Sociology

Sociology is the systematic, scientific study of social life and social change. Sociologists examine group structure, social relationships, social processes and social interactions, all of which shape human behavior. Because all human behavior is social, the discipline also examines such things as family relationships, family structure, crime, race, social class and gender. Sports, health care, and even religion are also the subject of sociological inquiry.

Sociology provides a new perspective on everyday interactions and behaviors. The world is constantly changing and sociology gives us a way to study the changes and help generate new ideas and ways to improve our world and our lives.

The sociology curriculum is designed to help students discover how the world in which they live impacts and shapes their everyday lives and all of their interactions with others. Students are introduced to research methods designed to inspire and foster critical thinking and produce data driven conclusions about the world. A degree in sociology can lead students to many different career paths from teaching, to human resources, health care, law and advanced degrees just to mention a few.

Courses in sociology satisfy general education requirements for the associate degree, an associate degree for transfer in sociology, an associate degree in social sciences with an emphasis in ethnic studies, and lower division transfer. The Honors Program includes one sociology course: SOC 201H Introduction to Sociology - Honors.

Ethnic Studies

Ethnic studies is an interdisciplinary study of race and ethnicity in the United States. Courses in ethnic studies critically examine the experiences and perspectives of underrepresented populations within social, cultural and political dynamics such as racism, class, gender, sexuality, education, legal status, migration and globalization. Courses in ethnic studies satisfy general education requirements for the associate degree, the associate degree for transfer in Social Justice Studies, and an associate degree in social sciences with an emphasis in ethnic studies.

Faculty

NameOffice Room NumberPhoneEmail
Samoff, Sheryl CI 248626-914-8827ssamoff@citruscollege.edu
White, Gailynn CI 245626-852-8012gwhite@citruscollege.edu

Contact Information

Division
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dean
Dr. Salima Allahbachayo (Interim)
Administrative Secretary
Gayle Allen
Division Office
CI 120
Division Phone Number
626-914-8860

This discipline prepares students to do the following:

  • Develop and communicate an understanding of human behavior in the social context.
  • Analyze the social interactions, relationships and societal factors that shape beliefs and practices of human society.
  • Recognize the factors that contribute to social stratification in order to explain how social inequality is produced and reproduced.
  • Develop a Sociological Imagination.

ETHN 101
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D1; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4C; CSUGE D3; CSUGE F)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course is a historical and cultural survey of the major ethnic groups and ethnic group relations in the U.S. from the pre-Columbian period to the present.

ETHN 116
Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D1; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4C; CSUGE D3; CSUGE F)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

This course is an introductory survey of Chicano/Latino people in the United States; examining race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality, social class, history, politics, institutional discrimination, culture, migration and globalization, literature, and the arts.

SOC 114
Marriage, Family, and Intimate Relations
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4G; CSUGE D7; CSUGE E)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A consideration of the sociological and psychological factors which influence present day marriages and relationships. Course includes seminar discussions oriented toward understanding these influences as they relate to the individual.

SOC 118
Race and Ethnicity
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4J; CSUGE D3)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course gives an overview of the psychological, social, economic, and political aspects of minority groups in contemporary American culture. It will emphasize the relationships between these groups and the dominate culture.

SOC 130
Introduction to LGBTQ Studies
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; Citrus D2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 4; CSUGE C2; CSUGE D)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This introductory course examines a broad range of contemporary gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues in various contexts including bio-medical, sociological, political, racial and sexual.

SOC 201
Introduction to Sociology
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4J; CSUGE D)
54 lecture hours
Equivalent to: SOC 201H

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

An emphasis is placed on the study of the basic structure of human society, the main forces that hold groups together or weaken them, conditions that transform social life, and basic social concepts.

SOC 201H
Introduction to Sociology - Honors
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4J; CSUGE D)
54 lecture hours
Equivalent to: SOC 201

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): Student must be eligible for the Citrus College Honors Program or obtain a recommendation from an Honors instructor.

An emphasis is placed on an in-depth, critical study of the basic structure of human society, the main forces that hold groups together or weaken them, conditions that transform social life, and basic social concepts. Students are expected to work and participate at an honors level which includes, strong critical thinking skills through analysis of sociological readings, presentation, and leadership skills demonstrated through class participation/presentation, and service learning in the community.

SOC 202
Contemporary Social Problems
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4J; CSUGE D)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

Emphasis is placed on American society and social problems. Special attention is given to the causes and effects of social problems. Course content includes research, field observation studies, seminar discussion with special resource professionals.

SOC 220
Introduction to Gender
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4J; CSUGE D7)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course is an introduction to the sociological analysis of gender in contemporary American society. It focuses on macro level analyses of how institutions shape gender and micro level analyses of how individuals are socialized and how they "do" and practice gender.