Fresno State

Sociology

SOC 1. Principles of Sociology

Introduction to the principles and theoretical perspectives of sociology and their application to the fundamental problems of social life. Discussion of sociological methods and findings in such areas as family, race relations, deviance. "S" sections (SOC 1S) include a Service-Learning requirement. For more information, visit www.fresnostate.edu/cesl. G.E. Breadth D2.

Units: 3
GE Area: D2

SOC 1S. Principles of Sociology

Introduction to the principles and theoretical perspectives of sociology and their application to problems of social life. Discussion of sociological methods and findings in such areas as family, race relations, deviance. S sections include a service-learning requirement (see page 45) G.E. Breadth D2.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: D2

SOC 3. Critical Thinking About Society

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in SOC 1 for sociology majors and minors. Theory and practice in basic skills of critical thinking and sociological analysis. Skills demonstrated by oral and written performance including analysis of computerized data sets. Topics covered and assignments vary with instructor. G.E. Foundation A3. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: A3

SOC 3S. Critical Thinking About Society

Prerequisite: grade of C or better in SOC 1 for sociology majors and minors. Theory and practice in basic skills of critical thinking and sociological analysis. Skills demonstrated by oral and written performance including analysis of computerized data sets. Topics covered and assignments vary with instructor. S sections include a service-learning requirement. G.E. Foundation A3

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: A3

SOC 111. Sociology of Race and Ethnicity

Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area D. Dominant and minority group relations historically, cross-culturally, and in contemporary American society. Primarily, the bases examined are in terms of ethnicity-race, religion, nationality, country-of-origin, nativity, and language. Multicultural/International M/I.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

SOC 121. Sociology of Terrorism and Genocide

Prerequisite: Junior level standing. Understanding conditions that produce and sustain terrorism and genocide provides insight to effectively mitigate and prevent these phenomena. Via historical and contemporary case studies, the roots and impacts of terrorism and genocide are investigated by applying sociological and social-psychological frameworks. (Formerly SOC 150T)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

SOC 122. Social Movements

Theory of nonviolent direct action in the pursuit of social justice and social change. Discussion of goals, ideology, norms, organizational structure, leadership, strategy, tactics, and social roots of social movements.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring - odd

SOC 125. Statistics for the Social Sciences

Prerequisite: completion of Math requirement in G.E. Foundation B4; grade of C or better in SOC 1 or SOC 1S and SOC 3 or SOC 3S; open only to Sociology majors and Sociology minors. Introduction to quantitative methods as an aid to the understanding of research in the social sciences. Application of basic descriptive and inductive statistics to the social sciences. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 130W. Contemporary Social Issues

Prerequisite: satisfactory completion (C or better) of the ENGL 5B or ENGL 10 graduation requirement; grade of C or better in Tier One courses (SOC 1 or 1S and SOC 3 or SOC 3S for sociology majors and minors). A sociological perspective is used to examine currently debated public issues. Often, public issues involve present or proposed public policies; the impact of these policies on different segments of society is assessed. Meets the upper-division writing skills requirement for graduation.

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 130WS. Contemporary Social Issues

Prerequisites: satisfactory completion (C or better) of the ENGL 5B or ENGL 10 graduation requirement; grade of C or better in SOC 1 or SOC 1S and SOC 3 or SOC 3S for sociology majors and minors. Currently debated public issues are examined using a sociological perspective. Often, public issues involve present or proposed public policies; the impact of these policies on different segments of society is assessed. Meets upper-division writing skills graduation requirement. S sections include a service-learning requirement.

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 131. Sociology of Sex and Gender

Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation, Breadth Area D and PLSI 2. Introduces students to the sociological study of sex and gender. Looks at how men and women experience differently such social structures as work and the economy, family and courtship, and media. Examines the evidence for the persistence of gender differences and their importance. G.E. Integration ID.

Units: 3
GE Area: ID

SOC 132. Women and Work

(SOC 132 same as WGSS 132.) An examination of women and work in contemporary society including housework, labor force participation, employment in various occupations, and career planning.

Units: 3

SOC 133. Queering Migration: Sexuality, Gender, and Race in Migration and Borders

(SOC 133 same as WGSS 128) This course explores migration, transnationalism, and border crossings through critical queer and critical race perspectives. Throughout the course, we will investigate the concept of queering borders in which the categories of identity and subjectivity are deconstructed and reformed as individuals situate themselves in multiple locations physically, symbolically, and discursively. Students will gain a thorough understanding of the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in regards to borders, transnationalism, and migration.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

SOC 142. Sociology of Popular Culture

Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area D. Impact of popular culture on modern society. Includes movies, television, fiction, and other forms of popular culture. The meaning, the creation and production, and the future of popular culture. Multicultural/International M/I.

Units: 3

SOC 143. Deviance and Control

Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation, Breadth Area D and PLSI 2. Rule-breaking behavior (such as crime, delinquency, mental illness) and responses to it. Examines deviance as a social phenomenon, its causes and consequences, and formal and informal social control activities. G.E. Integration ID.

Units: 3
GE Area: ID

SOC 144. Social Policy Analysis

Interdisciplinary social science methods for approaching local and national social problems. Analysis of selected public issues emphasizing evaluation of social costs and benefits of alternative policies.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

SOC 147. Medical Sociology

Political and economic organization of American medical health care system and cross-cultural comparisons. Analysis of social relations and interactions among members of the health professions affecting designations of persons as ill and their subsequent treatment.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 148. Sociology of Education

A sociological examination of education as an institution, including its social determinants, functions, and consequences.

Units: 3

SOC 150T. Special Topics Seminar

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Topics include those areas of advanced theoretical and empirical studies that will orient the student to contemporary sociological endeavors.

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 9 units

SOC 150T. Sociology of the Undead

In mythology, legends, and fiction, the undead are beings who are deceased, yet appear to be alive, and include creatures such as zombies, vampires, and ghouls. This course looks at the undead with a focus on a global analysis of vampirism and zombification as a means of examining social efforts at coping with fears of death, struggling with contemporary social conditions, and providing commentary on forms of social inequality. This topic may not be repeated for credit. (Offered Spring 2023)

Units: 1

SOC 150T. Du Boisian Sociology and Community-Based Research

This course applies the research, methodology, and praxis of sociologist WEB Du Bois to understand how the color line has fundamentally shaped our society and learn applied research skills for practicing anti-racist, public sociology. This course includes close readings of essays and research by WEB Du Bois and a community-based participatory action course project to address the effects of structural racism in the Central Valley. This topic may not be repeated for credit.

Units: 1

SOC 150T. Sociology of Sport

This course is designed to orient students with the sociological study of sport. To view sports sociologically means to investigate how we think about sports themselves, the individuals who participate in them, and the people who watch them and how these elements cannot be separated from social norms, practices, and inequalities. This course also examines a wide range of social phenomena as they relate to the consumption and performance of sport in American culture. Understanding the role that sports play in our society is important in that we can learn much about our culture and ourselves. This topic may not be repeated for credit.

Units: 1

SOC 150T. Prepare to Graduate

This course prepares students to apply successfully for graduate programs and jobs after graduation from Fresno State. The course provides information and workshop on identifying graduate programs and jobs that align with students' professional and personal goals, creating application packages (including resumes/CVs, personal statements, and letters of recommendation), interviewing for jobs, and marketing sociological skills to potential employers. This topic may not be repeated for credit. (Offered Fall 2022 & Spring 2023)

Units: 1

SOC 151. Social Classes and Inequality

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Tier One and Tier Two courses (SOC 1 or 1S; SOC 3 or 3S; SOC 125; and SOC 130W/WS or UDWE); open only to Sociology majors and Sociology minors. Examines classical and contemporary theoretical approaches to the sociological study of socioeconomic inequality, including the social causes and consequences of stratification. This course will also address key policy debates, major research findings, and methodological approaches to the study of inequality.

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 152. Classical Sociological Theory

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Tier One and Tier Two courses (SOC 1 or 1S; SOC 3 or 3S; SOC 125; and SOC 130W/WS or UDWE); open only to Sociology majors and Sociology minors. Evolution of classical sociological theories. Consideration of their origins in society and culture. Examination of such theorists as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Simmel, Mead, and others

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 153. Sociological Theory

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Tier One and Tier Two courses (SOC 1 or 1S; SOC 3 or 3S; SOC 125; and SOC 130W/WS or UDWE); open only to Sociology majors and Sociology minors. Survey of classical and contemporary sociological theoretical perspectives developed after the "classical" period. Theories covered may include: micro-sociological perspectives of phenomenology and symbolic interactionism, social behaviorism, structural-functionalism, neo-Marxian perspectives and critical theory, accounts of modernity and post-modernity, feminist theory, systems theories, and others

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 157. Social Change

Analysis of directions, patterns, and processes of social and cultural change.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring - even

SOC 158. Environmental Sociology

Prerequisites: GE Foundation and Breadth Areas B and D. Explores historical and contemporary patterns of human evolution that have created ecological problems; why harmful effects of pollution disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups; and the social movements that have mobilized to protect ecosystems and human communities from environmental degradation. G.E. Integration IB (Formerly SOC 150T)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall - even
GE Area: IB

SOC 159. The Sociology of Food

Explores the social, political, economic, and ecological processes shaping people?s relationship to food. Focuses on the role of culture and socialization in shaping our food practices, how food practices are gendered, raced, and classed, and the numerous inequities shaping the food system.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 161. Population Analysis

Population theories and history; demographic processes and variables in contemporary society. Analysis of census data.

Units: 3

SOC 162. Social Psychology

Prerequisites: Tier One courses (SOC 1, SOC 3, SOC 25, and SOC 130W or UDWE). Social factors affecting the development of social personality, attitudes and behavior. Basic social processes involved in interpersonal interaction. Demonstrations and student observations to increase an understanding of social processes in everyday life

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 163. Urban Sociology

Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation, Breadth Area D and PLSI 2. The urban concept; form and development of urban areas; scientific study of urban places and populations; effect of urbanization on social institutions and social relations. G.E. Integration ID

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: ID

SOC 165. The Family

The family in historic and contemporary society, theoretical frameworks for analyzing the family, family dynamics; changes in family functions, structures, and roles.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

SOC 167. Sociology of Childhood

Analyzes the historical and contemporary social forces shaping perceptions of childhood as a distinct stage in the life course and children's social experiences. Focuses on agents of children's socialization, inequalities affecting childhood, and social problems facing children.

Units: 3

SOC 168. Interpersonal Relationships

Exploration of the basic elements of interpersonal relationships including listening, disclosure, feedback, empathy. (Formerly SOC 150T section)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

SOC 169. Sociology of Religion

Major sects, denominations, and churches; integrative and disintegrative processes in the United States; contemporary religious phenomena.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

SOC 170T. Research Topics

Content of course will vary from semester to semester. Topics include an introduction to computer data analysis, a more in-depth discussion of computer data analysis, survey research, observational techniques, measurement, sampling.

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units

SOC 172. Computer Applications

No prior knowledge of computers is necessary. Introduction to computer applications in the social sciences, spreadsheets, database management, statistical applications, e-mail, data archives, Internet, Lexis-Nexis. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3

SOC 174. Computer Data Analysis

Prerequisites: Soc 1/1s and Soc 125 for sociology majors and minors must be completed prior to enrollment. An introduction to the use of widely utilized computer packages for analyzing quantitative data (e.g., SPSS) and/or qualitative data (e.g., NVIVO) in the social sciences. Prepares students for academic and empirical research. No prior knowledge of computers is necessary.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

SOC 175. Quantitative Research Methods in Sociology

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Tier One and Tier Two courses (SOC 1 or 1S; SOC 3 or 3S; SOC 125; and SOC 130W/WS or UDWE); open only to Sociology majors and Sociology minors. The research process with special emphasis on measurement, sampling, data collection, data analysis, and report preparation. Basic assumptions and dilemmas of social science research.

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 176. Qualitative Research Methods in Sociology

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Tier One and Tier Two courses (SOC 1 or 1S; SOC 3 or 3S; SOC 125; and SOC 130W/WS or UDWE; open only to Sociology majors and Sociology minors. Overview of qualitative research methods in sociology, including interviews, participant observation, historical research, and content analysis of print and audio/visual media. Examines qualitative theory, ethics, proposals, choosing a site, informant relationships, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports, and disseminating research.

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 183S. Philanthropy and Grant Making

Reviews the history and evolving role philanthropy in American society. Students investigate local social problems, research community benefit organizations (CBOs) that address those issues, develop a request for proposals (RFP) to fund specific projects, and evaluate funding proposals

Units: 3

SOC 184S. Grant Writing & Evaluation

Conceptual aspects of developing, writing, and evaluating a grant proposal in the context of fund development strategies for CBOs. Emphasizes researching and preparing grant proposals as well as reading, discussing, and writing critiques of grant proposals and evaluating grant-funded programs

Units: 3

SOC 185I. Field Experience in Sociology

Prerequisite: 2.75 minimum cumulative GPA., Junior/Senior standing in Sociology and completion of Tier 1 courses. Individually-planned field experience relating sociology coursework with applied community-based experience. Hours TBA. CR/NC grading only. (Minimum of 3 field hours per week per credit unit.)

Units: 1-6
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

SOC 186S. Governance, Administrative Principles, & Financial Literacy

Introduces standards of excellence for effective community benefit organizations, including governance, administration and steward leadership, and fiscal management and oversight; allows for application in community-based settings. Examines elements of becoming an independent consultant to CBOs, including client assessment, contracting, reporting, and approximately 35 hours of consulting with CBOs.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

SOC 187SE. Entrepreneurial Approaches to Sustainable CBOS

Applies a team-centered, open-ended, problem-solving approach and assessment utilizing service-learning and entrepreneurial methodology to enhance the organizational capacity and long-term sustainability of community benefit organizations (CBOs), including approximately 35 hours of consulting with CBOs.

Units: 3

SOC 188S. Effective Administration of Volunteer Programs

Designed to prepare students to plan for, facilitate, and create organizational cultures conducive to community engagement and volunteer participation. Skill-building in working collaboratively to build projects that engage citizens in meaningful, goal-directed, mission-related work that meets an identified need. S sections include a service-learning requirement. (Formerly SOC 150T)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

SOC 189S. Engaging Underrepresented Populations as Volunteers

This course focuses on methodologies of effective volunteer practice in engaging "underrepresented populations," including but not limited to persons with disabilities, persons formerly incarcerated, persons who have experienced foster-care, persons over age 65, LGBTQI persons, undocumented persons, and recently-returned veterans. S sections include a service-learning requirement. (Formerly SOC 150T)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

SOC 190. Independent Study

See Academic Placement --Independent Study. Approved for SP grading.

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring