GCC General Catalog 2009-2010
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General Catalog 2009-2010

Programs and Courses

Sociology

General Information

For Information: Glenn Sims
Phone: 623.845.3694

 

Student Goals: Personal, General Education, Career-related

Sociology courses systematically examine social behavior and human groups, particularly the influence of culture, socialization, social structure, stratification, social institutions, differentiation by race, ethnicity, gender, age, class and socio-cultural change upon people’s attitudes and behavior.

Students take these courses:

  • For Personal Interest. SOC101 introduces basic sociological concepts and processes. Other courses especially appropriate to contemporary social issues are SOC130 (Human Sexuality), 140 (Racial & Ethnic Minorities), 157 (Sociology of Marriage and Family), 212 (Women and Men in a Changing Society), 251 (Social Problems), and 253 (Social Class in America).
  • To meet general education requirements in Social and Behavioral Science. Most SOC courses described below meet this requirement for the three Associate degrees at GCC. SOC101 is particularly recommended as the initial course.
  • As Needed Background for other careers. SOC101 is required in the Nursing transfer and the Pre-Law programs described in this catalog. In addition, several other SOC courses are either required or may be selected as electives in that program. Sociology courses are also recommended for those intending to pursue careers in social services, the health professions, gerontology, business (especially non-profit sector), justice studies, public administration, census and market research, education, and urban and rural planning.
  • To Prepare for a Major in Sociology at a four-year institution. SOC101 and up to three other SOC courses are recommended for transfer students. All SOC courses described below transfer to Arizona universities. A broad background in the social sciences will be of value.

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Course Descriptions

Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally

Sociology (SOC)

SOC101
Introduction to Sociology / 3 credits / 3 periods

Fundamental concepts of social organization, culture, socialization, social institutions and social change. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su2,E, Su1,D)

SOC130
Human Sexuality / 3 credits / 3 periods

Examination of the physical, social, cultural, and institutional contributions to human sexuality. Examination of facts and myths, literature, and changing mores regarding human sexuality to acquire knowledge about cultural and social events and processes. Explores the sexuality of males and females in contemporary society. Prerequisites: Student must be 18 years or older. (F,S,D)

SOC140
Racial & Ethnic Minorities / 3 credits / 3 periods

Contemporary/Historical racial and ethnic intergroup relations emphasizing cultural origins, developments, and problems of minority groups in the United States. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1, D,E)

SOC157
Sociology of Marriage& Family / 3 credits / 3 periods

The study of courtship, marriage, and family patterns, their historical development, their adaptation to a changing culture, and their impact on individuals. Prerequisites: None. (O)

SOC212
Gender and Society / 3 credits / 3 periods

A study of the way culture shapes and defines the positions and roles of both men and women in society. Major emphasis on social conditions which may lead to a broadening of gender roles and a reduction of gender role stereotypes and the implications of these changes. Open to both men and women. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D)

SOC251
Social Problems / 3 credits / 3 periods

A sociological exploration of selected social problems. Emphasis on current concerns. Prerequisites: SOC101. (O)

SOC253
Social Class and Stratification / 3 credits / 3 periods

Focus on the class structure of American Society. Effects of social class position on individual life chances. The occurrence, causes and consequences of poverty in the United States. Prerequisites: SOC101. (O)

SOC265
Sociology of Aging / 3 credits / 3 periods

Examination of the aging process from post adolescence through old age from interdisciplinary and multicultural perspectives. Emphasis on positive participation in major social institutions and the amelioration of age-related problems. Prerequisites: SOC101. (O)

SOC298
Special Projects / 1-3 credits

Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or instructor. (O)

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