Academic Catalog 2024-2025

SOC - Sociology

SOC 1001  Introduction to Sociology (GE)  (3 Units)  

An introduction to sociology, basic concepts, theories, development as a discipline, and the tools of social investigation.

Letter grade.  
(GELO2C)  
SOC 2001  Cultural Anthropology (GE)  (3 Units)  

An introduction to the basic concepts, methods and findings of cultural anthropology. Emphasis is on the comparative study of contemporary cultures to develop an understanding of the cultural diversity that confronts society and the common threads that bind people together.

Letter grade.  
(GELO2C)  
SOC 2009  Introduction to Criminal Justice  (3 Units)  

An introduction to and comparative examination of the components of the justice process dealing with delinquent and criminal behavior. Examines criminally deviant behavior in a complex society.

Letter grade.  
SOC 2022  Exploring Diversity Through Intergroup Dialogue  (1 Unit)  

Engages students, from one or more cultural identity groups, in facilitated dialogue about the similarities and differences of experience that exist within a group and/or between and across groups. The goal of intergroup dialogue is for student s to develop comfort with, and skill in, discourse on difficult topics toward the end of fostering positive, meaningful, and sustained cross-group relationships.

Letter grade.  
SOC 2050  Sociology of the Family  (3 Units)  

A study of the changing nature and function of the family as a basic institution of society with emphasis upon variety related to culture, class, and ethnicity.

Letter grade.  
SOC 3003  Urban Issues  (3 Units)  

An interdisciplinary exploration of life as it is experienced in the urban environment. Students are exposed to broad issues of global urban life with particular focus on the San Diego/Tijuana metroplex. Special attention is given to the variety of ways people create meaningful lives for themselves in multicultural, urban environments and to the social organization that supports the life of the poor.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.  
SOC 3005  Social Stratification  (3 Units)  

Social stratification as part of social organization. A review of the major theories, methods of studying stratification and evidence relating to the origin, nature and functioning of systems of social inequality bases of stratification; relationships among class, status and power. Class consciousness and conflict; technological change and social mobility.

Letter grade.  
Concurrent: SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 3010  Criminology  (3 Units)  

The study of crime and criminal behavior, the role of law, efforts at prevention and control.

Letter grade.  
Concurrent: SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 3014  Juvenile Delinquency  (3 Units)  

A study of the youthful offender including theories of cause, the role of law and authority, and current trends.

Letter grade.  
Concurrent: SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 3016  Sociology of Aging  (3 Units)  

Analysis of aging within social contexts: the aging process, death, and dying, and the impact of psychological, economic, physiological, and social factors.

Letter grade.  
Concurrent: SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 3020  Social Psychology  (3 Units)  

A study of the theories and methods of social interactions in the development of personal and group behavior. Topics include attitudes, communication, pro-social, and anti-social behaviors.

Letter grade.  
Also offered as PSY 3020.  
SOC 3021  Justice, Politics, and the Social World  (3 Units)  

This course traces the emergence and development of political and social philosophy, with special consideration given to Plato's notion of justice, Social Contract Theory, Marxism, racial justice, feminism and Poststructuralism.

Also offered as PHL 3021.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
SOC 3030  The Development of Feminist Thought  (WS)  (4 Units)  

A survey of the development of various strands of feminist thought, and engagement in current conversations within and about feminism.

SOC 3035  Civil Rights Pilgrimage  (3 Units)  

This course examines the complex social dynamics and historical legacies of the American Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968). Guest speakers provide interdisciplinary perspectives, while students travel to key sites in the American South.

Letter grade.  
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.  
SOC 3050  Urban Sociology  (3 Units)  

A study of urbanization as a social process, comparing urban, suburban, and metropolitan phenomena. Attention is given to institutions in changing urban settings, i.e., religion, family as it is applied to ministry.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 3060  Race and Ethnicity  (3 Units)  

An analysis of historical and current social factors relating to various ethnic, racial, and status groups. Focus is upon issues of discrimination and oppression.

Letter grade.  
SOC 3075  African Cultures and Histories  (3 Units)  

An interdisciplinary examination of the social and cultural histories of Africa with emphasis on the contact between Africans and Europeans since the late 19th century.

Also offered as HIS 3075.  
SOC 4009  Criminal Law  (3 Units)  

To understand the role of the state in criminal law, this course studies the nature, origins and general principles of criminal law, including causation, defenses of justification and excuse, and criminal liability. Cases highlight and illustrate the general principles and doctrines in the context of real life. Crimes against persons, habitation, property and public order, and morals.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 and SOC 2009 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 4010  Constitutional Foundations of Criminal Justice  (3 Units)  

Examination of the federal constitutional provisions which impact the criminal justice system with an emphasis on the amendments in the Bill of Rights dealing with searches and seizures by law enforcement officers, the exclusionary rule, the privilege against self-incrimination, the rights to due process and the assistance of counsel, the death penalty, and constraints on the correctional system.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1001 and SOC 2009 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 4015  Social Theory  (3 Units)  

Investigation and analysis of 19th century and more recent sociological thought, and philosophical and social issues surrounding it. The relation of sociological theory and Christian thought is considered.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 4020  Social Change  (3 Units)  

Study of social changes in modern societies; the source of change, processes such as social change movements by which change occurs, and the meanings of change for individuals and institutions.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 4030  Sociology of Religion  (3 Units)  

Comparative and analytical study of religion as a social institution; the relation of religion to social stratification, economy, state; religion as an agent of social change and stability.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 4035  Environmental Sociology  (3 Units)  

A study of the relationship between human societies and ecosystems, from how individuals define "nature" and "sustainability" as well as how institutions such as the market and the government work together or against each other that impact communities.

Letter grade.  
SOC 4044  Globalization and Culture  (3 Units)  

An exploration of the history, nature and trajectories of globalization with particular attention to people groups on the margins. Rooted in ethnographic accounts of how the dominant political and economic systems affect those that have least access to power and wealth, this course critically examines the cultural patterns and social structures associated with globalization and the creative resistance that follows.

Letter grade.  
SOC 4060  Applied Research Methods and Design  (3 Units)  

A study and application of the methods of social research, completion of a design, collection and analysis of data, and development of a final report.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 or SWF 1000 or consent of instructor.  
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.  
SOC 4070  Medical Sociology  (3 Units)  

An introduction the field of medical sociology and to a perspective on health and illness and the health care system. The course examines social and cultural factors related to health and nonhealth, including the nature of the problems addressed by health care institutions, societal responses to disease and sickness, and the institutional and organizational settings of health care.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 4071  Internship in Sociology  (2-4 Units)  

Designed to provide experience in applied settings. A minimum of three hours per week for a full semester is required for each unit of credit. Placement and plan for internship are developed in consultation by instructor, student, and agency.

May be repeated for up to a total of six (6) units of credit. Students may receive credit for a maximum of six (6) units for internship whether SOC 4071 or SOC 4072. Credit/No Credit.  
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.  
"C" Designation is for California Internships. "E" Designation is for Out of State Internships.  
SOC 4072  Internship in Criminal Justice  (2-4 Units)  

Intended for Sociology majors with a concentration in Criminal Justice. This course allows students to gain experience in a criminal justice setting. Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours per week in an approved setting in the criminal justice system.

May be repeated for up to a total of six (6) units of credit. Students may receive credit for a maximum of six (6) units for internship whether SOC 4071 or SOC 4072. Credit/No Credit.  
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.  
"C" Designation is for California Internships. "E" Designation is for Out of State Internships.  
SOC 4075  Sociology of Education  (3 Units)  

A study of the social foundations of the American education system and the various community settings where education takes place. Emphasis upon current educational dynamics.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 1001 or SOC 2001 or consent of instructor.  
SOC 4076  Senior Seminar in Sociology  (3 Units)  

Intended for Sociology majors, including those with concentration in Criminal Justice. Course provides opportunity to integrate material learned in other sociology courses as well as opportunity to integrate academic learning with personal experiences. During the course, students will write a senior thesis.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and major in Sociology.  
SOC 4080  Restorative Justice  (3 Units)  

This course will provide a critical introduction to the fundamental principles and practices of restorative justice. The course explores the needs and roles of key "stakeholders" (victims, offenders, communities, justice systems), outlines the basic principles and values of restorative justice, and introduces some of the primary models of practice. It also addresses challenges to restorative justice - the dangers, the pitfalls - as well as possible strategies to help prevent restorative justice from failing to live to its promise.

Letter grade.  
SOC 4090  Special Topics in Sociology  (1-4 Units)  

Selected topics of current interest in depth. Application through travel or special projects may be an essential part of the course.

May be repeated for up to a total of six (6) units. Students wishing to earn more than six (6) units must have consent of the department chair and the Vice Provost for Academic Administration.  
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.  
SOC 4091  Independent Studies in Sociology  (1-4 Units)  

An intensive study of selected issues. A plan for the study must be approved by instructor and department chair.

May be repeated for up to a total of six (6) units.  
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.