Sociology
Associate of Arts (AA) Sociology and Social Work · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
Sociology is the study of society and everyday life, and as such, looks at a wide range of topics concerning social structure and human behavior. Sociological theories and methods can be applied to studying virtually any aspect of social life: culture and technology; crime and deviance; politics and economics; the self and socialization; family and group dynamics; class, race and gender; social movements and social change.
Sociology is a dynamic discipline that is particularly well suited to understanding the nature of social reality, and addressing issues in an evolving and complex contemporary world. The Sociology major is designed to provide a strong foundation for students interested in learning the basic tools of sociology, including social theories and research methods, and how to apply them to an analysis of practically any area of social life. Sociology provides a broad foundation that prepares students for a variety of career paths
Requirements
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- All Major Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the major requirements must be completed through SBCC).
- One of the following General Education options:
- OPTION 1: SBCC General Education pattern OR
- OPTION 2: Cal-GETC pattern
- A minimum of 60 semester units of degree-applicable college credit (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher and C1000 and higher).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in degree-applicable coursework.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| SOC 101 | Introduction To Sociology | 3-4 |
| orSOC 101H | Introduction to Sociology, Honors | |
| List A - Complete two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| SOC 104 | Social Psychology | |
| SOC 106 | Sociology of Deviance | |
| SOC 109 | Social Problems | |
| List B - Complete three courses, not used above, from the following: | 9-11 | |
| ANTH 103 | Introduction To Cultural Anthropology | |
| GEOG 102 | Human Geography | |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 | |
| HIST C1002 | United States History since 1865 | |
| orHIST C1002H | History Of The U.S. Since 1865 - Honors | |
| PHIL 101 | Introduction to Ethics | |
| orPHIL 101H | Introduction To Ethics, Honors | |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics | |
| SOC 103 | Marriage, Family and Intimacy | |
| SOC 104 | Social Psychology | |
| SOC 106 | Sociology of Deviance | |
| SOC 107 | Racism in America | |
| orETHS 107 | Racism In America | |
| SOC 109 | Social Problems | |
| SOC 113 | Sociology Of Sex and Gender | |
| SOC 115 | Introduction To Social Research | |
| SOC 118 | Media, Culture and Society | |
| SOC 120 | Introduction to Social Work | |
| SOC 125 | Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | |
| orSTAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| orPSY 150 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | |
| SOC 127 | Introduction to Women's Studies | |
| Total Units | 18.00-21.00 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the major theoretical perspectives in sociology and apply them to the analysis of social phenomena.
- Describe the key concepts associated with one or more substantive areas of the discipline, and apply them to an analysis of social phenomena.
- Analyze the role of social forces in shaping the individual.
- Explain how individuals create and sustain society through collective action.
- Define the role of social institutions in society.
- Explain how structures and processes of social inequality across such dimensions as class, race and gender influence the life experiences of individuals.
- Utilize a variety of research methods to collect data and to produce original written work, according to social scientific standards.
- Discuss the ethical standards that guide research in the social sciences.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.