Social media is just one example of how the world is constantly changing. If you’re curious about how these shifts in society impact political trends, behaviors or education, the study of sociology can help.
Allan Hancock College’s sociology program studies human social behavior, groups, cultures, and how environments and relationships influence behavior. Sociologists study the concept of social stratification which examines how factors like race, wealth, education, and more influence a person's status and power within a society. In order to understand how societies develop and change, sociologists look at social phenomena, deviant behavior, effects of mass media, urban organization, and educational systems
Graduates of the sociology program are prepared for entry-level careers in correctional facilities, group homes, and human services organizations. Students can also transfer to a four-year university for further study. With advanced degrees students can become social workers, counselors, human resources personnel and much more.
This program will help you to:
- develop an awareness of the diversity of cultures around the world
- understand social phenomena from a sociological perspective
- demonstrate a proficiency in sociological concepts and terminology
- develop skills in using digital technologies to inquire and communicate sociological data, concepts, and theories
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
A survey course in the science of society, which examines major sociological, processes and structures with particular attention to American society. Emphases are placed upon basic sociological concepts, social institutions, social issues, and the connections between individual consciousness and the broader socio-historical context.
Recommended one from this list:
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
Select one course from this list.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
16
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
A study of descriptive and inferential statistics including applications in the behavioral and natural sciences. Topics include classification and analysis of data, probability, distributions, sampling, the binomial, normal, t, F, and chi-square distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance and non-parametric methods. Calculators and/or computers will be used throughout.
A study of today's family from a sociological perspective. An overview of intimate relationships, including love, sex, gender roles, dating, forming partnerships, marriage, parenting, family values, and cultural differences is presented.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 112, Logic
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate
Recommended one from this list:
- ES 121, African American History
- HIST 107, US History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History American Institutions Requirement
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
NOTE: Students who started at Allan Hancock College (or any CCC or CSU) prior to Summer 2021 and have maintained continuous enrollment are not required to complete Area F for CSU GE Certification. See a counselor for further information.
Total Units:
16
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Choose one of the following courses:
- COMM 101, Public Speaking,
- COMM 102, Small Group Communication,
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate,
Select one course from this list.
1 unit
Some courses in GE categories B1: Physical Science and B2: Life Science have lab components that also fulfill this requirement. If the course you chose in either of these categories has a lab component, you have completed this requirement. You can verify whether it has a lab component by checking these lists:
If not, you can fulfill this requirement with either of these courses:
- ANTH 110: Biological Anthropology Lab
- GEOG 115: Physical Geography Lab
- GEOL 115: Oceanography Geography Lab
Select one course from this list.
A survey and analysis of ethnic groups and their relations in the United States including the stratification systems, prejudice and discrimination.
This course is an introduction to the multi-disciplinary field of urban studies. Taking advantage of the contributions made by disciplines such as history, sociology, economics, psychology, political science, architecture and planning, the course explores the following topics: The origin of cities; the physical, social and cultural characteristics of cities and metropolises; the complexity, richness and challenges of everyday life in urban society; the social problems that plague urban America; and the various strategies being used to solve urban problems and enhance the metropolitan experience. The focus of the course is primarily (although not exclusively) the United States, and special attention is given to issues of class, race and gender.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 - 17
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Select one course from this list.
1 unit
Some courses in GE categories B1: Physical Science and B2: Life Science have lab components that also fulfill this requirement. If the course you chose in either of these categories has a lab component, you have completed this requirement. You can verify whether it has a lab component by checking these lists:
If not, you can fulfill this requirement with either of these courses:
- ANTH 110: Biological Anthropology Lab
- GEOG 115: Physical Geography Lab
- GEOL 115: Oceanography Geography Lab
Select one course from area C1: Arts or from area C2: Humanities
A survey and analysis of ethnic groups and their relations in the United States including the stratification systems, prejudice, and discrimination. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ES 101.
Prerequisite: SOC 101
An introduction to sociological/psychological research methods. Presents the research process from topic selection through data collection for a variety of methods such as surveys, experiments, in-depth interviews, content analysis and comparative/historical research. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for Psychology 104.
An exploration of the complex interaction between the mass media and individuals, culture and other social institutions. While focused on the United States, the issue of an increasingly globalized mass media and the emergence of global culture is also addressed. Topics include the effects of mass media on pubic opinion and popular culture; the various racial, ethnic and gender stereotypes in the mass media; the ways in which politics affects and is affected by mass communication; the consequences of privately owned media; the major changes in technologies; and the emergence and growth of a “global culture” based on media technology and organizations.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 - 17
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 22 units is required for the degree.
Required Core Courses (16 units):
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 102 | Social Problems | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 110 | Introduction to Marriage & Family | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 120 | Race and Ethnic Relations | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| MATH 123 | Elementary Statistics | 4.000 - 0.000 |
List A: Select 2 courses from the following (6 units):
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 102 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| ECON 141 | Global Economics | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| GBST 101 | Introduction to Global Studies | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| GEOG 102 | Human Geography | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 104 | Social Science Research Methods | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 155 | Media and Society | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 160 | Cities and Urban Life | 3.000 - 0.000 |
General Education
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
A survey course in the science of society, which examines major sociological, processes and structures with particular attention to American society. Emphases are placed upon basic sociological concepts, social institutions, social issues, and the connections between individual consciousness and the broader socio-historical context.
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course. If not, select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
13
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
A study of descriptive and inferential statistics including applications in the behavioral and natural sciences. Topics include classification and analysis of data, probability, distributions, sampling, the binomial, normal, t, F, and chi-square distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance and non-parametric methods. Calculators and/or computers will be used throughout.
A study of today's family from a sociological perspective. An overview of intimate relationships, including love, sex, gender roles, dating, forming partnerships, marriage, parenting, family values, and cultural differences is presented.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
OR CHOOSE ANY COURSE NOT SELECTED IN LIST A OR FROM THE FOLLOWING (3 UNITS):
Total Units:
16
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Choose one of the following courses:
- COMM 101, Public Speaking
- COMM 102, Small Group Communication
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate
Select one course from this list.
Some courses in GE categories Area 5A: Physical Science and Area 5B: Biological Science have lab components that also fulfill this requirement. If the course you chose in either of these categories has a lab component, you have completed this requirement. You can verify whether it has a lab component by checking these lists:
If not, you can fulfill this requirement with either of these courses:
- ANTH 110: Biological Anthropology Lab
- GEOG 115: Physical Geography Lab
- GEOL 115: Oceanography Geography Lab
Select one course from this list.
A survey and analysis of ethnic groups and their relations in the United States including the stratification systems, prejudice and discrimination.
Total Units:
15 - 17
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Select one course from this list.
Some courses in GE categories Area 5A: Physical Science and Area 5B: Biological Science have lab components that also fulfill this requirement. If the course you chose in either of these categories has a lab component, you have completed this requirement. You can verify whether it has a lab component by checking these lists:
If not, you can fulfill this requirement with either of these courses:
- ANTH 110: Biological Anthropology Lab
- GEOG 115: Physical Geography Lab
- GEOL 115: Oceanography Geography Lab
Select one course from area Area 3A: Arts or from area Area 3B: Humanities
A survey and analysis of ethnic groups and their relations in the United States including the stratification systems, prejudice, and discrimination. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ES 101.
Prerequisite: SOC 101
An introduction to sociological/psychological research methods. Presents the research process from topic selection through data collection for a variety of methods such as surveys, experiments, in-depth interviews, content analysis and comparative/historical research. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for Psychology 104.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 - 17
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 22 units is required for the degree.
Required Core Courses (16 units):
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 102 | Social Problems | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 110 | Introduction to Marriage & Family | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 120 | Race and Ethnic Relations | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| MATH 123 | Elementary Statistics | 4.000 - 0.000 |
List A: Select 2 courses from the following (6 units):
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 102 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| ECON 141 | Global Economics | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| GBST 101 | Introduction to Global Studies | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| GEOG 102 | Human Geography | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 104 | Social Science Research Methods | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 155 | Media and Society | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| SOC 160 | Cities and Urban Life | 3.000 - 0.000 |
General Education
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
Programs you may also be interested in exploring:
Contact Information
Department Chair
Roger Hall
805-922-6966 ext. 3427
rhall@hancockcollege.edu
Department Administrative Assistant II
Rose Delgado 805-922-6966 ext. 3334
rose.delgado@hancockcollege.edu
Dean, Academic Affairs
Rick Rantz
805-922-6966 ext. 5203
rrantz@hancockcollege.edu
Location
Santa Maria CampusBldg. C, Rm. 28
805-922-6966 ext. 3732
