Sociology
19 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
SOC 100* Introduction to Sociology
See SOCI C1000 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 105 Marriage, Family and Intimate Relationships
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 130
A study of the psychology and sociology of the family and intimate relationships. Emphasizes factors that enhance interpersonal relationships. Topics include love, marital choice, communication, conflict, and changing models of the family. Examines cross-cultural and historical factors that impact the family as a social institution and the impact of gender, race and ethinicity, social class, age, and sexual orientation on family organization.
SOC 110 Social Problems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Identification and analysis of contemporary social problems in the United States, with emphasis on the sociological factors involved. Topics include poverty and economic inequality; gender inequality; racial and ethnic inequality; problems in the family, government, education, and the economy; crime; drug use; warfare and violence, among others. A critical evaluation of the causes and solutions.
SOC 115 Introduction to Women's Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SJS 120
The study of the position of women in American society from a sociological and cultural perspective. Topics to be studied include the theoretical approaches to studying gender; the impact of race and ethnicity, class, nationality, and sexual orientation on women's lives; cross-cultural variations in gender roles; the socialization of women; women's role in the major social institutions - the family, education, the political system, religion, the economy, and the mass media; violence against women; and feminism as a social movement.
SOC 125 Human Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 130
Survey of topics pertinent to an understanding of the development of human sexuality. Emphasis on biological, psychological, and cultural determinants of sexual behavior. Current sex norms and various aspects of interpersonal and individual sexual adjustment.
SOC 130 Introduction to Sociology of Health
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course presents a broad introduction to sociological concepts and ideas related to the study of health and medicine in the United States. Emphasis will be on understanding the relationship between social factors and health, the cultural meanings associated with health and illness, the social behavior of health care personnel and people who utilize health care, the political controversies surrounding health care, and the structure of social institutions that form the health care industry. Throughout the course, there will be a focus on culture (African Americans, Latinos/Latinas), gender, age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and disabilities and how these factors influence the experience of health and illness.
SOC 135 Gender and Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 140
What does it mean to be a man or a woman in today's society? This course is an introduction to the study of gender and society. Its focus will be on changes and continuities in the gender roles of men and women and on the role of gender as an organizing principle of contemporary social life. We will examine theoretical approaches to explaining gender, the impact of race, ethnicity, social class, and sexual orientation on conceptions of gender and the impact of gender on interactions in everyday life. As we explore these themes, we will study how culture, the family, the economy, the political system, mass media and the legal system have shaped and in turn are shaped by gender roles.
SOC 145 Psychology and Sociology of Aging
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
A multi-disciplinary approach to the field of gerontology; historical, demographic, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging.
SOC 150 Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Examines alcohol, tobacco, and psychoactive drugs in society. Biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors of drug abuse and dependence will be explored. The impact of addiction on families and society; contemporary treatment techniques, and the addiction counseling profession will be covered.
SOC 155 The Physiology and Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will examine how psychoactive drugs affect the nervous system. Ways of classifying drugs will be identified including the processes of physical and psychological dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, and genetic predispositions. Temporary and long-term affective, behavioral, cognitive, biological, and social consequences of psychoactive drug use will be explored, including disorders such as Korsakoff's syndrome and other nutritional deficiencies.
SOC 165 Self and Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Explores how behaviors, thoughts, and emotions of individuals are created and modified by the social and cultural conditions in which they live. The framework is a theoretical perspective called symbolic interaction. Its focus is on how interactional dynamics shape our behavior and our sense of who we are and what we can do. We use a multicultural approach to understanding the social construction of the self in society. We will analyze issues of identity and equality as they relate to social class, disability, sexual orientation, and among people of color(specifically African Americans and Latinos/Latinas).
SOC 170 Introduction to Justice Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SJS 110
This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Justice Studies. An analysis of justice will be explored using sociological, philosophical, historical, and legal perspectives and methodologies. The course will emphasize social justice issues in the United States, with an emphasis on systems of inequality that affect people of color, women and other marginalized groups.
SOC 175 Introduction to LBGTQI Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SJS 130
This multicultural introductory course examines a range of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer issues from a multicultural perspective. This interdisciplinary course introduces students to contemporary issues, theories and research findings using a sociological lens to focus on social institutions, history, politics, social movements and resistance. The course explores biological and environmental impacts on identity, equity, equality and inclusion, privilege, disadvantage, queer activism and the diverse racial, ethnic, social class and gendered experiences of sexuality. The class will focus strongly on representations in literature, art and popular culture, from a wide variety of multicultural perspectives, in particular perspectives from people of color and those from marginalized racial, ethnic and other groups that span the diverse experiences of the LBGTQI community.
SOC 180 Social Justice Statistics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion of intermediate algebra or the equivalent, or eligibility or completion of PSYC/SOC 205, BUS 204, or any course between MATH 100 and 245 (excluding MATH 197) based on multiple measures.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MATH 110, SOCI 125
This is an introductory course on elementary statistics for social justice. Emphasis is placed on basic data analysis techniques as well as statistical and probability concepts. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; hypothesis testing; t-tests, analysis of variance, and chi-square; correlation and simple linear regression; and computer technology for statistical analysis based on a social justice lens applied to Social and Behavioral Sciences, Administration of Justice, Political Science, Health Science, Economics, Business, Education, and other related fields.
SOC 197 Special Topics in Sociology
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 1.00-3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Current topics in sociology will be discussed in lecture or seminar formats. Issues in such areas as deviance, stratification, demography, gender roles, death and dying, new immigrant groups, and others will be analyzed in cultural context from various theoretical perspectives. Content will vary from semester to semester.
SOC 200 Race, Class, and Ethnic Groups in America
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI
This course is designed to introduce the topics of intergroup relations in general to superordinate-subordinate relations in particular, as exemplified in various racial, ethnic, social class, and cultural groups. Emphasis is primarily on contemporary relations in the United States, although a comparative perspective is also offered.
SOC 205 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. For more information, refer to the Palomar College catalog under Course Information, Requisite Details.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MATH 110, SOCI 125
Quantitative and qualitative methods as applied to behavioral science data. Frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, variability, hypothesis testing, measures of probability and significance, correlation, regression, and inferential statistics. Also included are data entry, graphing, statistical analysis, and interpretation of data using word processing, spreadsheet, and statistical software.
SOC 210 Research Methods for Sociology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- SOCI C1000 Recommended Preparation: SOC 180 or PSYC 205 or SOC 205
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 120
Introduces empirical scientific methods for the social sciences with a focus on the nature of theory, research ethics, application of quantitative and qualitative analytical tools including surveys, interviews, field research, participant observation, experimental, case study, demographic methods, and comparative historical research.
SOC 300 Applied Social Statistics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- SOC 180 or STAT C1000 or BUS 204 or PSYC 205 or SOC 205 or the equivalent. Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California Community College. Recommended Preparation: SOCI C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
Applied statistical techniques in the analysis of population dynamics, urban planning, and behavioral engagement patterns for socially responsible and inclusive societies. Students will utilize statistical analysis software, applying descriptive and inferential statistics, probability, correlation, and regression analysis, to address real-world social issues through an equitable lens. Emphasis is placed on developing the ability to interpret data, communicate findings effectively, and apply statistical insights to support evidence-based decision-making in academic, policy, and community contexts.