Catalog

SOC Course Descriptions

SOC1001 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.

SOC1009 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.

SOC1501 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.

SOC1502 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.

SOC1503 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.

SOC1504 The Promise of the Inner City [CDiv] (4)

A discovery of reasons to celebrate life in the Inner City. Includes and 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.

SOC2009 Cultural Anthropology [CDiv] (3)

SOC2101 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 SOC2105.

SOC2105 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 SOC2101.

SOC2117 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.

SOC2201 Social Change through Social Service I (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.

SOC2205 Social Change through Social Service II (3)
Students can either continue the internship they began in SOC2201 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.

SOC2301 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.

SOC2309 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.

SOC2317 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".

SOC2325 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.

SOC2333 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.

SOC2341 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.

SOC2345 The Color of Crime: Race and the Criminal Justice [CDiv] (3)
This course will systematically examine the role that race, ethnicity, and, to a lesser extent, gender play in the American criminal justice system. A central hypothesis of the course is that race is a significant sociological factor that helps explain how people of color experience the criminal justice system and that such different experiences owe to the deep history of systemic racism and its current manifestations. The course will challenge us to examine critically the existing disparities in rates of victimization, criminal behavior, legal procedures, and incarceration rates.

SOC2349 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.

SOC2357 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. Pass/No Pass.

SOC2365 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. Pass/No Pass.

SOC2401 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.

SOC2401W Race and Ethnicity in Cross-Cultural Perspective [CDiv] (4)
As this is a four unit writing-intensive course, writing will be emphasized in the context of the course content. Written work will include a 10-12 page research paper as well as five two page reflection papers. Both the research paper as well as the reflection papers will involve the process of careful review and re-writing of drafts in order to improve student writing. Class time will be used to address common problems in writing and a system of professor-facilitated peer editing will be used. The ultimate goal of the writing component is to enable students to build on what they have learned in lower-division composition courses in order to produce a high quality university-level sociological research paper properly formatted to APA (American Psychological Association) style.

SOC2417 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.

SOC2425 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. Units vary with semester in which class is offered.

SOC2433 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.

SOC2501 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. The amount of work required for upper-division credit will differ in both quantity and quality from that required for lower-division credit.

SOC2502 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. The amount of work required for upper-division credit will differ in both quantity and quality from that required for lower-division credit.

SOC2503 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. The amount of work required for upper-division credit will differ in both quantity and quality from that required for lower-division credit.

SOC2512 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.

SOC2519 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.

SOC2527 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.

SOC2535 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 SOC2519 Streetwise Sociology and members of the Tenderloin community to organize and implement the annual Halloween Festival and Safe Trick or Treat event.

SOC2601 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.

SOC2609 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.

SOC2617 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.

SOC2625 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. Focus is given to the value of animal life and nature in such specific areas as conservation/wildlife management, food production, energy needs assessment, biomes and populations, urban sprawl, biomagnification and chemical pollution, environmental disease, endangerment, extinction, globalization and ecotourism within the context of social inequality and social justice. Particular emphasis is given to the deforestation of Africa and the Amazon; introduction of the kingfish to the Quechua and Imara 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, biological, sociological, cultural, institutional, and environmental perspectives to examine the connections between animals, people and our environment. On-site visits are included in the course content.

SOC2633 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.

SOC2692 Animals, People, Environment-Field (1)
This course is a stand-alone, community-based learning class involving 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).

SOC2725 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.

SOC2741 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.

SOC2749 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.

SOC2765 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. Units vary with semester in which class is offered.

SOC2886 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.

SOC2999 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.