Sociology Course Offerings

Please see the section on “Course Description Symbols and Terms” in The University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

SOCI 001

Principles of Sociology 3.0 Fa/Spr

Study of the influence of social phenomena on human behavior. Student will be acquainted with the basic concepts of sociology and introduced to the sociological perspective. Various versions of the sociological perspective will be studied. This is an approved General Education course. CAN SOC 2.

SOCI 004

Social Problems 3.0 Spring

This course studies the overarching causes and effects of social problems upon our lives, communities, institutions, and society. Among the concepts discussed is the role of power and ideology in defining social problems, evaluations of proposed solutions, and methods of intervention. Potential topics covered include problems of the family, educational system, government, sexism, racism, poverty, crime and violence. The course examines each problem using sociological concepts and theories.

SOCI 033

Sociology of Sexuality 3.0 Fa/Spr

Analysis of the role of sexuality in social life. Topics to be covered include social psychology of sexual response, psycho-sexual development, sex role expectations, various forms of sexual expression, and life styles. This is an approved General Education course.

SOCI 037

Sociology of Popular Culture 3.0 Fa/Spr

The course guides students in an informed and critical examination of trends in mass media and culture, and the means by which these trends influence attitudes and behaviors. The course uses theoretical approaches to investigate the impact of popular culture on distinct social groups. Special attention is given to increasing students’ sociological “lens” and to making connections between popular culture and individual experiences. This is an approved General Education course.

SOCI 070

Introduction to Chicano Studies 3.0 Fa/Spr

An exploration of the historical background and socio-cultural development of the Chicano. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic Course.

This course is the same as CHST 070 which may be substituted.

SOCI 071

Introduction to 3.0 Fa/Spr
the Asian American Experience

The Asian experience in the U.S. from the immigration period to the present. Political and economic impacts. Contemporary problems and issues in Asian American studies. Introduction to theoretical concepts of racism and prejudice. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic Course.

This course is the same as AAST 071 which may be substituted.

SOCI 089A

Field Observation and Experiential Learning: 1.0 Fa/Spr
California Youth Authority (CYA)

See description below. Credit/no credit grading only.

SOCI 089B

Field Observation and Experiential Learning: 1.0 Fa/Spr
Napa State Hospital

See description below. Credit/no credit grading only.

SOCI 089C

Field Observation and Experiential Learning: 1.0 Fa/Spr
Yountville Veterans’ Home

See description below. Credit/no credit grading only.

SOCI 089D

Field Observation and Experiential Learning: 1.0 Fa/Spr
Sonoma Developmental Center

SOCI 089A-SOCI 089D: A day visit to California Youth Authority or a weekend trip to Napa State Hospital, Yountville Veterans’ Home, or Sonoma Developmental Center. Full exposure to institutional life. Exposure to a variety of behaviors within the institution. Interaction with residents and staff members, thus giving the student a full scope of the lifestyle within a total institution. Each learning experience may be taken once, for a total of 4 units of credit. Sign up for these courses at CAVE, located in the Bell Memorial Union. These courses may not be used to meet major/minor requirements. Credit/no credit grading only.

SOCI 098

Special Topics in Sociology 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is for special topics offered as 098A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

SOCI 105

Social Theory: Classical 3.0 Fa/Spr

An examination of the theories of classical sociologists. Major emphasis will be given to the thinkers who have provided the theoretical basis for contemporary sociology, including Marx, Durkheim, Weber, and other major theorists.

SOCI 107H

The Global Within the Community: 3.0 Spring
Understanding Through Service Learning

Prerequisites: Admission to the Honors Program or faculty permission.

This is a capstone course in the Honors Theme. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach and a community empowerment experience, the student examines the role of inequality, stratification, social change, and technology in a community through application of core concepts from the various classes in the Honors Theme. The service learning model builds skills in research, analysis, leadership, public presentation, problem solving, and developing human capital and community resources. Understanding the global nature of these issues and their expression locally completes the Honors upper-division theme in GE. This is an approved General Education course.

SOCI 110

Population 3.0 Fa/Spr

A study of the basic components of population — fertility, mortality, and migration. Analysis of population trends and policies, with special attention to contemporary problems of population growth and control.

SOCI 131

Work and Family Issues 3.0 Fa/Spr

Although the majority of spouses and parents are employed, the U.S. lags behind most other industrial nations in its support for families. As a consequence, families are stressed. Issues faced by contemporary dual-earner and employed single-parent families will be examined in the course, along with model support programs provided by leading employers and social institutions. This is an approved General Education course.

SOCI 132

Modern Families 3.0 Fa/Spr

An introduction to sociological theories and evidence on contemporary families, including topics of kinship, marriage, gender roles, child-rearing, intimacy, and divorce. Emphasis on the United States, with comparisons of family patterns in different social classes, ethnic groups and societies. This is an approved General Education course.

SOCI 140

Political Sociology 3.0 Fall

An analysis of social and cultural factors as they relate to ideology, voting, and political behavior. The nature and uses of power and its structure will be analyzed in detail using national and local conditions for examples, with the focus on the latter.

SOCI 145

Environmental Sociology 3.0 Fall

A sociological approach to the study of environmental issues. Attention is directed to the distributive impacts of environmental degradation and environmental reforms. Case studies will be used to examine environmental conflicts, water and land use decision making, and noxious facility siting in minority, working class, and poor communities.

SOCI 146

Sport and Society 3.0 Fa/Spr

A course for prospective physical educators and coaches, emphasizing the concept of sport as it is linked to society. Discussion of topics in sport and society, such as aggression, organized sports for children, sport in education, professional sport, coaching, and blacks and women in sports. The course offers a critical perspective for the analysis of sport as a social phenomenon.

This course is the same as PHED 146 which may be substituted.

SOCI 150

Social Change and Technology 3.0 Fa/Spr

Study of the nature, form, and dynamics of transformations of human societies. Emphasis is on the role that technology plays in ordering class, gender, and ethnic relations. Discussion of the effect that technology has in the modern United States, as well as historically, is included.

SOCI 151

Sociology of Gender 3.0 Fa/Spr

Explores different theories of the social construction of gender, with particular attention to how gender varies in relation to ethnicity, race, sexuality, and class. Examines evidence of how men and women are differentially situated in families, education, work, politics, and culture.

This course is the same as MCGS 151 which may be substituted.

SOCI 152

Ethnic and Race Relations 3.0 Fa/Spr

This course will focus on ethnic and race relations in the United States. Theoretical and empirical studies will be examined in order to understand the socially constructed differences among racial and ethnic groups, including variations by gender. In addition, forces of resistance, movements for social change, and social policy programs will be examined. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic Course.

This course is the same as MCGS 152 which may be substituted.

SOCI 153

The Holocaust: 3.0 Spring
Background, Tragedy, and Aftermath

Through lectures, readings, discussions, video, guest speakers, and use of WWW sites (including the archives at Jerusalem 1, Shamash, the US Holocaust Museum, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and other Web sources) we will explore the roles of what Raul Hilberg calls the perpetrators, victims, and bystanders of this horrific period in the 20th Century. This is an approved General Education course.

This course is the same as MJIS 153 which may be substituted.

SOCI 154

Interethnic Contacts 3.0 Fa/Spr

A comparative study of interethnic and interracial minority contacts and relationships. Particular attention will be given to processes of assimilation, discrimination, and prejudice. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

SOCI 155

The Sociology of African Americans 3.0 Fa/Spr

An analysis of the social conditions of African Americans, including the impact of institutions on the family, employment, education, residential opportunities, and legal/criminal status. Strategies for addressing these impacts will be explored. This is an approved Ethnic Course.

This course is the same as AFAM 155 which may be substituted.

SOCI 156

Genocide and Mass Persuasion 3.0 Fall
in the 20th Century

Lectures, guest speakers, and films are used to explore the rhetorical, historical, social, and cultural impact of genocide in the 20th century, with special focus on mass persuasion and propaganda. In addition, the moral implications of genocide are considered. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as CMST 156 and MJIS 156 which may be substituted.

SOCI 156H

Genocide and Mass Persuasion 3.0 Fall
in the 20th Century-Honors

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Honors Program.

This course is the same as CMST 156H and MJIS 156H which may be substituted.

SOCI 158

Chicanos in Contemporary Society 3.0 Fall

Examination and analysis of the economic, social, and political status of Chicanos and Chicanas in the United States. Examines social characteristics and changes that have occurred since the Chicano Movement of the 1960s in areas such as immigration, demographics, stratification, educational attainment, and labor market participation. This is an approved Ethnic Course.

This course is the same as CHST 158 which may be substituted.

SOCI 159

Women in Contemporary Societies 3.0 Fa/Spr

An examination of the cultural and structural aspects of women’s lives and experiences in contemporary societies. Different classes and ethnic/racial groups in the United States will be compared to those of other countries. Includes discussion of the creation of social policies and related activism. This is an approved General Education course.

This course is the same as WMST 159 which may be substituted.

SOCI 160

Asian American Communities 3.0 Fa/Spr

Asian American communities are a significant social and cultural component of the United States. Drawn to America by a variety of factors, these communities have developed and changed since the first major wave of immigration in 1849. The course explores the ways these communities have maintained traditional Asian values and accommodated the often significantly different values of the United States. Among the issues discussed are pluralism, intergenerational relations, and interethnic contacts.

This course is the same as AAST 160 which may be substituted.

SOCI 165

Social Research Methods 3.0 Fa/Spr

An introduction to the logic and styles of sociological research. Particular attention is given to the nature of the scientific method, the methods of formulating sociological research problems, the design of social research, character of scientific evidence, and program evaluation techniques. Assumes ability to use computers to generate documents, process basic data, and utilize the World Wide Web. Formerly SOCI 265.

SOCI 165M

Social Research Methods 3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: SWRK 070, SWRK 100, SWRK 102. Concurrent enrollment in SWRK 189, SWRK 190, SWRK 202, SWRK 225. Social Work majors only.

An introduction to the logic and styles of sociological research. Particular attention is given to the nature of scientific method, the methods of formulating sociological research problems, the design of social research, character of scientific evidence, and program evaluation techniques. Formerly SOCI 265M.

SOCI 166

Statistical Analysis for the Social Sciences 3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: SOCI 165 or SOCI 165M.

Basic descriptive and inferential statistics for the social sciences. Emphasis will be placed upon the integration of social research designs and data collection, with statistical analysis and presentation.

SOCI 167

Sociology of Mainland Southeast Asia 3.0 Spring

This course discusses the sociology of mainland Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam). Focus is on the rapid social change which occurred during the twentieth century. Among the subjects covered are the emergence of national identities, the role of economic forces, southeast Asian peasant societies, war, and migration. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as ASST 167 which may be substituted.

SOCI 170

Sociology of Religion 3.0 Fall

Analysis of religion in human society; focus on relationship between religion and social forces; social sources and forces in morality and ethics.

This course is the same as R S 170 which may be substituted.

SOCI 180

Social Movements 3.0 Fa/Spr

Analysis of various types of collective behavior, with a major emphasis on collective incidents and social movements. The role of propaganda and public opinion in collective behavior will be discussed in detail. Contemporary examples will be discussed.

SOCI 183

Sociology of Human Stress 3.0 Fa/Spr

Examines the sources and differential effects of human stress and coping techniques as they vary by culture, place in the social structure, and individual experience. Individual, group, and social policy efforts to protect against harmful effects of stress are considered. This is an approved hGeneral Education course.

SOCI 184

Sociology of Deviant Behavior 3.0 Fa/Spr

Major theoretical approaches to the study of deviance and deviant behavior will be dealt with; particular emphasis will be placed on historical, labelling, and political considerations in the analysis of “deviant behavior” and its consequences for the individual, the society, and agent of social control. This is an approved General Education course.

SOCI 187

Sociology of Gangs 3.0 Fall

This course examines the social phenomena of gangs nationally and regionally. The focus is on the history of gangs, organization, definitional and preventive measures. In-depth analysis includes street, racist, and prison gangs. Patterns of gangs in different ethnic groups are compared. Sociological approaches inform this inquiry.

SOCI 190

Sociology of Wealth and Inequality 3.0 Fa/Spr

Offers sociological explanations for the unequal distribution of wealth, prestige, knowledge, and power in the United States class system and in other societies. Includes the role of social networks, and links between class, race/ethnicity, and gender inequality. This is an approved General Education course.

SOCI 198

Special Topics in Sociology 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is for special topics offered as 198A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

SOCI 199

Special Problems 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is an independent study of special problems and is offered as 199A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. This course is designed to allow the student to pursue independent study with departmental permission. A maximum of 6 units may be applied toward the BA degree. Credit/no credit grading only.

SOCI 200

Rural Sociology 3.0 Fall

Study of rural communities and their environments: the social forces and processes affecting them, their socio-cultural development, and their patterns of change; some focus on local rural areas.

SOCI 205

Social Theory: Contemporary Thought 3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: SOCI 105.

A critical examination of contemporary sociological theory. A comparative approach to current theoretical trends and perspectives will be taken.

SOCI 210

Population and Human Ecology 3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: SOCI 110 is recommended.

A sociological analysis of human populations and ecology. Emphasis will be placed on the interrelationships of human institutions, technologies, and populations as they relate to the ecosystem.

SOCI 211

Sociology of the Life Course 3.0 Fa/Spr

Examines the human life course, with primary attention to adulthood, in relation to particular cultures, historical times, and the family life cycle. Cohort patterns are compared in their consequences for institutions. The cultural, social psychological, and social structural influences on gender roles and life transitions and trajectories are addressed.

SOCI 214

Self and Society 3.0 Fa/Spr

An investigation of the social basis for the development of personality. The impact of society and culture upon individual behavior will be analyzed in detail, as well as the effect of individual behavior upon group dynamics.

SOCI 225A

Applied Research Methods: Qualitative 3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: SOCI 165 or SOCI 165M, and SOCI 166 (or other statistics course by permission of instructor).

Hand-on research course in which students use qualitative methods such as field work, participant observation, interviewing, or comparative historical analysis. Students participate in a research project.

SOCI 225B

Applied Research Methods: Quantitative 3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: SOCI 165 or SOCI 165M; SOCI 166 or other statistics course by permission of instructor. CMST majors: COM 202.

Hands-on research course in which students use quantitative methods such as survey and experimental research to collect and analyze data using statistical measures and procedures relevant to sociological analysis. Students participate in a research project.

SOCI 232

The Family: Past, Present, and Future 3.0 Fa/Spr

The family as a social institution will be analyzed in relation to other social institutions. The effects of social and technological change on the family structure will be considered, as well as the historical development of the family.

SOCI 233

Constructing Sexualities 3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: SOCI 001, faculty permission.

This course investigates the ways in which societies, cultures, and individuals construct sexuality. The relationships between behavior and identities with such forces as politics, race, social class, and diseases (e.g., HIV) are examined. Historical, subcultural, and cross-cultural examples are incorporated into the course.

SOCI 241

Sociology of World Affairs 3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher and senior standing.

This course is intended to apply basic sociological concepts to current local, state, national, and international events. Students will read a daily newspaper and a relevant sociology text, which will be used to interpret the news. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

SOCI 241H

Sociology of World Affairs — Honors 3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher and senior standing. Open to sociology majors who have a 3.5 GPA; faculty permission.

This course is intended to apply basic sociological concepts to current local, state, national, and international events. Students will read a daily newspaper and a relevant sociology text, which will be used to interpret the news. In this course, students will work on their Honors in the Major project. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

SOCI 245

Sociology of Work and Occupations 3.0 Fall

Many people spend the majority of their waking hours occupied with work. This course examines the structure and organization of work and its influence on many aspects of people’s lives. Topics include the nature of work and occupations, relations within the workplace, socialization into occupations, and changes in work.

SOCI 256

Teaching the Holocaust and Genocide 3.0 Summer

The study of genocide has been mandated as part of the educational curriculum in the State of California. In particular, the Holocaust, the Soviet Union under Stalin, and the Cambodian slaughter are emphasized in the Social Science Framework. We will explore these major acts of genocide in the 20th century along with others, such as the massacres of Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda and Burundi. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the rhetorical and mass persuasive basis of genocide.

This course is the same as CMST 256 and MJIS 256 which may be substituted.

SOCI 257

Chicanos and Latinos: 3.0 Fa/Spr
A Cross-Cultural Approach

A study of Chicanos and Chicanas, using individual and structural frameworks, and making social and cultural comparisons among Chicanos, Mexicans, and Latinos. Examines the impact of these social groups on the United States, and compares Chicano, Mexican, and Latino communities with other ethnic groups. This is an approved Ethnic Course.

This course is the same as CHST 257 which may be substituted.

SOCI 262

Organizational Theory 3.0 Fa/Spr

An intensive examination of the theory and research on organizational design, with an emphasis on applications of the theories. Focus is on how organizations develop structures to meet various internal (e.g. size, technology) and external (e.g., stakeholders, uncertainty) demands.

SOCI 280

Sociology of Law 3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: SOCI 001.

This course explores the social context of law, the legal structure, and the relationship between law and society. The core themes are the relationships among law, social structure, and social change, and how they bear upon issues of race, class, gender, and social justice.

SOCI 282

Criminology 3.0 Fall

The study of crime and institutional responses to crime. Topics covered include the role of social stratification, police discretion, and the criminal justice system. Focuses on the theoretical assumptions and social processes underpinning criminal activity and control. Formerly SOCI 285.

SOCI 284

Youth, Crime, and Delinquency 3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: SOCI 282 recommended.

An in-depth examination of the nature and structure of youthful crime from historical, social, and legal perspectives. Analysis will include consideration of social control agencies, delinquency control policies, and future trends. The origins of anti-social behavior rooted in youthful socialization will also be examined.

SOCI 288

Doing Sociology in Northern California 3.0 Inquire

Prerequisites: SOCI 165.

This course will examine contemporary social, economic, and environmental changes in northern California. Students will explore these areas through research projects investigating regional issues and community, organizational, and policy responses.

SOCI 289

Applied Sociology Internship 1.0-15.0 Fa/Spr

This course is an internship offered as 289A-F for 1.0 to 15.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Students will have an opportunity to apply the knowledge obtained within substantive courses to an actual work setting.

SOCI 298

Special Topics in Sociology 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is for special topics offered as 298A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

SOCI 299H

Honors in Sociology 3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: SOCI 241H; faculty permission.

The student will define a research problem, develop a research proposal, conduct the research, and submit a written report on the project. The student will refine the paper into publishable form and make a public presentation.