Sociology
9 courses · San Diego Miramar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
SOCO 101 Principles of Sociology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is an introductory study of the basic concepts, theoretical approaches, and methods of sociology. Topics include the scientific study of social interaction, structure, and organization; groups; socialization and the self; social stratification; culture and diversity; social change; and global dynamics. Topics and examples emphasize present-day America, including cross-cultural and multicultural analysis. This general education course is intended for students interested in the social sciences and those considering careers in counseling, teaching, social work or nursing.
SOCO 110 Contemporary Social Problems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course requires students to identify and analyze present day social problems in the United States, with emphasis on sociological factors involved, including cross-cultural and multicultural analysis. Students use scientific methods and criteria for evaluating proposals for social betterment. This course is useful for students pursuing careers in criminology, counseling, education, law, and medicine.
SOCO 145 Health and Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course presents a broad introduction of sociological concepts and ideas related to the study of health and illness in the United States (US). Emphasis is placed on the relationship between social forces and health, the cultural meanings associated with health and illness, and the social behavior of health care professionals and patients. Further focus includes the political and economic consequences and effects surrounding health care and the structure of social institutions that constitute the health care industry. In addition, race, gender, age, social class, sexuality, and disability are a focal point of analysis throughout this course as these identities influence the experience of health and illness. This course is designed for sociology majors and/or those interested in better understanding health and illness as social experiences in the US.
SOCO 201 Advanced Principles of Sociology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of the origins of sociological theory. Principal contributors are presented and examined in detail, with special attention to their model of human action, the nature of empirical fact, and implications for public policy. With an emphasis on critical analyses of science and the humanities, this course is designed to provide a standard theory foundation for transfer students majoring in the arts, sciences, or social sciences.
SOCO 207 Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a sociological analysis of race, ethnicity, racism, and discrimination. Students examine the cultural, political, and economic practices and institutions that support or challenge racism and discrimination and racial and ethnic inequalities. Other topics include the historical and contemporary patterns of interaction between various racial and ethnic groups. This course is intended for students majoring in sociology or ethnic studies, or those interested in race and ethnicity.
SOCO 220 Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- SOCO 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- PSYC 258 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of sociological research. Topics include the role of theory in research, issues of ethics, key steps of research design, a review of data collection methods, quantitative and qualitative analyses, and development of a research report. This course is intended for students majoring in Sociology or other fields of social science.
SOCO 223 Globalization and Social Change
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- SOCO 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course evaluates the social and political changes brought on by globalization among industrialized, industrializing, and underdeveloped nations. It presents arguments and theories for and against globalization supplemented with empirical examples. The course is useful for those considering careers in law, politics, business, teaching, or non-profit organizations dealing with human rights issues, political advocacy, or international affairs.
SOCO 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is designed for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of sociology. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analyses, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.
SOCO 410 Sociological Perspectives on Public Safety
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course addresses structural inequities in public safety policies, programs, and practices from an intersectional lens to increase cultural humility and mitigate the harmful impacts of bias on disproportionately impacted communities. Emphasis is placed on how emergency management and law enforcement can foster community interactions to address social, structural, economic, and cultural inequities while aiming for community trust. Application includes theories, policies, and best practices for risk management based on local culturally-specific community needs. Aspects of privilege and disadvantage that shape public safety in domestic and global contexts will be explored. Focus will be placed on upending barriers to community safety for disproportionately impacted populations who are marginalized by race, ethnicity, gender, social class, age, citizenship status, religion, sexuality, and ability. Through an interdisciplinary social science lens, we will examine the following questions: How might we reimagine public safety so that we can prevent harm? How have historical legacies of oppression contributed to equity gaps in public safety? What actions must we take to ensure that public safety institutions consider diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in their practices? This course is intended to meet upper division General Education requirements for students enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs.