4215 Social Science Plaza B; (714) 824-7637
Francesca M. Cancian, Department Chair
Sociology studies societies and human groups. It examines social conflict and cooperation, and the organization of families, communities, workplaces, and nations. The program at UCI covers the breadth of the discipline while giving students opportunities to conduct independent research, to participate in an Honors Program, and to join departmental Certificate Programs in Human Services, Diversity, and International Sociology. All students take basic courses on social institutions, theory, and methods. Students then take more specialized courses such as Race and Ethnicity, Social Psychology, Sociology of Gender, or Chinese Society. Courses are enriched by ongoing faculty research on such topics as the work and family of immigrants to the U.S., economic change in Asia, the relation between women and men in different social classes and ethnic groups, and attitudes to sexual behavior.
In addition to developing students' ability to critically analyze and understand social patterns, the major is relevant to professional careers in high school teaching, social work, urban planning, law, business, public health, and government service. It also provides training for advanced graduate work in sociology.
University Requirements: See pages 5155.
School Requirements: See page 321.
Departmental Requirements for the Major
School requirements must be met and must include 12 courses (48 units) as specified below:
A. Sociology 1 and either 2 or 3.
B. One course in methods selected from Sociology 100119 and one course in theory selected from Sociology 120129.
C. One course in research design and implementation (Sociology 180A; required for all majors). The second course in the sequence (Sociology 180B) is for students who pass the first course and wish to write a thesis.
D. Five courses selected from the following list of core courses, no more than two of which may be lower-division: Sociology 31, 41, 43, 44, 56, 62, 63, 71, 135, 141, 144, 145, 156, 161, 164, 173, 175B.
E. One additional upper-division Sociology course and one additional introductory course from another social science discipline.
Honors Program in Sociology
The Honors Program in Sociology is open to outstanding Sociology majors during their junior and senior year. To gain admission to the program, potential Honors students normally take Sociology courses in theory (Sociology 120), methods (Sociology 110), statistics (Sociology 10A-B-C) and at least two Sociology core courses. Students who receive an average grade of 3.5 or better in these five courses (including one of three statistics courses) are eligible for the Honors program. In addition, Honors students should have an average of 3.2 or better in all courses taken at UCI. Majors who are transfers may petition for entry into the program based on their grades from their former schools.
During their senior year, Honors Program students write a thesis, designed and carried out under faculty supervision. Projects normally entail some empirical analysis of sociological data. Students meet regularly in a two-quarter Honors seminar (Sociology H188A and H188B; satisfies Sociology major requirement C) to design and carry out these projects, to exchange ideas, and to help analyze each other's work. In addition, Honors students are required to attend between six to nine Sociology guest lectures and subsequent meetings to discuss relevant sociological issues. Upon successful completion of the program, students graduate with Honors in Sociology.
Sociology Minor Requirements
Requirements for the minor in Sociology are met by taking seven sociology courses (28 units) as specified below:
A. Sociology 1 and either 2 or 3.
B. One course in methods selected from Sociology 100119 and one course in theory selected from Sociology 120129.
C. In addition, students must either satisfy the School mathematics and computer science requirement (School requirement A), or take three courses (12 units) or equivalent in a single acceptable foreign language.
D. Three courses selected from the following list of core courses, no more than two of which may be lower-division: Sociology 31, 41, 43, 44, 56, 62, 63, 71, 135, 141, 144, 145, 156, 161, 164, 173, 175B.
The Department of Sociology administers graduate programs in Social Networks and Social Relations, in conjunction with the Department of Anthropology; see pages 362363.
INTRODUCTORY COURSES
1 Introduction to Sociology (4). Major concepts and approaches to the study of society: social interaction, social differentiation, social control, social change, social institutions. (III)
2 Social Structures (4). Social structures are the patterned regularities in human interaction which are the major focus of sociological theory and research. Examination of several layers of social structure, moving from the small-scale "micro" configurations of small groups of people to the all-encompassing "macro" patterns of relationships between societies and nations. (III)
3 Introduction to Problems of Social Inequality (4). Focuses on how institutional and organizational features of societies generate problems for people. Particular attention is directed at a set of problems related to political and economic inequality: poverty, racism, sexism, urban and population problems, the environment, the criminal justice system. (III)
METHODS
10A-B-C Probability and Statistics (4-4-4). An introduction to probability and statistics. Emphasis on a thorough understanding of the probabilistic basis of statistical inference. Emphasizes examples from sociology, anthropology, and related social science disciplines. Same as Anthropology 10A-B-C. Students who receive credit for Sociology 10A-B-C may not receive credit for Anthropology 10A-B-C, Economics 10A-B-C, Psychology 10A-B-C, Social Ecology 13, or Social Science 10A-B-C. (V)
19 Special Topics: Methods (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
THEORY
23 Understanding Social Facts (4). Focus on perspectives toward the question of what constitutes sociological knowledge and processes through which competent investigators have built sociological arguments from data. Examination of several types of research techniques. (III)
29 Special Topics: Theory (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
31 Introduction to Social Psychology (4). Studies sociological contributions to theory and research in social psychology, with focus on the social influences on personality, attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; socialization, human groups, and social interaction. Same as Psychology 78A. (III)
39 Special Topics: Social Psychology (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE
41 Small Group Behavior (4). Deals with models for understanding behavior in small groups, including coalition formation, socialization, group norms and decision rules, leadership, conformity, group structure, and communication processes.
43 Urban Sociology (4). The nature, causes, and consequences of urbanization are examined along with its changing scale and complexity, demographic and ecological city growth patterns, the quality of life in urban areas, processes of decision-making in cities, and the bearing of sociological investigation on public policy concerns in contemporary urban society.
44 Populations (4). Demographic aspects of social/economic change. Considers the epidemiological transition to low mortality, the historical decline in Western family size, the baby boom, third-world family planning, changing marriage patterns, women's labor force participation, migration theories, and global aging. (VII-B)
49 Special Topics: Structures (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND CULTURE
55 Mass Media and American Society (4). Examines the social implications of the fundamental changes in the organization and structure of American mass media since World War II, including the demise of big-city newspapers, the rise of broadcast television, and the fragmentation of radio and magazine markets. Explores the potential implications of emerging technologies--cable, telecast, and direct broadcast satellite (DBS)--on American culture and institutions.
56 Society and Religion (4). A critical and personal examination of the varieties of religious and spiritual experiences human beings are undergoing in contemporary society. The role of conscious understanding and unconscious conditioning regarding religion and spirituality.
59 Special Topics: Social Institutions and Culture (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
AGE, GENDER, RACE, AND ETHNICITY
62 Marriage and Families (4). Sociological theories and research on marriage, kinship, intimacy, and divorce. Emphasis on comparing family patterns in different social classes, ethnic groups, and societies, and on relating family life to the economy and other social institutions. Topics include gender roles, child-rearing, historical change. (III)
63 Race and Ethnicity (4). Focuses on racial and ethnic relations in the United States and compares them with those found in other societies. Analyzes the conditions that favor either cooperation and integration or rivalry, tension, and conflict. Appraises strategies for reducing and resolving conflicts. (VII-A)
64A Social Psychology of Family and Close Relationships (4). Analysis of the social psychology of family life: close relationships, courtships, marriage and family interaction in American society; examination of processes of preparation for marriage, role differentiation, communication, conflict, integration and socialization within the family: the psychodynamics of family life.
65 Cultures in Collision: IndianWhite Relations Since Columbus (4). An introductory survey of topics such as: indigenous religious belief and socio-political organization, stereotypic "images," intermarriage, the fur trade, Native leaders, warfare, and contemporary issues. Slides, films, and trips to local museums enhance student learning. Same as Anthropology 85A. (VII-A)
69 Special Topics: Age, Gender, Race, and Ethnicity (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
SOCIETIES AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY
71 Social Problems (4). A detailed examination of the dimensions, origins, "life course," and potential solution to one or a set of related social problems. Uses case studies to provide an in-depth understanding of major issues such as poverty, inequality, racial or gender bias, drugs, crime.
74 Social Inequality (4). Theory, methods, and empirical findings of social stratification studies. Topics include whether inequality is inevitable, American social classes, public beliefs about fairness, payoffs to college education and successful parents, the feminization of poverty, the prestige of occupations.
75 Social Change (4). Comparison of various theories of social change from the classical formulations of Marx and Weber through contemporary functionalist, neo-evolutionary, political economy, and world system perspectives. Emphasis is macrosociological, focusing on processes of transformation affecting societies, nation-states, or the international system as a whole.
77 Social Change in East Asia (4). Introduction to comparative sociology focusing on social change in East Asia. Particular attention to macrostructural shifts in these societies such as economic development/underdevelopment, social inequality, political stability/instability, and rapid urbanization and population growth. (VII-B)
79 Special Topics: Societies and Social Inequality (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
METHODS
110 Research Methods (4). Methods of data collection and analysis used by sociologists. Experimental methods, surveys and interviews, field research and participant observation, demographic methods, historical and comparative approaches. Social Ecology 10 and Sociology 110 may not both be taken for credit.
111 Community and Research (4). Students formulate and carry out a study on intimate relationships and interpersonal networks. Focus on family, friendship, and community and how people create a supportive network of relations in modern society. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Same as Women's Studies 183B.
112A Practicum in Sociology (4). Hands-on research course. Students work together to apply sociological skills to class projects. Application of sociological theories to practical tasks. Use of multiple data collection methodologies (e.g., surveys, interviews, observations). May be taken for credit twice as topics vary.
114A Exploring Society Through Photography (4). Students explore society through presentation, interpretation, and discussion of their own photographs. A few common exercises at the beginning of the quarter are followed by individual projects. Photography as social observation and the relation of photographs in an essay are stressed. Prerequisite: basic darkroom techniques. Same as Anthropology 176A and Social Science 182A.
119 Special Topics: Methods (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
THEORY
120 Sociological Theory (4). What a theory of society is and is not. Historical and contemporary models, perspectives, and schools.
122 Games as Models of Social Phenomena (4). Games as analogies of social, economic, and political situations. The interaction of contingency plans. Games (situations) with no winner and/or loser. Technical definition and discussion of conflict, threat, stability. Paradoxes involved in defining "rational decision." Prerequisite: one year of college-level mathematics. Same as Social Science 101F.
124 Sociology of Knowledge (4). How the social world helps to shape what we take for granted, what we notice, and what we believe. The creation, diffusion, and social influence of knowledge, thought forms, and symbols. The making and unmaking of ideologies. Truth and knowledge as social productions. How we give meaning to the world and to ourselves. Prerequisite: upper-division standing.
125 Introduction to Ethnomethodology (4). Examines the contemporary school of sociology known as ethnomethodology through both readings and field experiments. Focuses on how we routinely, unremarkably, massively accomplish ordinary everyday reality moment to moment through interaction. The works of Schutz, Garfinkel, Sacks, Schegloff, Heritage.
126 Critical Political Theory (4). Acquaints students with current political theories, critical of conventional thinking, which attempt to join political, economic, social, historical, linguistic, and philosophical concerns to questions involving the relationships between and among individuals, groups, and institutions in the society, economy, and polity. Prerequisite: upper-division standing. Same as Political Science 132A.
127 Nietzsche (4). The social, economic, and political philosophy of Nietzsche. Nietzsche's seminal ideas about knowledge and language and how these ideas have influenced contemporary thinking concerning these subjects. Same as Political Science 131D.
129 Special Topics: Theory (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
SOCIAL STRUCTURES MODULE
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
135 Social Psychology of Networks (4). Review of network methods used in small group and organizational research. Discussion of social psychological literature relevant to the network of study of cognitive social structure, exchange and communication, identity negotiation, and social control. Case study of network datasets exemplifies research issues. Same as Psychology 178N. Formerly Sociology 162R.
139 Special Topics: Social Psychology (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE
141 Organizations (4). How bureaucracies, formal organizations, and voluntary associations work, how and why they grow, and where they are going. History and structure of organizational rationality; dynamics of organized groups; behavior in organizations. The limits of bureaucratization and attempts to overcome these limits through decentralization. Same as Political Science 155C.
143 Social Networks and Social Support (4). Examines the manner in which behaviors and attitudes of individuals are affected by their network ties to others. How are peoples' opportunities and well-being increased or decreased by their social networks? What are the processes involved? Topics vary and may include studies in mental and physical health, job seeking, separation and loss, and aging.
144 Political Sociology (4). Includes an examination of the major theoretical approaches to political sociology, and the application of these ideas to the politics of advanced capitalist societies. Also considers stability and change in power structures.
145 Occupations and Professions (4). What makes some jobs satisfying and others boring? How does technology influence the workplace? What changes are coming in the U.S. job market? Sociology and psychology of occupations. Students interview workers and study aspects of their occupations. Prerequisite: upper-division standing.
146 States and Societies (4). Examines, over an extended historical period, the forces that drove the state into being, its nature and distinctive forms, and its variable and contingent relations with that other modern creation, "society."
147A Cities and Social Change (4). Focuses on comparative urban political economy and the way cities and urban process are linked to changes in the global system. Attempts to draw on a diverse interdisciplinary literature that includes sociology, geography, and urban planning. Prerequisite: upper-division standing and completion of lower-division writing requirement.
149 Special Topics: Structures (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND CULTURE
152 Sociology and Psychology of the Arts (4). Explores the relationship between artists and the "art world" through which artistic activity is defined, supported, and consumed. Empirical studies in the plastic arts, performing arts, and literature are used to examine varieties of aesthetic expressions. Prerequisite: upper-division standing; authorization required.
153 Sociology of Science (4). Empirical studies in scientific activity, the growth of scientific communities, communication in science, and cognitive organization in science are used to explore the relationships of science, the organization of scientific communities and society. Provides an overview of the literature in the field and the direction of new research.
154 Medical Sociology (4). Current problems in the United States health-care system and proposals for reform. Considers financial barriers to access, the problem of patient dumping, underinsurance affecting the middle class, prenatal and perinatal care, child services, preventative care and needs of the elderly, minorities, low-income people, and the undocumented. Prerequisite: upper-division standing.
155 Mass Communications (4). An examination of the origin, history, and functions of mass communications and its effect on social life.
156 Deviance (4). Perspectives on deviance and criminality in behavior, institution, community, and myth. The suitability of contemporary theories of deviant behavior. Open to majors only. Same as Psychology 178D and Criminology, Law and Society J107.
159 Special Topics: Social Institutions and Culture (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
SOCIAL INEQUALITY MODULE
AGE, GENDER, RACE, AND ETHNICITY
161 Sociology of Gender (4). Concepts of gender roles and the impact of gender on women and men. Theoretical and academic research of social experiences. Historical analysis of American gender roles, sexual politics, negative and positive aspects, and evaluation of current trends and future implications. Women of color. Same as Women's Studies 183C. (VII-A)
164 Sociology of Age (4). Introduction to sociology of age, aging, and the aged. Problems posed by aging population. Life course transitions. How social organizations influence the life course. Work, health, family in later life. Prerequisite: upper-division standing.
165A Social Inequality: Anthropological Perspectives (4). Concrete anthropological and sociological studies from across the world, including the United States, are compared to give perspectives on social status, power, economic differences, race, ethnicity, and gender. Prerequisite: one course in Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, or Sociology. Same as Anthropology 121H. (VII-B)
166A Sociology of Childhood (4). The child's place in society historically, cross-nationally, and in the contemporary United States. Childhood socialization, social class, and ethnic variation are addressed, as well as social problems and recommendations for social policy regarding children.
168 Sexism and Power (4). Sexism may be seen as a particular form of socially constructed power which creates and maintains gender differences as relations and practices of structured inequalities. Males and females are objects constructed in a powered language dominated and controlled by males to their positional and distributional advantage. Prerequisite: upper-division standing. Same as Political Science 134J.
169 Special Topics: Age, Gender, Race, and Ethnicity (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
SOCIETIES AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY
172E Basic Societal Issues (4). For students who have serious concern about peace, economic justice, the environment, or the future of human society generally. Attempts to provide an understanding of the fundamental issues underlying such social problems; fundamental alternatives available for attempting to cope with them. Same as Political Science 132E. Students may not receive credit for both Sociology 72/Political Science 32A and Sociology 172E/Political Science 132F.
172F American Society (4). Seminar examines recent trends in U.S. institutions such as family, community, labor, economy, media, schools, religion, criminal justice, medicine, politics, popular culture. Special attention to race, immigration, childhood, aging. Cross-national comparisions.
173 Social Stratification (4). Sources, functions, and dynamics of the unequal distribution of wealth, prestige, knowledge, and power in American and other societies.
174 Social Movements and Collective Behavior (4). A survey of models of collective action drawn from sociology, economics, psychology, and political science. Focus on areas such as social movements, strikes, crowd psychology, cults, fads, fashions, public opinion, and symbolic and mythical elements in collective culture. Prerequisite: Economics 1, Political Science 6A, or Sociology 1. Same as Political Science 156D.
175A Korean Society and Culture (4). Introductory background to the social and cultural forces that affect the lives of the Koreans, including those in the United States. Considers traditional values and contemporary issues within a historical framework. Same as Anthropology 163K and East Asian Languages and Literatures 130. (VII-B)
175B Comparative Societies: China (4). Chinese society from 1949 to present. Social change in the context of political control and ideological considerations. Focus on the power structure, political decision processes, and ideological legitimation, and interplay with the Chinese community and culture. (VII-B)
175C Japanese Society (4). Cultural, social, and psychological features of Japanese society. Early feudalism in Japan to deviance in modern-day Japan. Comparisons made with the United States with main focus on Japan and its complexities.
176 Social Policy (4). Comparison of theoretical perspectives on the role of the state in contemporary society and an examination of the gender, racial-ethnic, and class dimensions of social policy. Particular focus on social welfare, labor, health policies, and policies on sexual violence.
177A East-Central European Societies (4). An introductory "area studies" course which examines some of the basic concepts that help us understand the workings of state socialism and the transition from state socialism in the societies of East-Central Europe. Lectures and class discussion. Readings from multiple disciplines. (VII-B)
177B The Other Europe (4). Highlights the rich and complex experience of East-Central European societies by analyzing some great films (shown in class) and novels. Students' creative participation is strongly encouraged. Weekly writing assignments. Prerequisites: satisfactory completion of the lower-division writing requirement; upper-division standing. Open only to majors in the School of Social Sciences.
178 Sociology of Peace and War (4). Describes various commonly accepted but often erroneous notions of the causes and consequences of war and deterrence. Major theories concerning the sources of war in international and intranational social systems. The modes, techniques, and outcomes of efforts to restrict, regulate, and resolve international conflicts. Same as Women's Studies 183A.
179 Special Topics: Societies and Social Inequality (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
RESEARCH AND HONORS
180A-B Sociology Majors Seminar (4-4). Students learn sociology by doing it. A modest-sized research project is planned and implemented by each student. Prerequisite: Sociology major or consent of instructor.
182 Sociology Issues Seminar (2). Drawing on experts from campus and community, explores various sociological questions, findings, approaches through lectures and discussion. Students select seminar topics, prepare opening remarks, lead discussion with faculty member, guest lecturer. May be taken for credit four times as topics vary.
H188A-B Honors Research and Thesis (4-4). Focuses on the design and implementation of individual research projects undertaken by senior Sociology majors. Writing projects consist of a proposal and paper on some empirical research. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and honors status.
189 Special Topics: Honors Sequence (4). Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
197 Field Study (4). Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
198 Directed Group Study (4). Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
199 Independent Study (4). Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
