a broad understanding of contemporary society with a focus on the analysis of social change. The objectives of the program are to increase awareness of the: (1) nature of international social, economic and political structures and their consequences; (2) social results of emerging technology; (3) changes in family life, especially the role of women; and (4) changing ethnic mix in California and the United States and its implications. Coursework includes the study of the shifting demographic patterns in society, emerging life styles, the increase in the percentage of elderly in the population, and the nature of specific subculture influences.

Program Learning Objectives

  1. Assess the nature of international social, economic and political structures and their consequences
  2. Identify the social results of emerging technology
  3. Recognize changes in family life, especially the role of women
  4. Explain the changing ethnic mix in California and the United States and its implications

Minor Requirements and Curriculum

The minor must be completed prior to, or at the same time as, the requirements for the bachelor's degree. A major and a minor may not be taken in the same degree program, and a minor is not required for a degree. Requirements for the minor include:
  • At least half of the units must be from upper-division courses (3000-4000 level).
  • At least half of the units must be taken at Cal Poly (in residence).
  • No more than one-third of the units will be taken with credit-no credit grading (CR/NC), not counting courses with mandatory CR/NC. Departments may further limit CR/NC grading if desired.
  • A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in all units counted for completion of the minor.
REQUIRED COURSES
SOC 1110Comparative Societies3
Select from the following:3
SOC 1111
Social Problems
SOC 2216
U.S. Race and Ethnic Relations
SOC 2218
International Political Economy
SOC 2222
Classical Social Theory
SOC 3305Social Movements4
or SOC 3327 Social Change
Approved Electives
Select from the following:6-8
SOC 3301
Sociological Perspectives on Society
SOC 3302
Criminology
SOC 3306
Sociology of the Family
SOC 3308
Sociology of the Environment
SOC 3310
Self, Organizations, and Society
SOC/WGQS 3311
Sociology of Gender and Sexuality
SOC 3315
Global Race and Ethnic Relations
SOC 3321
Migration
SOC 3323
Social Stratification
SOC 3326
Sociology of the Life Course
SOC 3343
Sociology of the Global South
SOC 3395
Sociology of Complex Organizations
SOC 4402
Gender, Crime, and Violence
SOC 4406
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
SOC 4412
Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
SOC 4414
Theories of Social Work in Counseling Agencies
SOC 4420
Practical Interviewing and Counseling Skills in Social Work
SOC/WGQS 4423
Gender and Work
SOC 4431
World Population Processes and Problems
SOC 4433
Global Climate Justice
SOC 4435
Sociology of Health and Illness
SOC 4444
Incarceration and Society: Perspectives on the Criminal Justice System
Select any upper-division course not taken to satisfy a requirement above
Total Units16