Course Descriptions

Sociology - SOC

General Information

Unless stated otherwise, all courses are non-repeatable except under certain conditions.

Open Enrollment

It is the policy of West Hills College Lemoore, unless specifically exempted by statute, that every course section or class, the average daily attendance of which is to be reported for state aid, wherever offered and maintained by the District, shall be fully open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the College and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to Chapter 11, Division 2, Part VI, Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, commencing with Section 41820.

Unit or Credit Value

Each course carries a certain credit or unit value. The amount is indicated in parentheses at the right of the title. A lecture class requires the equivalent of one academic hour, (50 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred. Laboratory classes require three academic hours, (150 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred.

Prerequisite

Prerequisites are prescribed courses covering skills and/or knowledge that are normally expected to be acquired prior to enrolling in another course. The intent of prerequisites is to ensure that any student enrolling in a course in which specific information is required will have the necessary background so that every opportunity exists to experience success. Therefore, any course with a prerequisite presumes that subject matter will be acquired in a sequential way.

Students enrolling in courses without the appropriate prerequisite may find that they are ill-prepared to continue their studies in that course. Prerequisites are designed to enhance success. Please refer to the West Hills College Lemoore prerequisite policy in the Academic Regulations portion of this catalog for additional information.

Corequisite

Corequisites are courses that a student is required to take simultaneously in order to enroll in another course. (Successful completion is defined as a grade C or better for the minimum prerequisite/corequisite requirement.)

Class Hours

The total number of class lecture and laboratory hours for each course is indicated in its course description. The schedule of classes, which is available at the time of class registration, will indicate which dates, days and times a given class is scheduled to meet.

Course Subject

Courses are classified by subjects as they exist at West Hills College Lemoore. All courses within an area usually count towards a major in that area. Other institutions may classify their courses differently. Transfer students should consult the catalog of the four-year college to which they intend to transfer for its classification of identical or comparable courses.

Course Numbering

Courses numbered 001-049 are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. These courses are transferable to four-year institutions. However, the institution that the student transfers to determines the specific transferability of courses.

Courses numbered 050-99 are associate degree level courses. These courses are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses numbered 100-199 are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial courses.

Courses in some subject areas that are traditionally taught as combination lecture- laboratory courses at four-year colleges are split into two separate courses:  one a lecture course for transfer students and one a laboratory course for both transfer and non-transfer students. Students wishing to transfer must take both the lecture and laboratory courses.

  • NOTE:  In case of transfer and non-transfer courses taught concurrently, a student may receive credit only for the course in which he/she is enrolled, not both. A student cannot change from one course to the other except according to regular drop/add procedures. He/She should be guided by the course description and may need to consult a counselor or advisor for aid.
Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer and non-degree applicable courses:

(AA/AS) Associate Degree Applicable

(CSU) Transferable to California State University System

(UC) Transferable to University of California System

(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • SOC-001
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Credit(s) 3

Introduction to Sociology
SOC 001 is an introduction to the sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives of sociology and their application to the fundamental problems of social life. The course includes an overview of sociological explanations, methods, and findings in social structure, group dynamics, socialization, social stratification culture, social change, and global dynamics.(C-ID SOCI 110) (AA/AS, CSU, UC)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
C-ID:
SOCI 110
  • SOC-002
  • Critical Thinking/Social Prob
  • Credit(s) 3

Critical Thinking and Social Problems
SOC 002 explores major social problems experienced by society, with an exploration of the role of power in defining social problems, causes and onsequences, theoretical perspectives, proposed solutions, and methods of interventions. The course focuses on the application of critical thinking skills to strengthen critical analysis and heighten social awareness.(C-ID SOCI 115) (AA/AS, CSU, UC)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
C-ID:
SOCI 115
  • SOC-003
  • Marriage and Family Relations
  • Credit(s) 3

Marriage and Family Relations
SOC 003 explores diversity in family dynamics including historical and recent changes. Topics focus on socio-cultural and economic forces shaping the family, love, mate selection, sexuality, communication patterns, parenthood, and dissolution. Students will learn how paired relationships work in contemporary mass society, why they succeed, and why they sometimes fail. (C-ID SOCI 130) (AA/AS, CSU, UC)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
C-ID:
SOCI 130
  • SOC-005
  • Cultural Sociology
  • Credit(s) 3

Cultural Sociology
SOC 005 surveys multiple dimensions of culture and social stratification in the United States, including race, ethnicity, age, class, physical ability, religion, gender, and sexuality. This course promotes cultural awareness aimed at building cultural intelligence. Attitudes and competencies emphasize theoretical perspectives, cultural change, and future trends in diversity. (C-ID SOCI 150) (AA/AS, CSU, UC)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
C-ID:
SOCI 150
  • SOC-006
  • Drugs and Society
  • Credit(s) 3

Drugs and Society
SOC 006 explores drugs in modern society. The course will address drugs as a social problem including drug effects, trends, regulations, prevention, and treatment. Drug issues and concerns related to use, abuse, dependence, crime, violence, and public policy will be explored. (AA/AS, CSU, UC)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
Successful completion of ENG 051A (Introduction to Communication Skills) or the equivalent.
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • SOC-007
  • Sociology of Mental Health
  • Credit(s) 3

Sociology of Mental Health
SOC 007 examines the perception and response to mental illness, the way mental health services have evolved, and the way different populations are included and excluded from service delivery. The course will address a range of topics on mental health, mental disorders, and the delivery of mental health services in American society. (AA/AS, CSU)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
Transfers to CSU
  • SOC-010
  • Sociological Practice
  • Credit(s) 3

Sociological Practice
SOC 010 examines sociological practice and its tools in understanding intervention in, and/or enhancement of human social life. Students will learn about applied and clinical sociology as multidisciplinary, humanistic fields that assess and reduce problems through analysis and intervention. Students will be exposed to critical assessments of beliefs, policies, and practices with an eye toward improving the situations through civic engagment and change. (AA/AS, CSU)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
Transfers to CSU only