Sociology

[ graduate program | courses | faculty ]

Social Sciences Building, Room 401
http://sociology.ucsd.edu

All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice.

Sociology at UC San Diego

Sociology studies societies and human groups: their composition, organization, culture, and development. It combines scientific and humanistic methods to investigate a subject that is both relevant and broad—ranging from social interaction in everyday life to social changes taking place on a global scale. The Department of Sociology at UC San Diego offers an innovative program that covers the breadth of the discipline while giving students opportunities to specialize in areas of their choice, to conduct independent research, and to participate in an Honors Program. The department also encourages majors to study abroad and to take courses in other humanities and social science departments in order to expand their perspective on sociological topics.

Students at UC San Diego can explore a full range of sociological inquiry through courses in such established fields as Third World development, law, culture, social movements, religion, race and ethnic relations, gender roles, medicine, and mental illness. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in courses found in few other sociology departments, such as the politics of language, ethnographic film, the Holocaust, comparative sex stratification, mass media, and revolutions. The faculty also teach an exceptional array of courses focusing on specific societies or world regions, including Africa, Japan, China, Latin America, eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and the United States.

Thus, sociology is a valuable major for students who want to enter law, medicine, architecture, business, or politics. It also provides a solid liberal arts education for students who plan careers in such fields as criminal justice, public health, urban planning, social welfare, counseling, public administration, international relations, or market research. For students who wish to pursue graduate study in the social sciences for careers in teaching or scholarly research, an undergraduate degree from the Department of Sociology will provide a thorough grounding in recent theoretical and methodological advances in the discipline. A sociology major offers excellent preparation for teaching in the elementary schools. If you are interested in earning a California teaching credential from UC San Diego, contact the Education Studies Program for information about the prerequisite and professional preparation requirements. It is recommended that you contact the Education Studies Program as early as possible in your academic career. Whatever the career choice, the study of sociology can help the student cultivate a critical awareness of social life.

Students interested in majoring or minoring in sociology should stop by the Department of Sociology office, SSB 401, for program information and handouts. These clarify specific procedures and guidelines and provide recommendations for areas of specialization within the major, as well as for graduate studies and careers in sociology.

The Undergraduate Program

The Major

Students may choose to major in general sociology or in one of several concentrations, described below. Some basic requirements for the BA are common to all of these majors. All students must complete four lower-division and twelve upper-division courses in sociology.

A 2.0 GPA is required in the major, and students must earn at least a C– in each course used for the major. No courses taken to apply toward the major may be taken on a Pass/Not Pass basis except SOCI 199. Only one such special studies course (including internships) may be applied toward the major. Special studies courses must be applied for and approved by the department before the beginning of the quarter in which the student wishes to enroll and can only be taken on a Pass/Not Pass basis. See the staff undergraduate coordinator for the necessary application forms and deadlines.

Lower Division

The four lower-division requirements for a major in sociology are

SOCI 1 , SOCI 2, and SOCI 60. (We strongly recommend you take SOCI 1 and 2 in sequence.)
One course from the following: SOCI 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 70

It is advisable that students complete these required lower-division courses (which should be taken during the first or sophomore year) before continuing with their upper-division work. SOCI 60 is a prerequisite for all upper-division methods courses.

Upper Division

Twelve upper-division courses are needed for the major. SOCI 100 is required (students are strongly advised to complete this course by the end of their junior year), as well as one of the following methods courses:

SOCI 102
SOCI 103M
SOCI 104
SOCI 104Q
SOCI 105
SOCI 106
SOCI 106M
SOCI 108
SOCI 109
SOCI 109M
SOCI 110

SOCI 60 is a prerequisite for these methods courses.

Students are encouraged to complete their theory and methods courses early in their program, since theoretical perspectives and skills in methods will enhance their subsequent course work. Ten additional upper-division classes are required for the major. The specific choices will depend on the student’s major concentration.

Requirements for Major in General Sociology

Students who seek a BA in general sociology may complete any ten additional upper-division sociology classes.

Requirements for Major Concentrations

Students may graduate with a BA in one of seven concentrations by choosing at least five upper-division classes from the course offerings in that concentration, as part of the ten upper-division courses for the major. Only one major concentration is allowed.

Concentration in International Studies

Students may graduate with a BA in sociology/international studies by completing at least five of the following courses as part of the ten upper-division courses required for the major. This concentration would be especially appropriate for those interested in international business, foreign service, or international law.

SOCI 123. Japanese Culture Inside/Out: A Transnational Perspective

SOCI 125. Sociology of Immigration

SOCI 125M. Sociology of Refugees, Asylum, and Forced Migration

SOCI 130. Population and Society

SOCI 133. Immigration in Comparative Perspective

SOCI 140K. Law and Society in China

SOCI 145. Violence and Society

SOCI 148. Political Sociology

SOCI 149. Sociology of the Environment

SOCI 151. Comparative Race and Ethnic Relations

SOCI 156. Sociology of Religion

SOCI 157. Religion in Contemporary Society

SOCI 158. Islam in the Modern World

SOCI 162R. Religion and Popular Culture in East Asia

SOCI 163. Migration and the Law

SOCI 168. Marxism

SOCI 169. Debating Citizenship Rights

SOCI 174. Human Rights I: Introduction to Human Rights and Global Justice

SOCI 175. Nationality and Citizenship

SOCI 176. Transnational Japan Research Practicum

SOCI 177. International Terrorism

SOCI 178. The Holocaust

SOCI 179. Social Change

SOCI 180. Social Movements and Social Protest

SOCI 181. Modern Western Society

SOCI 182. Ethnicity and Indigenous Peoples in Latin America

SOCI 185. Globalization and Social Development

SOCI 187. African Societies through Film

SOCI 188D. Latin America: Society and Politics

SOCI 188E. Community and Social Change in Africa

SOCI 188F. Modern Jewish Societies and Israeli Society

SOCI 188G. Chinese Society

SOCI 188I. The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

SOCI 188J. Change in Modern South Africa

SOCI 188M. Social Movements in Latin America

SOCI 188O. Dilemmas of Israeli Society

SOCI 189. Special Topics in Comparative-Historical Sociology

Note: SOCI 189 must be preapproved by an undergraduate adviser.

It is recommended that students concentrating in this area take SOCI 20 as part of their lower-division requirements.

Concentration in American Studies

Students may graduate with a BA in sociology/American studies by completing at least five of the following courses as part of the ten upper-division courses required for the major. This concentration is especially appropriate for those interested in careers in American politics, education, and social work.

SOCI 115. Social Problems

SOCI 117. Language, Culture, and Education

SOCI 118. Sociology of Gender

SOCI 125. Sociology of Immigration

SOCI 126. Social Organization of Education

SOCI 127. Immigration, Race, and Ethnicity

SOCI 137. Sociology of Food

SOCI 140A. Defund Police and Prisons?—Alternatives to Punitive Social Control

SOCI 141. Crime and Society

SOCI 148. Political Sociology

SOCI 151. Comparative Race and Ethnic Relations

SOCI 152. Social Inequality and Public Policy

SOCI 153. Urban Sociology

SOCI 154. Religious Institutions in America

SOCI 155. The City of San Diego

SOCI 157. Religion in Contemporary Society

SOCI 160. Sociology of Culture

SOCI 163. Migration and the Law

SOCI 165A. American News Media

SOCI 180. Social Movements and Protest

SOCI 183. The Geography of American Opportunity

SOCI 188K. American Society

It is recommended that students concentrating in this area take SOCI 10 as part of their lower-division requirements.

Concentration in Science and Medicine

Students may graduate with a BA in sociology/science and medicine by completing at least five of the following courses as part of the ten upper-division courses required for the major. This concentration is especially appropriate for those interested in careers in the health professions or technology-related fields.

SOCI 107. Epidemiological Methods

SOCI 113. Sociology of the AIDS Epidemic

SOCI 122. Social Networks

SOCI 134. The Making of Modern Medicine

SOCI 135. Medical Sociology

SOCI 136. Data and Society

SOCI 136E. Sociology of Mental Illness: A Historical Approach

SOCI 136F. Sociology of Mental Illness in Contemporary Society

SOCI 138. Genetics and Society

SOCI 138GS. Genetics and Society

SOCI 143. Suicide

SOCI 149. Sociology of the Environment

SOCI 150. Madness and the Movies

SOCI 165. Predicting the Future from Tarot Cards to Computer Algorithms

SOCI 166. Sociology of Knowledge

SOCI 167. Science and War

SOCI 168. Marxism

SOCI 168E. Sociology of Science

SOCI 170. Gender and Science

SOCI 171. Technology and Society

It is recommended that students concentrating in this area take either SOCI 30 or 40 as part of their lower-division requirements.

Concentration in Culture and Communication

Students may graduate with a BA in sociology/culture and communication by completing at least five of the following courses as part of the ten upper-division courses required for the major. This concentration is especially appropriate for those interested in careers related to education, the media, or marketing.

SOCI 114. Just a Joke?: Sociology of Humor

SOCI 116. Gender and Language in Society

SOCI 117. Language, Culture, and Education

SOCI 118. Sociology of Gender

SOCI 118E. Sociology of Language

SOCI 119. Sociology of Sexuality and Sexual Identities

SOCI 120T. Special Topics in Communication and Culture

SOCI 122. Social Networks

SOCI 131. Sociology of Youth

SOCI 136. Data and Society

SOCI 137. Sociology of Food

SOCI 140K. Law and Society in China

SOCI 150. Madness and the Movies

SOCI 154. Religious Institutions in America

SOCI 156. Sociology of Religion

SOCI 157. Religion in Contemporary Society

SOCI 160. Sociology of Culture

SOCI 162. Popular Culture

SOCI 162R. Religion and Popular Culture in East Asia

SOCI 165. Predicting the Future from Tarot Cards to Computer Algorithms

SOCI 165A. American News Media

SOCI 166. Sociology of Knowledge

SOCI 169. Debating Citizenship Rights

SOCI 172. Films and Society

SOCI 184. Gender and Film

SOCI 186. Information, Spectacle, and Consumption

SOCI 187. African Film

Note: SOCI 120T must be preapproved by an undergraduate adviser.

It is recommended that students concentrating in this area take SOCI 10 as part of their lower-division requirements.

Concentration in Social Inequality

Students may graduate with a BA in sociology/social inequality by completing at least five of the following courses as part of the ten upper-division courses required for the major. This concentration is especially appropriate for those interested in social services and education.

SOCI 114. Just a Joke?: Sociology of Humor

SOCI 116. Gender and Language in Society

SOCI 117. Language, Culture, and Education

SOCI 118. Sociology of Gender

SOCI 119. Sociology of Sexuality and Sexual Identities

SOCI 122. Social Networks

SOCI 125. Sociology of Immigration

SOCI 126. Social Organization of Education

SOCI 127. Immigration, Race, and Ethnicity

SOCI 129. The Family

SOCI 130E. Sociology of Higher Education

SOCI 132. Gender and Work

SOCI 133E. Sociology of Race and Ethnicity

SOCI 139. Sociology Inequality: Class, Race, and Gender

SOCI 140A. Defund Police and Prisons?—Alternatives to Punitive Social Control

SOCI 140J. Sociology of Social Justice

SOCI 148. Political Sociology

SOCI 148E. Inequality and Jobs

SOCI 151. Comparative Race and Ethnic Relations

SOCI 152. Social Inequality and Public Policy

SOCI 153. Urban Sociology

SOCI 163. Migration and the Law

SOCI 168. Marxism

SOCI 170. Gender and Science

SOCI 178. The Holocaust

SOCI 180. Social Movements and Protest

SOCI 182. Ethnicity and Indigenous People in Latin America

SOCI 183. The Geography of American Opportunity

SOCI 184. Gender and Film

SOCI 188J. Change in Modern South Africa

SOCI 188M. Social Movements in Latin America

It is recommended that students concentrating in this area take SOCI 10 or 20 as part of their lower-division requirements.

Concentration in Law and Society

Students may graduate with a BA in sociology/law and society by completing at least five of the following courses as part of the ten upper-division courses required for the major. This concentration is especially appropriate for those interested in careers in law and criminology.

SOCI 115. Social Problems

SOCI 125M. Sociology of Refugees, Asylum, and Forced Migration

SOCI 138. Genetics and Society

SOCI 138GS. Genetics and Society

SOCI 140. Sociology of Law

SOCI 140A. Defund Police and Prisons?—Alternatives to Punitive Social Control

SOCI 140F. Law and the Workplace

SOCI 140J. Sociology of Social Justice

SOCI 140K. Law and Society in China

SOCI 141. Crime and Society

SOCI 142. Social Deviance

SOCI 144. Forms of Social Control

SOCI 145. Violence and Society

SOCI 146. Criminal Punishment

SOCI 147. Organizations, Society, and Social Justice

SOCI 148. Political Sociology

SOCI 152. Social Inequality and Public Policy

SOCI 159. Special Topics in Social Organizations and Institutions

SOCI 160E. Law and Culture

SOCI 163. Migration and the Law

SOCI 174. Human Rights I: Introduction to Human Rights and Global Justice

SOCI 175. Nationality and Citizenship

SOCI 188I. The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

SOCI 188O. Settlements and Peacemaking in Israel

LAWS 101: Contemporary Legal Issues

Note: SOCI 159 must be preapproved by an undergraduate adviser.

It is recommended that students concentrating in this area take SOCI 50 as part of their lower-division requirements.

Concentration in Economy and Society

Students may graduate with a BA in sociology/economy and society by completing at least five of the following courses as part of the ten upper-division courses required for the major. This concentration is especially appropriate for those interested in careers related to contemporary business.

SOCI 121. Economy and Society

SOCI 121R. Economy and Society

SOCI 122. Social Networks

SOCI 125. Sociology of Immigration

SOCI 130. Population and Society

SOCI 132. Gender and Work

SOCI 133. Immigration in Comparative Perspective

SOCI 136. Data and Society

SOCI 137. Sociology of Food

SOCI 139. Social Inequality: Class, Race, and Gender

SOCI 140F. Law and the Workplace

SOCI 140J. Sociology of Social Justice

SOCI 147. Organizations, Society, and Social Justice

SOCI 148E. Inequality and Jobs

SOCI 149. Sociology of the Environment

SOCI 152. Social Inequality and Public Policy

SOCI 163. Migration and the Law

SOCI 167. Science and War

SOCI 168. Marxism

SOCI 171. Technology and Society

SOCI 183. The Geography of American Opportunity

SOCI 185. Globalization and Social Development

SOCI 188M. Social Movements in Latin America

It is recommended that students concentrating in this area take either SOCI 10 or 20 as part of their lower-division requirements.

Education Abroad Program

Students are encouraged to participate in the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) or UC San Diego’s Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP) while still making progress toward completing their major. Students considering this option should discuss their plans with the undergraduate adviser prior to going abroad, and courses taken abroad must be approved by the department. It may be possible to use some related courses outside of the discipline of sociology toward the major. For more information on EAP, see the section of this catalog on the Education Abroad Program. Interested students should contact the Study Abroad UC San Diego Office in the International Center. To petition particular courses taken abroad, see the undergraduate adviser in the Department of Sociology.

Recommendations for Transfer Students

Students transferring from a community college or other university may petition for sociology credit for courses taken at their previous institution. For students transferring from the California Community College System, articulation agreements for many courses have been developed that facilitate the petition process.

Transferring Lower-Division Credit

The four lower-division requirements for a major in sociology are

SOCI 1, 2, and 60: Articulations exist at most community colleges
SOCI 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50: If your community college does not offer an already articulated course, please see the undergraduate coordinator for information about petitioning potential lower-division sociology transfer credit.

It is important to note that eight of the twelve upper-division courses in the undergraduate program must be taken in the Department of Sociology at UC San Diego, unless students obtain special acceptance of additional courses from the chair and the faculty undergraduate adviser.

The Minor

The minor consists of seven sociology courses: two lower division and five upper division. Unless colleges specify specific courses to be taken, the student may choose any two lower-division sociology courses (SOCI 1, 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 60) and any five upper-division courses (SOCI 100 to 190). Courses for the minor must be taken for a letter grade only. Special study courses or internships may not be applied toward the minor.

The Honors Program

The Department of Sociology offers an honors program to those students who have demonstrated excellence in the sociology major. Successful completion of the honors program enables the student to graduate With Highest Distinction, With High Distinction, or With Distinction, depending upon performance in the program.

Eligibility

Students may apply to the honors program if they meet the following requirements:

junior standing (ninety units completed)
GPA of 3.5 or better in the major
recommendation of a faculty sponsor familiar with student’s work
must have completed at least four upper-division sociology courses
overall GPA of 3.2 or better
must have completed SOCI 100 and one upper-division methods course prior to the fall quarter when the honors course begins; alternatively, the consent of the honors program director or the undergraduate adviser must be obtained

Interested students may pick up an application from the staff undergraduate coordinator in the Department of Sociology. Completed applications must be in the department office no later than week five of the spring quarter prior to the start of the honors program in the fall.

Students traveling abroad during their junior year should note that the deadline for applications still applies to them and should make arrangements accordingly.

Enrollment in the honors program is limited. Final decisions on acceptance into the program will be made by the presiding faculty member.

Course Requirement

The student must take SOCI 196A, Advanced Studies in Sociology, and SOCI 196B, Supervised Thesis Research, which will count as two of the twelve upper-division courses required for the major. Each student will choose a faculty adviser to help supervise the thesis research and writing with the honors program director.

Students whose GPA in the major falls below 3.5 or who do not earn at least an A– in the honors seminars will not graduate with distinction, but they may count the two honors courses among the twelve upper-division courses required for the major. Students must maintain a 3.5 GPA in the major and a 3.2 overall GPA until final graduation, in order to receive honors in the sociology honors program. To graduate With Highest Distinction the student must earn an A+; to graduate With High Distinction the student must earn an A; and to graduate With Distinction the grade must be an A–.