Associate in Arts for Transfer | SC Program: AA-T.1002

Sociology is all about understanding human interactions and social institutions and examining why they work the way they do. Most sociology majors want to work with people and gravitate towards careers in human services, social work, government, education and community organizing.

Sociology is the systematic and scientific study of society and social behavior. The sociologist looks beyond individual and unique events to the predictable broad patterns and regular occurrences of social life that influence individuals. Studies range from the profound impact of post-industrial societies on family life, crime, mass communications, gender, race, ethnicity and intergenerational relations to the study of emotions and the values that govern daily social encounters.

The sociology major is designed to provide undergraduate preparation leading to careers in social work, politics, law, public administration, the nonprofit sector, international development, marketing, urban and environmental planning, public relations, personnel, criminal justice, counseling and other social service professions. The Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer degree will also prepare a student for advanced studies in several areas, including sociology, social work, environmental studies, education, public health and urban planning. This degree prepares students for a CSU Baccalaureate Degree in Sociology.

Choose your path

Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.

A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.

Fall Semester, First Year

13 Units Total
ENGL 1A
GE 4
Reading & Composition
ENGL 1A
Units 4
This course is the transferable course in composition currently offered to qualified freshmen at practically all American colleges and universities. It presupposes that the students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. The course concentrates on developing effective writing and reading. A library research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This composition class is also taught by Distance Learning. In these sections of ENGL 1A, students will be required to attend class lecture/discussion in a virtual on-line classroom instead of physically attending in a classroom. This will require participation through a text-only Internet connection utilizing a WebCT classroom. Minimum requirement: ability to access World Wide Web addresses. Students may access WebCT through any Internet ramp, including Personal Computer or Web T.V. connection or any Internet connection accessible through the local library, work, school, etc.
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SOC 3
GE M 3
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
SOC 3
Units 3
This course is an introduction to the basic statistical methods and analyses commonly used in the behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics; levels and types of measurement; measures of central tendency and dispersion; normal, t, and chi-square distributions; probability and hypothesis testing; and correlation and regression. Applications of statistical software to the behavioral sciences and/or other social science data is required. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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SOC 1
GE M 3
Introduction to Sociology
SOC 1
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher. This course is designed to introduce the beginning student through discussion and lectures, to the basic terminology, concepts and methods necessary for a sociological analysis of social behavior in a group or social context. The course is an introductory course, thus, it deals with breadth, not depth. The major elements of sociological analysis surveyed are culture, society, social groups, socialization, social stratification, social change, collective behavior, deviance, symbolic communication and alienation. This course is also offered as a distance education course in video/CD ROM format, video format and internet format. In the Internet format, students will attend lectures and discussions in a virtual online classroom instead of meeting with the instructor on campus. Students will participate through an Internet connection. Minimum requirements: ability to access World Wide Web addresses.
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STU 1
GE 3
College Success
STU 1
Units 3
This intensive course is designed to assist students in obtaining the skills and knowledge necessary to reach their educational objectives. Students will have an opportunity to examine controversial issues of value and conflict, employ effective methods of stress management, and most importantly, apply strategies for achieving academic success. Topics covered include: motivation and discipline, memory development, time management, communication skills, career and transfer planning and a wide variety of student skills and techniques for college success.
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Spring Semester, First Year

16 Units Total
ENGL 1B
GE 3
Literature & Composition
ENGL 1B
Units 3
Course is an introduction to the study of literature, some of its major themes and types, including poetry, short story, novel and drama. Critical and analytical thinking, reading, and writing skills are stressed, with emphasis on close textual analysis and use of textual evidence to support ideas about literary works. Students will learn to argue and refute interpretations of literature and to recognize a wide variety of strategies employed to achieve literary effects. Students taking the Internet format of this course must have access to the Internet.
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SOC 2
GE M 3
Social Problems
SOC 2
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher. The course involves the student in the formal sociological analysis of some of the major problems of life - crime, delinquency, drug addiction, race relations, etc. Each semester the course emphasizes an investigation of the expression of a problem of consequence to both the nation and local community. This course is also offered as a distance education course in video/CD ROM format, video format and Internet format. In the Internet format, students will attend lectures and discussions in a virtual online classroom instead of meeting with the instructor on campus. Students will participate through an Internet connection. Minimum requirements: ability to access World Wide Web addresses.
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SOC 25
GE M 3
Sociology of Minorities
SOC 25
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher A survey course designed to introduce the student to identification and sociological analysis of present-day racial minority groups in the United States. This course is also offered as a distance education course in video/CD ROM format, video format and Internet format. In the Internet format, students will attend lectures and discussions in a virtual online classroom instead of meeting with the instructor on campus. Students will participate through an Internet connection. Minimum requirements: ability to access World Wide Web addresses.
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ART 2
GE 3
Western Art Through the Renaissance
ART 2
Units 3
A historical survey course of the visual arts including architecture, crafts, engraving, etching, graphics, painting, sculpture, and woodcuts. Historical periods covered are Stone Age, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Aegean, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, Byzantine, Christian, Medieval, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance. (30,000 B.C. - 1500 A.D.) Required for the Art Core Program and recommended for Humanities elective.
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CMST 60
GE 3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. Subjects covered are audience analysis, choosing speech topics, finding and using supporting materials, arranging and outlining related points, essentials of speech delivery and evaluation. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays.
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STU 90
1
Career Choice
STU 90
Units 1
A course designed for students who are undecided about their educational and/or career goals. Through a series of group exercises, and career development testing, students learn to identify personal values, interests, skills, aversions, and personality patterns and understand how they relate to choices in the world of work. Students learn to access occupational information, develop decision-making skills and set career goals. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year

16 Units Total
SOC 30
GE M 3
Sociology of Gender
SOC 30
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher, or a grade of C or higher in ESL 138.

This course is an introduction to the sociological study of gender. The central themes of the course will be changes and continuities in gender roles within the U.S. and abroad, the social processes that influence our lives and gender identities, and the connections between gender, power, and inequality. As we explore these themes, we will study how culture, the economy, and the family have been pivotal sites for the maintenance, reproduction, and change in gender roles in both the U.S. and abroad. We will pay special attention to the ways in which race, class and sexual orientation intersect processes of gender relations and social change. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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PSYC 1A
GE M 3
General Psychology
PSYC 1A
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or English Placement Level 6 or higher. PSYC 1A is the basic introductory course for the study of psychology as a science and as a profession. It provides both a general survey and intensive introduction to these concepts and elementary principles which are unique to psychology. Topics include perception, learning, development, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and biological and social bases of behavior. This course is also offered as Distance Education but is the same in content as that offered on campus.
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HIST 2
GE 3
World Civilization to 1500 C.E.
HIST 2
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher

This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ESCI 12
GE 4
General Earth Science
ESCI 12
Units 4
Note: Required field trips. The lecture portion of this course may be offered as distance education.

A survey course designed for non-science majors which spans the Earth-related sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. In general, the course focuses on physical processes and materials as related to each discipline. Topics include the geologic evolution of the Earth, economic resources derived from the Earth, Earth materials, evolution and character of the oceans, ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric processes including weather and climate, the solar system and Earth as part of the universe. Using an Earth systems approach, lecture and laboratory will consider concepts centered about the sustainable use of natural resources. The laboratory portion of this course provides hands-on activities that support and demonstrate lecture concepts. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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POLS 2
GE 3
Introduction to American Government
POLS 2
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or ESL 138, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, Second Year

15 Units Total
BIOL 5
GE 3
Introduction to Human Biology
BIOL 5
Units 3
An introductory one semester course in human anatomy and physiology. Topics include the cells, tissues, and selected anatomy and physiology of all the human systems.
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ETHS 1
GE 3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUM 2
GE 3
Exploring the Humanities
HUM 2
Units 3
This course is designed to explore the humanities by examining expression of human values, ideas, concerns, and experience through the arts, literature, media and the social sciences. The reading of important works in the humanities, written analysis, and attendance at selected performances are major requirements of this course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUSV 70
GE M 3
Intro to Social Work and Human Services
HUSV 70
Units 3
An introductory overview of social welfare and the societal institutions in the U.S. that structure the provision of social services. The course presents a historical perspective on the development of U.S. social work and human services. Special attention is given to current service delivery systems, their policies and procedures, and the tasks of culturally responsive social workers and human service workers within those settings.
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HIST 17A
GE 3
United States History
HIST 17A
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.

*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:

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