Sociology
ApplyUnderstanding Societies
Enroll in a Sociology course at Skyline College to gain an understanding of how people interact with their communities, human behavior throughout history, and how culture, social class, gender, race/ethnicity and age impact people's life chances, practices and attitudes. Students will learn to analyze, evaluate and make decisions concerning complex contemporary social issues.

Skyline Colleges Sociology classes aim to help students understand the critical role social factors play in determining the health of individuals, groups, and the larger society.
To succeed in Sociology, students will learn to analyze, evaluate and make decisions concerning complex contemporary social issues.
Career Outlook
Sociology is a versatile discipline that prepares a student for various careers and possibilities. In addition to a career as a sociologist, career possibilities for Sociology majors include social services and counseling, sale and marketing, early childhood development, administrative support, teaching, service occupations, legal careers, community organizations, activism, administration of justice, journalism, and social scientific research.
The State of California Employment Development Department provides an online Occupational Guide that provides helpful job descriptions, job outlooks and wages, and qualification requirements for a wide variety of careers. Use this guide to find more information about a career that may interest you.
Looking for a list of classes offered this semester?
Check out the current class schedule.All Courses
SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology (3 units)
An introduction to the scientific study of how people organize themselves and interact in social settings. It encourages students’ curiosity about society and sociological analyses of current social issues. It fosters an appreciation of cross-cultural perspectives and allows people to distinguish between personal troubles and public issues.
SOCI 105 Contemporary Social Issues (3 units)
Examination of selected social issues viewed in relation to changes going on in society, including poverty, aging, health care, corporate power and work.
SOCI 110 Courtship, Marriage and Family (3 units)
Examination of the social, psychological, historical, legal and economic factors relating to changing family, courtship, heterosexual and same sex marriage and partnership patterns: Exploration of changing gender roles, courtship patterns and parenting will also be included. Emphasis will be placed on diversity of families and family forms. Also listed as PSYC 110.
SOCI 129 Introduction to Research Methods (3 units)
Examination of basic principles and methods of sociological research. Application and critique of major research methods, including survey, ethnographic, experimental, discourse, and historical comparative analysis. Identifying fundamental components of sociological research design, such as theory, hypothesis, and variables. Ethical and political implications of social research are also considered.
SOCI 141 Race and Ethnicity (3 units)
An introduction to sociological analysis of racial and ethnic construction and its impacts on various social institutions. Exploration of cultural, political, historical, and ideological factors affecting race and ethnic relations. Examination of contemporary forms of racism that affect marginalized racial and ethnic groups in America, and methods to challenge racism and racial inequality.
SOCI 142 Filipina/o Community Issues (3 units)
An introduction to understanding the sociological, cultural, and psychological aspects of Filipina/o Americans. Using both sociological and psychological frameworks, the course will explore the effects of Spanish and American colonialism; diaspora; assimilation, and decolonization.
SOCI 143 Sociology of Migration and Immigration (3 units)
An introduction to the interdisclipinary study of human migratory movement and immigrant settlement. Using sociological perspectives and research from biology, anthropology, geography, history, sociology, psychology and political science, the course will examine human migration patterns, environmental conditions, political context, economic factors and cultural identity. Students may have the opportunity to trace their ancestor’s migration patterns.
SOCI 160 Sociology of Sex, Gender and Sexuality (3 units)
Sociological analysis of gendered social structure and its intersection with social class, race, sexuality, and other systems of difference. Study of various forms of oppression that stem from norms of heterosexuality, patriarchy and gender binarism at macro, mezzo and micro levels of society. Examination of feminist and lesbigay movements, and their impacts and challenges.
SOCI 201 Sociology of Health and Medicine (3 units)
This course explores sociological perspectives and methods on the study of health and medical practice. Through independent research and analysis it fosters in students an understanding of the social facets of health and disease, the social behavior of health care personnel and people who utilize health care, the social functions of health organizations and institutions, the social patterns of health services, and the relationship of health care delivery systems to other systems and cultures.
SOCI B10 Intersectionality and Citizenship (3 units)
Exploration of the intersection of identities: race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender, and citizenship status. Students will explore and analyze how race and ethnicity are socially constructed and intersect with identities such as class and gender. Provides students theoretical frameworks for assessing these constructs and their consequences.
Program | Type | Total Units |
---|---|---|
Sociology for Transfer | AA-T | 60 Units |
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Apply sociological theories and concepts to decipher the system of social stratification, power and privileges arising from factors such as social class, gender, and race.
- Demonstrate understanding of sociological methodological approaches.
- Apply a sociological perspective to analyze how social structure manifests itself in their own lives in order to actively participate in civic life.
Location: Building 1
Email: socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu