Sociology
Overview
Folsom Lake College's sociology program examines the social and cultural bases that impact human behavior, interaction, and life changes. Courses in sociology enable students to see their own contexts, their connections to social structures and natural environments, and provide important tools for thinking critically about our world.
The study of sociology facilitates careers in public policy, law, politics, social services, and international work. An advanced education in sociology can also lead to teaching at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Sociologists are also involved in research at the local, state, and federal levels, and in both private and public sector industry. Finally, many sociologists apply their education to working with local and global communities to support social justice issues.
- Innovative teaching and courses, including SOC 379 Making Social Change
- Faculty with strong academic backgrounds and applied sociological work experience in local and international communities
Program Maps
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- Division Dean Brian Robinson
- Department Chair Diane Carlson
- Meta-Major Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- Phone (916) 361-6330
- Email robinsb@flc.losrios.edu
Associate Degrees for Transfer
A.A.-T. in Social Justice Studies
The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students interested in transferring to a CSU campus to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Social Justice Studies should meet with a counselor to confirm the courses required for lower-division preparation in the major.
This program has the following completion requirements:
(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
Associate Degrees for Transfer also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SJS 300 | Introduction to Social Justice Studies | 3 |
| SOC 321 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States | 3 |
| SOC 341 | Sex and Gender in the U.S. | 3 |
| A minimum of 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
| Select 3 courses from at least two of the following areas: | ||
| Area 1 - History or Government | ||
| HIST 331 | Women in American History (3) | |
| HIST 344 | Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3) | |
| Area 2 - Arts and Humanities | ||
| ARTH 312 | Women in Art (3) | |
| ARTH 328 | Survey of African Art (3) | |
| ARTH 330 | Survey of African-American Art (3) | |
| ENGLT 330 | African American Literature (3) | |
| ENGLT 360 | Women in Literature (3) | |
| HUM 320 | Asian Humanities (3) | |
| HUM 325 | Arts and Humanities of the Islamic World (3) | |
| HUM 370 | Women and the Creative Imagination (3) | |
| MUFHL 330 | World Music (3) | |
| TA 304 | Women in Theatre (3) | |
| Area 3 - Social Science | ||
| COMM 325 | Intercultural Communication (3) | |
| PSYC 356 | Human Sexuality (3) | |
| PSYC 368 | Cross Cultural Psychology (3) | |
| SOC 341 | Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3) | |
| SOC 379 | Making Social Change (3) | |
| SWHS 331 | Cross Cultural Psychology (3) | |
| Area 4 - Quantitative Reasoning and Research Methods | ||
| PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) | |
| or STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- research how theoretical perspectives and critical theories on social justice inform the social, political, economic, historical, and cultural circumstances surrounding justice as they relate various intersectional aspects of life in society
- define and analyze power and oppression to better understand how they operate at the individual, cultural, and institutional levels.
- explain how intersectional formations of social identity reflecting various levels of power and privilege impact social justice at the individual, cultural, and institutional levels.
- identify and practice the methods people use to fight for social justice at local, national, and international.
Career Information
The AA-T degree provides students with a solid foundation in Social Justice Studies as well as prerequisites for upper division coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree in a variety of Areas of Emphasis. The degree gives students a pathway to possibilities, options, and baccalaureate degrees focusing on social justice. In addition, a student can use the AA-T in Social Justice Studies to get into a CSU and then complete a graduate degree in a related field. Students with degrees in this field often assume careers as (or in) the following: activists, community organizers, political campaigners, human rights groups, religious organizations, international agencies, lobbyists, and mediators. This program is also an excellent starting point for students interested in a career in law, law enforcement, social work, clinical psychology, or any social science, politics, business, education, or public policy.
A.A.-T. in Sociology
The Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Sociology at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.
This program has the following completion requirements:
(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
ADTs also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 301 | Social Problems | 3 |
| PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) | 3 - 4 |
| or STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) | |
| A minimum of 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
| Choose two courses from list A and one additional course from either list A or list B. | ||
| List A | ||
| SOC 321 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) | |
| SOC 341 | Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3) | |
| SOC 310 | Marriage and the Family (3) | |
| PSYC 320 | Social Psychology (3) | |
| List B | ||
| SOC 379 | Making Social Change (3) | |
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| GEOG 310 | Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3) | |
| HIST 344 | Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3) | |
| PSYC 300 | General Principles (3) | |
| PSYC 335 | Research Methods in Psychology (3) | |
| Total Units: | 18 - 19 | |
The Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives in sociology.
- integrate sociological principles and concepts in analyses of social life, social structures, and socio-economic, political, and cultural institutions.
- critically evaluate data, draw reasonable conclusions, and apply these conclusions to personal, community, and societal-level problems.
- evaluate the role of theory and social research methods in sociology.
- assess the history and significance of social change and activism.
- analyze, interpret, and critically consider sociological and interdisciplinary perspectives relating to social inequalities such as racism, economic inequality, gender inequality, homophobia, and other areas of social identity.
Career Information
Sociologists with graduate degrees may teach at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Research sociologists may manage and execute research at the local, state, and federal levels in both the private and public sectors. Additional careers facilitated by the advanced study of sociology include public policy analysis, jurisprudence, and careers in international fields. Applied sociologists work in human service agencies and organizations supporting and developing resources and programs for community needs.
Associate Degrees
A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish a broad knowledge of arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Social and Behavioral Sciences. These courses emphasize the perspectives, concepts, theories, and methodologies of the disciplines typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussions to stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: history, sociology, social studies, psychology, and family consumer science.)
It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum of 18 units from the following: | 18 | |
| Select courses from at least 3 different disciplines. | ||
| ADMJ 300 | Introduction to Administration of Justice (3) | |
| ADMJ 302 | Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3) | |
| ADMJ 320 | Concepts of Criminal Law (3) | |
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| ANTH 319 | Visual Anthropology: Introduction to Ethnographic Film (3) | |
| ANTH 323 | Introduction to Archaeology (3) | |
| ANTH 330 | Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3) | |
| ANTH 341 | Introduction to Linguistics (3) | |
| BUS 320 | Concepts in Personal Finance (3) | |
| or ECON 320 | Concepts in Personal Finance (3) | |
| BUS 330 | Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3) | |
| BUS 340 | Business Law (3) | |
| BUS 345 | Law and Society (3) | |
| COMM 325 | Intercultural Communication (3) | |
| COMM 341 | Organizational Communication (3) | |
| COMM 351 | Mass Media and Society (3) | |
| COMM 363 | Introduction to Communication Theory (3) | |
| ECON 302 | Principles of Macroeconomics (3) | |
| ECON 304 | Principles of Microeconomics (3) | |
| ECE 312 | Child Development (3) | |
| or PSYC 372 | Child Development (3) | |
| ECE 314 | The Child, the Family and the Community (3) | |
| ECE 330 | Infant and Toddler Development (3) | |
| ECE 430 | Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3) | |
| ETHNS 300 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 320 | Introduction to African American Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 330 | Introduction to Asian American Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 360 | Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 350 | Introduction to Native American Studies (3) | |
| GEOG 310 | Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3) | |
| GEOG 322 | Geography of California (3) | |
| HIST 307 | History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3) | |
| HIST 308 | History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3) | |
| HIST 310 | History of the United States (To 1877) (3) | |
| HIST 311 | History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3) | |
| HIST 314 | Recent United States History (3) | |
| HIST 319 | American Environmental History (3) | |
| HIST 331 | Women in American History (3) | |
| HIST 344 | Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3) | |
| HIST 368 | History of France (3) | |
| JOUR 310 | Mass Media and Society (3) | |
| NUTRI 310 | Cultural Foods of the World (3) | |
| POLS 301 | Introduction to Government: United States (3) | |
| POLS 302 | Comparative Politics (3) | |
| POLS 310 | Introduction to International Relations (3) | |
| POLS 320 | Introduction to Political Theory (3) | |
| PSYC 300 | General Principles (3) | |
| PSYC 312 | Biological Psychology (4) | |
| PSYC 320 | Social Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 335 | Research Methods in Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Behavior (3) | |
| PSYC 356 | Human Sexuality (3) | |
| PSYC 368 | Cross Cultural Psychology (3) | |
| or SWHS 331 | Cross Cultural Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 370 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | |
| SJS 300 | Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3) | |
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| SOC 301 | Social Problems (3) | |
| SOC 310 | Marriage and the Family (3) | |
| SOC 321 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) | |
| SOC 341 | Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3) | |
| SOC 379 | Making Social Change (3) | |
| SWHS 302 | Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations (3) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
The Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate (Social and Behavioral Sciences).
Sociology (SOC) Courses
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID SOCI 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces the social and cultural bases that impact human behavior, social interaction, and life opportunities. This course will cover sociological concepts, theoretical approaches, and major fields of sociological inquiry including culture, socialization, social structures and institutions, inequalities and stratification, deviance, and social change.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast major theoretical orientations in sociology and analyze social phenomenon using three of these theories.
- analyze the societal dynamics of socialization, social interaction, group interaction, deviance, and other social processes.
- evaluate social institutions such as family, education, government, and the economy in the context of the larger society.
- assess the causes and impacts of social inequality.
SOC 301 Social Problems
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID SOCI 115
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course investigates current social problems in the United States. It examines these problems through sociological and ideological perspectives and evaluates how these perspectives influence both definitions of problems as well as proposed solutions. Topics include: racism, economic inequality, sexism and heterosexism, as well as problems arising in the areas of education, marriage and family, crime, health and healthcare, and the environment. Particular attention is paid to the impact of media on perceptions of social problems.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the objective and subjective components of social problems and examine specific contemporary problems from different theoretical and ideological perspectives.
- assess the impact of media on how social problems are defined, interpreted, and addressed.
- evaluate racism as a system and determine its particular relationship to other structural inequalities and social problems.
- analyze the structural causes of contemporary social problems.
- research and recommend solutions to specific social problems.
SOC 310 Marriage and the Family
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area III(b); CSU Area D; CSU Area E1; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID SOCI 130
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course examines the social, historical, cultural, and structural factors that impact families and influence societal definitions and expectations of the concepts of marriage and family. This course also examines the internal dynamics of families, as well as the ways in which they are shaped by the hierarchies of the larger social world. Gender roles and expectations, media impact, intimacy, violence in families, parenting, and public policies are also explored. Special emphasis will be placed on the diversity of families and family forms.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- assess the impact of social, historical, and cross-cultural factors on kinship and family arrangements.
- investigate the diversity of families in relation to race, ethnicity, class, immigration status, age, class, gender, and sexuality and how those experiences relate to contemporary family issues and social inequality.
- evaluate constructions of birth and parenting.
- compare definitions and experiences of marriage.
- research public policies relating to families and marriage.
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID SOCI 150
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course uses the sociological perspective to examine the relationship between race, ethnicity, and inequality in the U.S. and covers topics including: prejudice, discrimination, ethnocentrism, individual and institutional racism, privilege, assimilation, civil rights, and other related issues. This course includes an analysis of the social and historical contexts of major racialized and ethnic groups in the U.S. and how these contexts impact current conditions and experiences.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- uncover the diverse histories and social contexts of major ethnic and racialized groups in the U.S.
- synthesize course concepts and themes in order to assess the overall arrangements of racial and ethnic inequality in the U.S.
- evaluate the relationship between societal structures and institutional discrimination.
- investigate connections between individual social location and broader societal patterns of privilege and inequality.
- devise personal responses to racism and other forms of inequality.
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S.
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area III(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID SOCI 140
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces gender issues from a sociological perspective and examines how gender is constructed and embodied in the U.S. It examines historical, social, economic, political, and cultural forces in shaping gender identity, gender expression, and gender roles. The course also emphasizes the intersections of gender with other identities including those relating to race, ethnicity, sexuality, income and wealth, etc. Specifically, the course examines the experience of people from diverse economic, racial, and ethnic origins within a historical and cross-cultural perspective. Finally, this course explores the role that social movements and organizations play in working for gender equality and challenging the gender binary.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply sociological concepts, perspectives, and theories to the concepts of sex and gender.
- analyze the social and historical constructions of sex and gender in relation to their intersections with other identities such as race, sexuality, socioeconomic status, age, etc.
- evaluate the role of social, economic, political, religious, and cultural institutions in creating, reinforcing, and perpetuating gender inequality and stratification.
- examine the role of social movements in challenging gender inequality and working for social change.
SOC 379 Making Social Change
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Empowerment through the development of technological skills and access to tools is and will continue to be a significant issue in social justice work and social change. In this interdisciplinary course, students will explore social change through historical and contemporary movements, organizations, and groups and the ways those entities use, create, modify, and improve tools and technologies to support and drive change. Students will research and analyze the contexts and tactics of these movements and synthesize their discoveries with hands-on experience using tools and technologies of the maker movement to develop projects designed to address social, environmental, and economic needs.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- examine how social change can be seen through the lens of social movements and social movement organizations.
- use social movement theories to analyze the historical, social, economic, political, resource, and geographical contexts of social movements and their organizations.
- evaluate the relationship of social movements and social movement organizations to technology and tools.
- assess ethical dilemmas and choices both within social movements themselves and in relation to the tools and technology they use.
- evaluate the relationship of access to tools and technology to power and empowerment.
- research, design, develop and prototype possible solutions and responses to social justice issues, using a variety of technologies, tools, techniques and materials.
- synthesize understanding of social movements with material skills learned in the course to design and create a project to address a particular social justice issue.
SOC 495 Independent Studies in Sociology
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
SOC 498 Work Experience in Sociology
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:30 - 300 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 110 or ESL 325
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of Sociology. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completing required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the semester, the student is required to attend orientation. Students must complete 75 hours of related paid work experience, or 60 hours of related unpaid work experience, for one unit. An additional 75 hours of related paid work experience or 60 hours of related unpaid work experience is required for each additional unit. The course may be taken for a maximum of 16 units. Students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and some computer media such as a USB drive to store data files. Online students must have an email account. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify competencies for effective and competitive workforce performance as written in the minimum three (3) learning objectives created by the student and his/her employer or work site supervisor at the start of the semester.
- manage personal career plans and decision making using industry & workforce information and online resources.
- behave professionally and ethically, exhibiting adaptability, initiative, self-awareness and self-management as needed.
- exhibit effective communication, collaboration, leadership skills at work, with consideration to workplace dynamics and social and diversity awareness.
- demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills as they apply to the workplace.
SOC 499 Experimental Offering in Sociology
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
This program is part of the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences meta-major.
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