Sociology

 

The Psychology/Sociology Department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree with emphases in Animals in Human Society, Behavioral Science, Community and Criminal Justice, and Social Action.

Sociology begins with the premise that human beings are social animals whose individual behavior is shaped by the interaction that takes place in the groups to which we belong.  This perspective allows us to view the world beyond our immediate experiences and to recognize the relationship between our private lives and world events.  Sociologists contend that social environments shape human behavior and that alternately, human beings are capable of changing social environments.  As such, the Sociology major encourages direct involvement in communities of all kinds and ensures that ample opportunities to use sociology in community-based programs exist in our courses.

Students who major in Sociology at NDNU are prepared with the background to work with diverse populations in a variety of physical and social environments including human services, business, government, criminal justice, advocacy, education, health care, law, international relations, travel enterprises, and ecological concerns as well as arenas that foster the human-animal bond.  A degree in Sociology also leads directly to graduate study in numerous disciplines and professions.

Sociology/MPA Articulated Program

The Sociology/Animals in Human Society emphasis and the Sociology/Community and Criminal Justice emphasis articulate with NDNU's graduate program Public Administration (MPA). The qualified student applies in advance of the last semester of undergraduate work to begin study for a master's degree while completing the bachelor's degree. The student is allowed to enroll in up to six units in selected graduate courses that fulfill undergraduate major requirements while also counting towards the master's degree.

 

Bachelor of Arts: Sociology

In addition to major requirements, students must meet Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements.
Prerequisites		Units
PY001	Introduction to Psychology (required for Behavioral Science and Animals in Human Society emphases; recommended for Social Action and Community and Criminal Justice emphases)	3
SO001	Introduction to Sociology	3
SO004/114	Cultural Anthropology	3
Total Prerequisites		6-9
Major Requirements Major Core Courses		Units
SO101A or SO101B	Classical Sociological Theory Contemporary Sociological Theory	3
SO102	Analyzing Social Settings	4
SO120	Social Psychology	3
Note: MA102 Statistics and SO104 Research Methods are highly recommended for all students continuing on to graduate study.
Emphasis Requirements		18-21
Total Major Requirements		28-31
Other Degree Requirements* and General Electives * Other degree requirements include Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements (e.g., Career Development, U.S. History).		87-90
Total Unit Requirement		124

Requirements for Emphases

Sociology/Animals in Human Society

SO182	The Animal-Human Bond	3
SO190A	Social Change through Social Service	3
SO190B	Social Change through Social Service	3
Upper-division courses chosen from the following: BY109, BY132, BY141 (without lab), EN107, SO129, SO130, SO156, SO180, SO181, SO183, SO183F, SO184, SO195 (selected with advisor), SO199		9

Sociology/Behavioral Science

Concentration courses, chosen from a variety of disciplines, selected in consultation with the advisor. Examples of concentrations include: Sociology (general), Women's Studies, Ethnic Studies, Politics and Society, Culture and Film, Deviance and Social Control, Society and the Arts, and Organizational Behavior.	12
Upper-division Sociology courses (elective)	6

Sociology/Community and Criminal Justice

SO105	Criminology	3
SO147	Deviant Behavior	3
SO190A/B	Social Change through Social Service	6
Upper-division courses chosen from the following: BY124, EN107, PL121, PL123, PS166C, PS170, PS174, PY155, SO103, SO122, SO125, SO129, SO146, SO156, SO162, SO173, SO195 (selected with advisor), SO199		9

Sociology/Social Action

SO190A/B	Social Change through Social Service	6
Upper-division Sociology courses (electives)		12

Minor Requirements: Sociology

SO001	Introduction to Sociology	3
SO004/114	Cultural Anthropology	3
Upper-division units, approved by the Advisor		9

Minor Requirements: Sociology/ Animals in Human Society

SO001	Introduction to Sociology	3
SO182	The Animal-Human Bond	3
Upper-division units, approved by the Advisor		9

Certificate in Inner City Studies

The Sociology major offers a series of four courses, or other courses with the approval of the Inner City Studies Program Advisor, leading to a Certificate in Inner City Studies. The Certificate in Inner City Studies Program is a 16-unit course of study offered in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood. The classes include Tenderloin residents as regularly enrolled students and utilize inner city resources and the expertise of community leaders.

SO115	The Inner City: The Good, Bad, Ugly	4
SO116	Exploring the Inner World of the Inner City	4
SO117	Lifestyles of the Poor and Infamous	4
SO118	Promise of the Inner City	4

Sociology Courses

SO001 Introduction to Sociology (3)
Introduces the general principles that underpin sociology by examining the influence of group life and the larger society on individual behavior. The nature and consequences of contemporary social problems as well as the impact of social inequality in such forms as social class privilege, racism, and sexism are explored. Current trends and social events are incorporated into a conceptual framework to provide an understanding of today's society and tomorrow's world.

SO004/114 Cultural Anthropology [CDiv] (3)

This course introduces the study of human societies and cultures through the concepts and methods of cultural anthropology. Course material explores the great diversity of human, social and cultural arrangements through the comparison of a wide variety of peoples around the world. Through investigating how groups of people define themselves and others, make sense of their world, and organize their lives, we consider similar and different way of constructing society. Themes of the course include anthropological method, race and gender, family and kinship, and contemporary issues of globalization, inequality, and development. Films are shown to complement lectures, readings, and discussions.

SO015/115 The Inner City: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly [CDiv] (4)
Explores of the complex nature of San Francisco's inner city neighborhood, the Tenderloin. Why is it that street crime exists here? Why do the poor live here? Why do so many children love living here? How is this a place of both crime and creativity? What is the history of the Tenderloin? What is its connection to such artistic luminaries as Dashiell Hammett, Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, Truman Capote, Alice B. Toklas, Isadora Duncan, Billie Holiday, and Miles Davis? How is the art and literary world part of this community today? What are the physical and cultural boundaries of the Tenderloin and how are they maintained? What is the relationship of the Tenderloin, and inner city tenderloins everywhere, to the rest of American society? A community-based course. Cross-listed with PY015/115.

SO016/116 Exploring the Inner World of the Inner City [CDiv] (4)
What is the structure of the inner city? What is its culture? What is its economy? What legal and illegal businesses take resources in and out of San Francisco's inner city Tenderloin district? How many children live here? How many families? How many homeless people? What ethnic groups live here? Who else lives here? What is the crime rate here? What kinds of crime? How many theaters? What kinds of theaters? How many art galleries? How many murals? What about graffiti? Who are the taggers? What do they have to say? What else is here? Students in this course will conduct qualitative and quantitative studies of patterns of behavior that characterize the inner city, assessing and explaining them and the greater community's response to the world of the inner city. A community-based course. Cross-listed with PY016/116.

SO017/117 Lifestyles of the Poor and Infamous [CDiv] (4)
What groups live in the inner city? How are their lives organized? What is the lifestyle of the Tenderloin sex worker? What is the community of drug dealers, users, and abusers? What is the criminal subculture? Is there really a code of honor among thieves? Are there gangsters here? Gangbangers? Is there a subculture of the homeless? What is it like to be a youth living here? What about homeless teenagers? How do immigrant families get by? Transgender people? The mentally ill? Old people? What other subcultures characterize the inner city? A community-based course. Cross-listed with PY017/117.

SO018/118 The Promise of the Inner City [CDiv] (4)
A discovery of reasons to celebrate life in the Inner City. Includes an examination of the inner city as fertile ground for personal and social development. Areas of interest include the positive impact of government services, human service organizations, the art community, and social activism on the lives of the people of the inner city. Looks at the inner city as a model and catalyst for broad-based social change. Studies methods and opportunities for inner city youth, and others, to learn skills such as democratic leadership, community organizing, and cross-cultural communication, and to develop empathy, sensitivity, and the appreciation of others – abilities and attitudes that are significant in building meaningful lives anywhere. A community-based course. Cross-listed with PY018/118.

SO101A Classical Sociological Theory (3)
Surveys ideas and impact of social theorists from the Enlightenment Period to World War I. Course material includes both European and U.S. sociologists with focus on Durkheim, Weber, Marx, Dubois, and selected early feminists. The relevance of theory to daily life is explored through classroom interaction and simulation.  Alternates wth SO101B.

SO101B Contemporary Sociological Theory (3)
Surveys ideas of social theorists from World War I to the present and examines their impact on our lives today. Lectures, readings, and discussions focus on the Frankfurt and Chicago schools, Veblen, Mills, Merton, Foucault, Goffman, Smith, and Collins. Non-Western and Third World theorists like Nakane, Freire, and Fanon are also examined. Alternates with SO101A.

SO102 Analyzing Social Settings (4)
Introduces the use of qualitative methods in the study of community issues by using such research techniques as participant observation, the interview, and focus groups. The class, acting as a research team, selects some aspect of a social setting to study. Past subjects have included social services in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, gay youth in San Francisco's Castro district, the Mexican-American community in the "Little Michoacan" neighborhood of Redwood City, and pathways for youth in the City of East Palo Alto.

SO103 Streetwise Sociology [CDiv] (4)
Streetwise Sociology is designed to familiarize the student with the inner city culture by becoming a part of it. We do this by participating in projects that benefit the community and, in so doing, learn from individuals who live and work there. The goal is to use sociological theory and practice to understand and contribute to the resolution of urban social problems. Instruction involves on-campus classes and workshops and off-campus community activities. Current projects include Halloween in the Tenderloin, College Night in the Tenderloin, and Miracle on 6th Street (a Christmas event for residents in a hotel for the formerly homeless). May be repeated for credit.

SO104 Research Methods (4)
Prerequisite: PY001.
Cross-listed with PY104. See Psychology listings for course description.

SO105 Criminology (3)
Examines the sociological study of crime, criminal behavior, and society's reaction to perceived crime. The historical roots of criminology and controversial issues in the field today are studied. Theories of criminal behavior are analyzed and related to the broader social picture. Criminal law and the criminal justice system are discussed, as are modern methods of punishment, rehabilitation, prevention, and social reform.

SO111 Careers in Sociology and Social Work (0.5)
Explores career options open to sociologists and social workers along with the characteristics of these careers. Effective career techniques are also examined. Cross-listed with CD111 and PY121.  Pass/No Pass.

SO112 Cultures, Communities, and Criminality (1-3)
Addressed by experts in their field, this class explores the relationship between culture, community, and criminality.  We investigate changes in the definition of crime and social response throughout history as well as some of the causes and consequences of contemporary crime.  We discuss the influence of race/ethnicity, social class, gender, and prison experience on the characteristics of gangs and gang behavior.  Within this context, we include the role of animals.  Speakers also address some of the newest concerns of criminology, i.e., terrorism, both domestic and international, along with white collar crime.  We conclude by considering the merits of balanced and restorative justice.  Cross-listed with PY112.  Units vary with semester in which class is offered.

SO113 Society through Film [CDiv] (3)
Through classic and contemporary films, this course explores modern social issues, and diverse social realities, as well as a variety of subcultures and marginalized groups. Awareness of worlds outside of mainstream culture is promoted and critical thinking about perceptions of these cultures is enhanced. Cross-listed with PY113.

SO119 Parties, Politics, and Campaigning (3)
Cross-listed with PS120. See Political Science listings for course description.

SO120 Social Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PY001
Cross-listed with PY120. See Psychology listings for course description.

SO122 Social Class and Social Inequality (3)
Explores the social class structure in the United States: its roots, trends, and effects of inequality. Values and characteristics of various social classes are explored. Comparisons to stratification systems in other countries are addressed.

SO123 Political and Social Philosophy (3)
Cross-listed with PL121. See Philosophy listings for course description.

SO125 Urban Sociology [CDiv] (4)
Using a global and historical perspective, this course examines urban lifestyles, social organization, urban problems, and trends. Classroom work compares characteristics of cities around the world while out-of-class work focuses on Bay Area cities with independent field trips as part of the course experience.

SO129 Love and Violence (3)
Studies biological, psychological, and cultural forces that encourage or inhibit the expression of love and its antithesis, violence, within the structure of the greater community and intimate social relationships. Cross-listed with PY129.

SO130 The Family [CDiv] (3)
Gives a systematic and comparative analysis of the family structure and its relationship to other social institutions. History and evolution of the family are discussed, as are contemporary issues such as violence in the family, intimacy, and the future of the family. Cross-listed with PY133.

SO142 Discovering Values (3)
Cross-listed with PY142 and RS142. See Religious Studies listings for course description.

SO144 Social Issues in the Community (3)

This course covers selected contemporary social issues in the community at the turn of the 21st century.  Five significant topics provide the focus: prostitution, homelessness, violence and gun control, safety in the city, and pornography, with emphasis on child pornography.  Numerous other ancillary issues to these are also addressed.  Lectures and discussion include policy implications of the subject matter.  Cross-listed with PY144.

SO145 Crime in American Society (3)
Focuses on deviant behavior, the social and psychological causes of crime, and how they are related. It explores a conceptually the nature of crime, who commits crime, how crime is studied, why it occurs, and distinguishes between white collar and traditional crime. Cross-listed with PY145.

SO146 Social Problems [CDiv] (3)
This course studies the social roots of such contemporary community issues as poverty, homelessness, drugs, inequality, HIV/AIDS, domestic abuse, alienation, and institutionalized violence. A significant part of class time is spent in the field, learning from community agencies and individuals involved in the problems that are explored.

SO147 Deviant Behavior (3)
Studies the identification of certain behavior and states of being as deviant, from ancient to modern times. The social forces that create definitions of deviance, contribute to patterns of "deviant" behavior, and attempt to confine, control, and change deviants are addressed. Specific issues explored include crime, "mental illness", "normal deviants", social control, and social change, including emerging social trends that are redefining what is "normal" and "deviant". Cross-listed with PY147.

SO153 Race and Ethnicity in Cross-cultural Perspective [CDiv] (3)
Throughout the world race and ethnicity are powerful identities that affect how people live their day-to-day lives.  While paying some attention to the complexities of race in the United States this course focuses on how race is socially constructed and experienced in a range of countries and cultures.  Issues discussed will include white supremacy, race-mixing, indigenousness, varying forms of discrimination, and potential for political mobilization around race and ethnic identity.  Cross-listed with PY153.

SO154 Building Community through Diversity (1)
Cross-listed with PY154.  See Psychology listings for course description.

SO156 Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication [CDiv] (3)
Focuses on the individual as the link in effective communication as well as the impact of culture on personal interactions. Through experiential exercises and group discussions, such areas as self awareness, emotions, self concept, perception, body language, and assertiveness are explored. Cross-listed with CM156 and PY156.

SO159 Conflict Resolution (3)
Cross-listed with CM159 and PY159. See Psychology listings for course description.

SO160 Political Sociology (3)
Examines political power, activism, and change in workplaces, labor unions, elections, social movements, and local communities. Political attitudes and behavior are analyzed with respect to social class, economic trends, minority/majority status, and media influence.

SO162 Cross-cultures and Subcultures [CDiv] (3)
Analyzes the nature of domination and oppression among various groups in the United States and explores characteristics of various subcultures particularly as they relate to the processes of acculturation, assimilation, and accommodation. The nature and effects of prejudice and discrimination are also addressed.

SO164 Sports, Service, and Society(1)
This course develops community leadership skills by integrating the sociological perspective with the practice and teachings of coach John Wooden and others who use athletics as a way of instilling teamwork, discipline, passion, and commitment. By directing the lessons and energy of the class toward community engagement, specifically by establishing and maintaining sports clinics in San Francisco's inner city, the student will develop an appreciation of the application of sociological theory and uses for knowledge and skills, developed in sports activities, in service of the common good. May be repeated one time for academic credit. Cross-listed with PY164.

SO166 Careers in Community and Criminal Justice (0.5)
Uses the insights and experiences of professionals working in crime prevention, rehabilitation, community safety, and community advocacy to explore the characteristics of these and related careers. Effective career search techniques are also discussed. Cross-listed with CD166 and PY166.  Pass/No Pass.

SO173 Youth, Crime, and Society (3)
Surveys the field of juvenile delinquency at the turn of the 21st century: the nature and extent of the antisocial behavior of youths, the causes of youthful law violations, the legal rights of juveniles, prevention and treatment, theories of delinquency, and the functions of the juvenile justice system.  Particular issues, such as bullying and mental health, are highlighted.  Lectures and discussion include policy implications.  Cross-listed with PY179.

SO174 Community Psychology (4)

Cross-listed with PY174.  See Psychology listings for course description.

SO177 Time Management (0.5-1)
Examines sociological and psychological issues underlying time utilization and presents a management plan in which daily schedules hinge on life goals. Study techniques that enhance learning and minimize study time are also presented and practiced. Cross-listed with CD177 and PY177. Units vary with semester in which class is offered.

SO178 Halloween in the Tenderloin (1)
Halloween in the Tenderloin is a service-learning course that involves the student in the lives of inner city children and community activists in a manner that encourages learning about the community and the people who work and reside there. This course is developed in collaboration with students in SO103 Streetwise Sociology and members of the Tenderloin community to organize and implement the annual Halloween Festival and Safe Trick or Treat event.

SO180 Animals in Society (1)
Uses a social scientific approach to explore the capabilities of other-than-human animals along with the implications of these attributes. This seminar-style class examines the link between cruelty and compassion toward animals and the treatment of humans. Ways that animal presence can benefit people and people can enrich the lives of other animals are also considered. Cross-listed with PY180.

SO181 Animals in Literature (3)
Through fiction, poetry, drama, and literate nonfiction, this course examines the varied and significant roles that animals have played in human life throughout history and continue to play in contemporary society. Works by U.S. authors as well as some from other cultures are read to explore the ways in which literature uses companion animals and wildlife, real as well as imagined, to shape and reflect social values. Readings are approached from sociological, psychological, and literary perspectives. Students develop their own body of creative writing exercises with animals as theme and character.

SO182 The Animal-Human Bond (3)
Using both sociological and psychological perspectives, this course explores the unique social relationship that humans share with other animals along with the implications of this bond. Focus is not directed at animals per se, but at the mutual impact humans and animals have on each other both micro- and macroscopically. The human-animal bond is examined historically and culturally within the context of such social systems as the family, economics, politics, religion, science, health, and recreation. The social construction of our attitudes toward other animals is studied and the role of animal domination in maintaining racism, sexism, ageism, and social class privilege is probed. Attention is given to advocacy techniques for promoting animal welfare and animal-related professions for sociology and psychology majors. Cross-listed with PY182.

SO183F Animals, People, and the Environment-Fieldwork (1)
This course complements SO183/SM183 with additional on-site visits to locations that facilitate learning about the connections between people, wildlife and our natural environment through direct involvement.  Depending on the opportunities available during a given semester, on-site locations might include (but are not limited to) a botanical garden; humane farm; reservoir; wildlife hospital; nature center, museum, community garden project; marine laboratory; salt-marsh ecosystem; woodland preserve; urban restoration endeavor and animal sanctuary/reserve.  Within the context of the class, students participate in one or more projects that benefit the eco-community and, in doing so, learn about their part in the local and global systems as well as the complexities of environmental issues.  Topics are examined relative to various kinds of cultures including ethnic, social class, gender, region, lifestyle and especially species.  Format centers on off-campus activities though classroom-style instruction is involved.  This course is deliberately scheduled on weekend days to provide the flexibility and time for the on-site visits.  (List of exact activities for the semester are available during early registration).  May be taken concurrently with or independently of SO/SM183F.  A community-based course.   Cross-listed with SM183F.

SO184 Teaching, Learning, and Healing through Animals (3)
This course illuminates the intricate part animals play in the education and health of human beings.  Through the integration of theory with practice, students develop the skills to teach compassion in a variety of environments and facilitate human well-being through animal-inclusive activities.  Students are introduced to animal-centered teaching/learning strategies that contribute to effective lesson and curricular implementation with populations from preschool to elderly adults.  Current research related to the effect of animals on the physical, mental, emotional and social health of people is discussed.  Students explore the value of animal assisted activities and therapy as alternative modalities.  Hands-on demonstrations by professionals and their animal companions familiarize students with the skills, principles and theory underpinning animal facilitated healing.  Cross-listed with PY184 and HS184.

SO185 Animals, People, and the Environment [CDiv] (4)
By combining natural sciences with social sciences, this class explores the interactions between people, wildlife, and our ecological environment. We focus on the value of animal life and nature in such specific areas as conservation/wildlife management; food production; energy needs assessment; urban sprawl; biomagnification and chemical pollution; environmental disease; endangerment and extinction; globalization; and ecotourism within the context of social equity and justice.  Particular emphasis is given to the deforestation of the Amazon; introduction of non-native aquatic life to the Quechua and Aymara Indians of Southern Peru; the Arctic wilderness and oil drilling; mountaintop removal in West Virginia; chemical pollution of the Great Lakes; creation of compatible environments in northern Minnesota; and the impact of tourism on Moorea. This course uses historical, sociological, cultural, political, institutional, ecological, and ethical perspectives to examine the connections between animals, people, and our natural environment.  On-site classes are included in the course content.  There is a requirement to participate in 15 hours of community-based learning/community service during the semester beyond the standard three hours of class time per week.

SO190A Social Change through Social Service (3)
Provides students with the knowledge, skills, and encouragement to assist populations in need while learning from community-based experiences. Students learn about the histories and functions of various human service agencies in San Mateo/ San Francisco Counties as well as the characteristics and needs of the clients with whom they work. Students are required to intern on their own time, with a nonprofit organization of their choice for the duration of the semester.  A community-based course.  May be used to satisfy one unit of Career Development Requirement.* Cross-listed with PY190A.

SO190B Social Change through Social Service (3)
Students can either continue the internship they began in SO/PY190AB or start service anew. Supervised community-based learning provides valuable insights into social need response as well as career opportunities in the social services. Working with professionals, students put theories and skills into practice. One hour of class time per week focuses on specific situations that students encounter in their field work. Communications skills, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and coping techniques are typical topics explored in this class.   May be used to satisfy two units of Career Development Requirement.* Cross-listed with PY190B.

SO195 Special Topics in Sociology (1-3)
Various courses are offered providing elective units in Sociology.  Topics offered in the past include Understanding and Assisting Homeless Children, Social Action through the Arts, and Case Studies in Migration, Transmigration, and Exile.

SO198 Service Learning: Spanish Community Service Project [CDiv] [CL] (1-3)

Cross-listed with CL198, LA198 and SP198.  See Latin American Studies listings for course description.

SO199 Independent Study in Sociology (1-3)
Provides an opportunity for independent study or research under the direction of an instructor. See Undergraduate Policies and Procedures section on Independent Study.

* Career Development Requirement: The University's Career Development Requirement for the Sociology major should be deferred until the senior year when the student may either take (a) SO190A and SO190B, the two-semester internship; (b) take non-internship classes offered by the Career Development Department; or (c) combine (a) and (b) above.