Sociology
10 courses · Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
SOC 102 Major Social Problems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 115
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the definition, development, reduction, and elimination of major social problems in contemporary society. Topics include problems of mental and physical health, including addictions, crime and violence, social inequality, terrorism and war, and technology and the environment. Various social theories and relevant empirical research are critically examined throughout the course.
SOC 105 Introduction to Human Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for students interested in the social scientific study of human sexuality. The course provides students with knowledge about the processes and variation in sexual functions, reproduction, intimate relationships, sexual and gender role development, and sexual activities. The social, cultural, and historical contexts of human sexuality are critically analyzed; and numerous factors involved in human sexuality are explored, emphasizing sexuality as a form of human interaction.
SOC 110 Human Sexuality from a Cross-Cultural Perspective
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is for students interested in human sexuality from a cross-cultural perspective. Sexual anatomy, development, response, and behavior will be examined, along with historical and cultural patterns. Students will learn about the development and expression of gender and orientation from both Western and non-Western perspectives, with an emphasis on the influences of culture on individuals.
SOC 114 Hookups, Breakups, and Makeups
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 130
This course is designed for students interested in examining issues such as marriage, family, and emerging alternative lifestyles from a sociological perspective. The course explores love, sexuality, mate selection, and engagement preceding traditional marriage and family patterns; extra-marital and non-marital unions; singles; and future trends in intimate relationship styles.
SOC 116 Power, Oppression, and Privilege: Race and Ethnic Relations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 150
This course is designed for students interested in understanding the complexities of multiethnic, multiracial societies. The course presents an overview of the structure and character of racial and ethnic relations in the United States and abroad. Students gain knowledge of the treatment and experiences of a variety of racial and ethnic groups and gain insight into the complex social features of intergroup contact.
SOC 120 She, He, They: Intersections of Gender
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 140
In this course students explore how gender shapes peoples' lives and the world around them. Using a sociological perspective, students will examine gender as a social construction rather than a simple biological difference. Topics may include cultural ideas of gender, gender and the economy, politics, the media, families, and education. This course is designed for students who want to learn more about the social connections of gender, and how the importance of gender differences are reinforced in society today.
SOC 127 Introduction to Criminology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 160
This course is designed for students interested in the subject of criminology. The scientific analysis of the nature, extent, and causes of violations of societal rules of behavior formally defined as crime and delinquency is emphasized. The course includes an analysis of the development of criminal law and the administration of criminal justice; the patterns of criminality and delinquency; the impact of crime on social change; and the labeling, identification, characteristics, and treatment of criminals and delinquents.
SOC 130 Introduction to Disability Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- SOCI C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces the topic of disability studies from a sociological perspective. Students learn definitions and distinctions involved in the study of disabilities, which include various theories and models of disability. The course is designed for students who want to learn about the connections between disability and society, including the culture of disability and ableism, the relationship between disability and various social institutions, and the intersectional relationship between disabled and other marginalized groups.
SOC 299 Directed Study in Sociology
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 54-162 Lab
- Prerequisite
- SOCI C1000 or SOCI C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an opportunity for students to expand their studies in Sociology beyond the classroom by completing a project or an assignment arranged by an agreement between students and an instructor. Independent study/directed study is intended for students able to assume responsibility for independent work, and to prepare written or oral reports and/or appropriate projects. To enroll in an independent study/directed study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average, a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent studies/directed studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students are expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress are evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for independent studies/directed studies shall be the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title V regulations, with one unit (1) of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, six (6) hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress through the semester. Students may take directed study courses for a maximum of three (3) units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of nine (9) units college wide.
SOC 325 Analysis of Social Change
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1001, SOCI C1000 or SOCI C1000H or SOC 102
This upper division general education course is designed for students pursuing a California Community College baccalaureate degree at Rio Hondo College and is open to all students who have completed the required prerequisites. Students develop a broad understanding of social change through the examination of various social mechanisms that lead to, promote, and eventually incorporate or quell the products and processes of social change. Special attention is paid to industrialization, globalization, social movements, the implementation and evolution of technology, and how social change is shaped by and produces unique social behavior.