Skip to main content

Las Positas College statements on hate speech and freedom of expression Read more.

Our Mission

Las Positas College is an inclusive, learning-centered, equity-focused environment that offers educational opportunities and support for completion of students' transfer, degree, and career-technical goals while promoting lifelong learning.

Download PDF

Sociology Courses

SOC 1 - Principles of Sociology

3 units

The sociological perspective: scientific study of human interaction and society as a whole with emphasis on impact of groups on social behavior; systematic examination of culture and social organization, and methodology. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D0; IGETC: 4J; C-ID# SOCI 110.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter Grade

SOC 3 - Introduction to Race and Ethnicity

3 units

Racial and ethnic relations in the United States. 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. Students who have completed, or are enrolled in, ETHS 6 may not receive credit. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV, VI. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D, F; IGETC: 4; C-ID# SOCI 150.

Recommended Course Preparation: SOC 1 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

SOC 4 - Marriage and Family Relations

3 units

Sociological perspective of the family including mate selection, marital roles, marital adjustment, sexual adjustment, reproduction, child rearing, marital dissolution, and problems associated with the family in modern industrial society. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D0, E; IGETC: 4J; C-ID# SOCI 130.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter Grade

SOC 5 - Introduction to Global Studies

3 units

This course looks at the economic and political forces that have led to rapid changes in global interaction and culture over the past century, with special emphasis on the last twenty years. It explores the issues of nationalism, global citizenry, state violence, terrorism, the global economy, migration, the threatened environment, technology, and the role of multinational media industries on culture. Students who have completed, or are enrolled in, GS 1 may not receive credit. 54 hours lecture.  AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D; IGETC: 4.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter Grade

SOC 6 - Social Problems

3 units

An identification and analysis of contemporary social problems including (1) the role of power and ideology in the definition of social problems, (2) their causes and consequences, (3) evaluations of proposed solutions, and (4) methods of intervention. Topics will vary. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D0; IGETC: 4J; C-ID# SOCI 115.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

SOC 7 - Sociology of Sexuality

3 units

This course looks at the social forces that influence, and are influenced by our construction of sexuality. Topics covered include: the social construction of the erotic, the creation of sexual identities, gender and sexuality, religion and sexuality, sexual commerce, and global issues such as birth control and STDs. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D, E; IGETC: 4.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter Grade

SOC 11 - Sociology of Gender

3 units

This course examines the social construction of masculinity and femininity historically and cross-culturally. It analyzes the impact of economic and political change on gender expectations and practices. This class focus includes both macro-analysis of how institutions shape gender and microanalyses of how individuals “do” or practice gender. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D0, D4; IGETC: 4J; C-ID# SOCI 140.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

SOC 12 - Popular Culture

3 units

The course explores the historical, theoretical, political, economic, and global factors that influence the construction and consumption of popular culture from a sociological perspective. The course investigates representations of intersectional social identities involving race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and disability in popular culture through the critical analysis of film, television, music, print and digital media. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D0; IGETC: 4J.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

SOC 13 - Research Methods

4 units

This course orients students to the methods of data collection and analysis used by sociologists. Instruction includes an overview of sociological theory, instruction on experimental methods, surveys, interviews, field research, participant observation, demographic methods, and comparative historical approaches. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D0; IGETC: 4J; C-ID# SOCI 120.

Prerequisite: SOC 1 with a minimum grade of C.

Recommended Course Preparation: MATH 40 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

SOC 29 - Independent Study, Sociology

0.5 - 2 units

Supervised study in the area of Sociology. Any student interested in registering for an Independent Studies course should contact a full/part-time instructor or dean in the appropriate area. 27-108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass