Sociology
6 courses · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
SOCI-C1000 Introduction to Sociology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- SOC-01
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 110
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. (11/25)
SOCI-02 Contemporary Social Problems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- SOC-02
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 115
SOCI-02 introduces fundamental theories and methodologies employed in the study of contemporary social problems. An emphasis is placed on analysis of causes and possible solutions to such problems as poverty, discrimination, crime, delinquency, alcoholism, drug abuse, suicide, family, and politics. A global perspective focuses on the international influences and contributions to various contemporary social problems. (12/19)
SOCI-03 Marriage and the Family
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- SOC-03
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI: 130
This course provides an overview of sociological theories and concepts utilized to investigate marriage and family relationships. An empirical as well as experiential analysis of the changes in marriage and family functions, structures, and roles is emphasized. Special focus is paid to contemporary issues, concerns and debates regarding marriage and family dynamics. (12/18)
SOCI-04 Introduction to Gender
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- SOC-04
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 140
Sociological analysis of the social construction of gender, masculinity, and femininity historically and cross-culturally. This course examines the debates on sex and gender. It analyzes the impact of economic and political change on gender expectations and practices. It focuses on macroanalyses of how institutions shape gender and microanalyses of how individuals are socialized and how they “do” and practice gender (11/19)
SOCI-05 Race, Ethnicity, and Inequality (Also: Ethn-05)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- SOC-05
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 150
This course examines the cultural, political, and economic practices and institutions leading to racial and ethnic oppression in the United States, highlighting the agency and resistance of historically marginalized groups. It presents an overview of historical and contemporary patterns of interaction between various racial and ethnic groups through an intersectional and anti-racist perspective. (10/21)
SOCI-06 Introduction to Crime
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- SOC-06
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 160
Sociological analysis of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. Explores the history and social construction of crime and criminality and examines the definition of crime and its violations as well as the laws and methods used to control criminal behavior. Discuss measurement of crime and basic theoretical explanations of criminal behavior. (11/19)