Sociology

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Dean: Joel Kassiola

Department of Sociology
HSS 370
415-338-1466
Chair: Rachel Kahn-Hut

Faculty

Professors--Cavan, Kahn-Hut, Seashore

Associate Professor--Barbosa, Hossfeld

Assistant Professor--Dumont

Lecturer--Nussbaum

Programs

B.A. in Sociology

Minor in Sociology

Program Scope

Sociology is the study of the sources and consequences of social action. Courses cover a broad range of topics including: the study of individuals as social actors; the analysis of social processes such as social psychology and deviance and conformity; the study of institutions such as family, health care, and education; and the investigation of the social organization of entire societies in the global context. By addressing what we know, how we know (method of social research), and how we explain or interpret social data (theory and analysis), sociology provides information which students can use to better understand the complexity and multiplicity of social worlds, their own society and their place in it. The department offers a variety of courses of interest to non-majors as well as to majors.

Career Outlook

Upon completion of a B.A. in Sociology, students can continue their education with graduate work in either sociology or in some related field such as social work, public administration, or law. For students who choose to pursue employment with their bachelor's degree, sociology provides an excellent liberal arts foundation for a range of career paths that utilize their sociological insights as well as the conceptual and methodological skills they have acquired. Training in sociology can open a variety of doors in the human services and in business. Those who enter human services may work with youths at risk, the elderly, or people experiencing problems related to poverty, substance abuse, or the justice system. Some find employment in agencies that work for social change including various organizations concerned with human rights issues or the environment. Sociology majors who enter the business world work in sales, marketing, customer relations, or human resources.

In addition, the sociology major has a competitive advantage in today's information society. The solid base received in research design, data analysis, statistics, and sociological concepts enables them to compete for support positions in research, social planning, policy analysis, program evaluation, and other social science endeavors.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SOCIOLOGY

Courses for this discipline are listed in alphabetical sequence (consult the Index for page reference).

SOC 105	Sociological Perspectives		3

SOC 370	Theories of Society		4

SOC 392	Sociological Research--Methods 

and Techniques I			4

SOC 393	Sociological Research--Methods 

and Techniques II	 or

SOC 394	Advanced Research Methods 

(SOC 393 or equivalent is a 

prerequisite)			4

Sociology Electives (to include at least one 

course from each of the following areas)		20

Area 1: Global Perspectives

SOC 461	Ethnic Relations: International 

Comparisons (4)

SOC 480	The City in a Global Society (4)

SOC 483	Global Sociology (4)

SOC 484	Population Problems (4)

Area 2: Interpersonal Perspectives

SOC 340	Social Psychology (4)

SOC 362	Deviance and Conformity (4)

The remaining twelve units may include addi-

tional courses from these areas or any 

other course offered with a Sociology

prefix.

Total		35

NOTE:A minimum of 24 units for the major program must be upper division.

MINOR IN SOCIOLOGY

SOC 105	Introduction to Sociology		3

SOC 340	Social Psychology		4

SOC 370	Theories of Society		4

Electives in Sociology		10

Total		21