Academic Catalogs

Sociology

The Sociology department at OCC provides students with a core curriculum that instills the knowledge, skills, and practices of sociological content, theory, and methodology. In addition to providing an associate’s degree for transfer (AA-T), we offer a variety of courses, all of which are transferable to UC and CSU schools with many satisfying general education, transfer, and degree requirements. Our courses cover topics such as social problems, research methods, race and ethnicity, and relationships and family. The program seeks to foster critical and systemic thinking and increase self-knowledge as well as awareness of the diversity of the human condition. In addition, our Sociology Department houses Ethnic Studies, Gender Studies, and Social Justice Studies courses, which are all transferrable to UC and CSU schools. Students can explore many topics on sexuality, gender and politics,  LatinX, Asian American, African American, and Native American Studies, social movements, and activism in these areas.

Sociology Program Information:
Students who complete the sociology program will be prepared for a variety of jobs in areas such as education, non-profit, government, private sector, entrepreneurship, law enforcement, health care, research and development, and a multitude of developing industries.  Our students also transfer to prestigious sociology departments and often continue their graduate studies.

Sociology Program Contact Information:
Dr. Jessica Ayo Alabi, Chair of Department: jalabi@occ.cccd.edu

Candy Pettus: cpettus@occ.cccd.edu

Rachel Ridnor: rridnor@occ.cccd.edu

Sociology Department Website

Credit Courses

SOC A1003 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Sociology  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
An introductory study of the basic concepts, theoretical approaches, and methods of sociology. Topics typically include the analysis and explanation of social structure, group dynamics, socialization and the self, social stratification, culture and diversity, social change, and global dynamics. Course objectives include the ability to apply sociological ideas to everyday life. Enrollment Limitation: SOC A100H; students who complete SOC A100 may not enroll in or receive credit for SOC A100. C-ID: SOCI 110.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SOC A100

SOC A100H3 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Sociology Honors  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The study of social interrelationships and human group organization. Attention is given to the foundations of society, culture, group organization, social differentiation, and the methods of sociological study. Emphasis is on American social institutions. Enrollment Limitation: SOC A100; students who complete SOC A100H may not enroll in or receive credit for SOC A100H. C-ID: SOCI 110.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SOC A100H

SOC A1103 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Dating, Relationships, and Marriage  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The sociological analysis of the structures and functions of dating, relationships, marriage and family . Emphasis on sociological theory and research on kinship systems, components of mate selection, intimate relationships, marriage patterns and child-rearing practices. The family is examined from historical, cultural, and global perspectives and in relation to social change. C-ID: SOCI 130.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SOC A110

SOC A1503 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Race and Ethnicity  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Sociological analysis of race, ethnicity, and racism. Examines the cultural, political, and economic practices and institutions that support or challenge racism, racial and ethnic inequalities, as well as patterns of interaction between various racial and ethnic groups. Enrollment Limitation: SJS A101; students who complete SOC A150 may not enroll in or receive credit for SJS A101. C-ID: SOCI 150.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SOC A150

SOC A1853 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Analysis of Social Problems  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
An analysis of contemporary social problems. Topics include global ecology, political economy, sexual behavior, drug use, racism, sexism, ageism, education, environment, health issues, crime, and violence. Enrollment Limitation: SOC A185H; students who complete SOC A185 may not enroll in or receive credit for SOC A185H. C-ID: SOCI 115.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SOC A185

SOC A185H3 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Analysis of Social Problems Honors  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
An analysis of contemporary social problems. Topics include global ecology, political economy, sexual behavior, drug use, racism, sexism, ageism, education, environment, health issues, crime, and violence. Enrollment Limitation: SOC A185; students who complete SOC A185H may not enroll in or receive credit for SOC A185. C-ID: SOCI 115.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SOC A185H

SOC A2003 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Research Methods  
Prerequisite(s): SOC A100 or SOC A100H.
Advisory: STAT C1000.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Introduces basic steps in the research process and/or basic steps in critically evaluating discussions on social issues using a variety of research methodologies. Emphasizes the scientific investigation of social subject matter. C-ID: SOCI 120.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SOC A200