About the Sociology Program
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and human behavior. It seeks
to understand all aspects of human social behavior, including the behavior of individuals,
as well as the social dynamics of small groups, large organizations, communities,
institutions, and entire societies. Students of Sociology study a broad array of topics,
including social networks, gender roles and relationships, family structure and behavior,
interpersonal relationships and processes, urban development, historical societies
and economies, rural social trends, social movements, gang violence, current immigration
issues, race and ethnic relations, and crime and incarceration. Sociology looks for
what is universal, as well as what varies across societies and groups, and Sociology
courses explore social change and provide a lens into the complexity of the causes
and consequences of human behavior. The results of sociological investigations help
develop new theories and inform social policy, programs, and laws.
Sociology intersects with many other disciplines. Economics and politics, for example,
are common concerns of sociologists; but the difference is that Sociology tends to
approach these issues as part of a complex system, rather than independent features
of society. Sociology is concerned foremost with interrogating how social institutions
and social structure shape individuals’ and groups’ experiences, identities, social
locations, and life chances. Sociology’s breadth is particularly valuable in our increasingly
global, interdependent world.
Students who major in Sociology learn to deal creatively with new and challenging
problems, and are typically motivated both by the desire to better understand the
fundamental principles of social life, as well as by the conviction that an understanding
of these principles may aid in the formulation of more enlightened, effective, equity-minded
social policy.
Sociology provides a strong intellectual foundation for students to enter a wide range
of occupational areas, including social research, policy analysis, government agencies,
social and human services, counseling, community planning, health services, market
research, public relations, journalism, teaching, law and criminal justice, and nonprofit
organizations.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students
planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses
completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university.
Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Degrees and Certificates
Associate in Arts for Transfer - Sociology
18 units + General Education Requirements
This program involves the scientific study of society, social institutions, and social
relationships. The course of study provides students the opportunity to acquire skills
in research, information gathering, analytical and critical thinking, problem-solving,
and written and verbal communication.
Program Map
View Requirements
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Program Level Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
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Exhibit strong academic behaviors, evidenced by their timeliness, regular attendance,
participation in class activities, adherence to the College Honor Code, and awareness
of their opportunities and obligations as students.
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Demonstrate through oral and/or written work knowledge of society and human social
interaction, including cultural development, the process of socialization, social
structure, social stratification, particularly in the areas of social class, race
and ethnicity, gender,and social change.
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Demonstrate the ability to evaluate evidence and make compelling arguments that identify
the social forces impacting a given social problem, and advance reasonable conclusions
concerning the explanatory value of dominant sociological paradigms for a given social
issue.
Potential Career Options
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