SOCI C1000 - Introduction to Sociology

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course introduces students to Sociology: the study of people, groups, and institutions that shape people’s lives. Through a mix of theory, research, and real-world examples, students explore key sociological concepts like culture, inequality, power, collective action, and social change. With content reflecting diverse histories and lived experiences, students make connections between their lives and the social forces that influence individual opportunities and choices. Students in this course will develop a critical lens that allows them to better understand and transform themselves and society. (C-ID SOCI 110).

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Define and apply the sociological imagination to everyday life.
2. Compare a variety of major sociological theories and concepts and apply them to socially-constructed dynamics.
3. Explain what makes sociology a social/behavioral science and the methods sociologists use to ethically conduct research.
4. Analyze the origins and processes of social inequality, systemic oppression, and social change using an intersectional approach.
5. Identify and evaluate the social forces and structures that shape, guide, and influence individual and group behaviors in society.
6. Outline and critically annotate the historical development of sociology as a separate discipline.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Discussion
2. Group Discussions
3. Guest Speakers
4. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
5. Lecture
6. Reading Assignments

1. Methods of formative and summative evaluation used to assess course outcomes and objectives may include, but are not limited to, academic writing and analysis, reflections, participation and discussion, service learning, project-based learning, research, presentations, field journals, quizzes, and/or exams.
   
   Methods of evaluation and appropriate representative assignments will be determined at the discretion of local faculty.

Reading Assignments

1. Read William Rees' article "Is Humanity Fatally Successful" and critically evaluate the differences between the biological and the cultural causes of planetary resource depletion by human societies and come prepared for discussion in class.
2. Read C. Wright Mills "The Sociological Imagination" and explain the distinction he makes between "Private Troubles" and "Public Issues" and be prepared to explain the distinction in class.

Writing Assignments

1. Analyze and write a 2-page paper about the differences between 'discrimination' and 'prejudice' and how each manifests in society.
2. Write a 2-page list of the differences between 'symbolic' and 'material' culture in the context of the evolution of knowledge and technology in human civilization. Incorporate this in your Discussion assignment.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Conduct an Ecological Footprint Analysis of your household. Analyze your findings in a way that will allow members of your household to scale back their footprint. What types of behavioral and lifestyle changes can you and members of your household make to reduce your overall footprint, and what impact will those changes have on your consumption habits. Write a 1-page assessment and be prepared to discuss your personal footprint with your colleagues.
2. Interview 8 of your closest friends about their expectations for the U.S. economy in the coming 10 years. Record their critiques of the economy and their thoughts about their own future economic prospects in terms of finding gainful employment and achieving an acceptable overall standard of living.  Make a scale that illustrates these attitudes/opinions of your colleagues on a 10 point scale between 'Extremely Optimistic' and 'Extremely Pessimistic'. Bring your scale to class to share and compare with everyone else's scale.

Khan, S., et al. (2025). A Sociology Experiment. CritReview, 3rd. 9798987326732.

Henslin, J. (2024). Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach. Pearson, 15th. 9780137874927.

Wade, L. (2025). Terrible Magnificent Sociology. Norton, 2nd. 9781324101574.

Macionis, J. (2023). Society: The Basics. Pearson, 16th. 9780137873111.

Giddens, A. et al. (2024). Introduction to Sociology. W. W. Norton Publishing, 13th. 9781324062226.

Ferris, K. & Stein, J. (2026). The Real World: An Introduction to Sociology. W.W. Norton Publishing, 10th. 9781324116059.

Ritzer, G. & Weidenhoff Murphy, W. (2019). Introduction to Sociology. Sage, 5th. 9781544355184.

Zero Cost Textbook

Conerly, T. et al. (2025). Introduction to Sociology 3e. Open Stax. (OER). https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-sociology-3e

Other Learning Materials

Textbook choice is at the discretion of faculty. Texts and course materials will be in accessible format. Priority will be given to OER or low-cost materials where possible. May also include supplementary materials such as primary sources or readers.

Sociology (Masters Required)