Associate in Arts for Transfer | SC Program: AA-T.1002

Sociology is all about understanding human interactions and social institutions and examining why they work the way they do. Most sociology majors want to work with people and gravitate towards careers in human services, social work, government, education and community organizing.

Sociology is the systematic and scientific study of society and social behavior. The sociologist looks beyond individual and unique events to the predictable broad patterns and regular occurrences of social life that influence individuals. Studies range from the profound impact of post-industrial societies on family life, crime, mass communications, gender, race, ethnicity and intergenerational relations to the study of emotions and the values that govern daily social encounters.

The sociology major is designed to provide undergraduate preparation leading to careers in social work, politics, law, public administration, the nonprofit sector, international development, marketing, urban and environmental planning, public relations, personnel, criminal justice, counseling and other social service professions. The Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer degree will also prepare a student for advanced studies in several areas, including sociology, social work, environmental studies, education, public health and urban planning. This degree prepares students for a CSU Baccalaureate Degree in Sociology.

Choose your path

Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.

A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.

Fall Semester, First Year

14 Units Total
ENGL 1A
4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
Units 4
This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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SOC 1
M 3
Introduction to Sociology
SOC 1
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course provides an introduction to the discipline of sociology. It examines interactions among social institutions, cultures, groups, and individuals. The focus is on how unequal power relations organize the social world and shape individual lives, and how individuals negotiate their lives in different social, cultural, and economic contexts. The course will examine a broad array of topics using a variety of theoretical perspectives and sociological research methods. The primary goal of this course is to recognize how people's experiences are shaped by social forces and reshaped through human action. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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SOC 2
M 3
Social Problems
SOC 2
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of "C" or higher or English Placement Level 6 or higher

This course examines several social problems from a sociological perspective. This approach makes two major assumptions. First, individuals are products of their social environment. Questions such as who we are, what we believe, what we strive for, and how we feel about ourselves, etc. have to be addressed by analyzing the society in which we live. This requires the use of the "Sociological Imagination" or looking at human attitudes, behaviors and feelings in the context of the social forces and institutional arrangements that shape them. Second, because sociology considers social structures responsible for social problems, we need to adapt a critical stance towards all social forms. This approach will help foster a more critical sociological approach to social problems. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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MATH 14
M 4
Introduction to Statistics
MATH 14
Units 4
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

An introductory course in statistics designed to show the role of modern statistical methods in the process of decision making. Concepts are introduced by example rather than by rigorous mathematical theory. The following topics will be covered: measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression and correlation, probability, sampling distributions including the normal, t, and chi-square, statistical inference using confidence intervals and hypotheses testing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year

15 Units Total
ENGL 1B
3
Literature & Composition
ENGL 1B
Units 3
Course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and writing skills through close study of the major genres of literature: poetry, drama, short story and novel. Students receive further instruction and practice in analytical writing, developing arguments about literary works and the critical reception of those works. In discussion and writing, students will also examine arguments as such, learning to identify sound as well as fallacious reasoning in critical assessments of literature. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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SOC 25
M 3
Race, Ethnicity, and Society
SOC 25
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher

This course examines the social, economic, political, and cultural dynamics of race and ethnicity in the United States. It utilizes theory to assess the comparative histories, cultures, and intellectual traditions of Native Americans, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian Americans. It introduces major concepts used to understand the lived experiences of historically racialized groups such as social construction of race, racial formation, critical race theory, internal colonialism, and intersectionality. The course emphasizes the role of resistance and agency in advancing the goals of self-determination, decolonization, and equity. SOC 25 and ETHS 3 are cross-listed courses. Students may enroll in one course for credit, but not both. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUSV 70
M 3
Intro Social Wrk & Human Srvcs
HUSV 70
Units 3
An introductory overview of social welfare and the societal institutions in the U.S. that structure the provision of social services. The course presents a historical perspective on the development of U.S. social work and human services. Special attention is given to current service delivery systems, their policies and procedures, and the tasks of culturally responsive social workers and human service workers within those settings.
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ART 4
3
World Art
ART 4
Units 3
A survey of the visual arts of ethnic and indigenous cultures with an emphasis on both historic and contemporary art. Explored are the Americas, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Lectures are focused on the styles, motifs, symbols, rituals and traditions of the cultures by examining their crafts, drawings, sculpture, printmaking and paintings. This course is designed as a Humanities elective, recommended for Art Core Programs, and required for the Art History Concentration. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CMST 60
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year

16 Units Total
SOC 30
M 3
Sociology of Gender
SOC 30
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher

Gender is arguably the most salient characteristic determining one's place in any society. Gender is the first thing you notice about another person and your assessment of a person's gender shapes your expectations of that person. These expectations (which are often requirements) place very real constraints and limitations on individuals. The sociology of gender focuses on the social construction of gender. Other theories of gender such as biological explanations will be discussed in comparison to the social constructionist approach. The course will begin with an examination of key theoretical approaches to the study of gender. Special attention will be paid to how gender is constructed at the level of society as well as how we engage in the re-creation and construction of gender in our everyday lives. Gender will be explored as an institution and a system as well as how it influences individuals. Because gender does not exist in a vacuum, gender will be discussed in relation to its intersection with other social locations such as race, class, sexuality, age, and ethnicity. The differential effects of gender along these lines will be discussed and highlighted through all of the applied topics. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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PSYC 1A
3
General Psychology
PSYC 1A
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course provides an introduction to psychology as a science and as an applied field. The course provides an integration of physiological, cognitive, social-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include research methods, the nervous system, perception, learning, thinking, memory, human development, social behavior, emotions, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 2
3
World Civilization to 1500 CE
HIST 2
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher

This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ESCI 12
4
General Earth Science
ESCI 12
Units 4
Note: Required field trips. The lecture portion of this course may be offered as distance education.

A survey course designed for non-science majors which spans the Earth-related sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. In general, the course focuses on physical processes and materials as related to each discipline. Topics include the geologic evolution of the Earth, economic resources derived from the Earth, Earth materials, evolution and character of the oceans, ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric processes including weather and climate, the solar system and Earth as part of the universe. Using an Earth systems approach, lecture and laboratory will consider concepts centered about the sustainable use of natural resources. The laboratory portion of this course provides hands-on activities that support and demonstrate lecture concepts. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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POLS 2
3
Intro to American Government
POLS 2
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or ESL 138, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, Second Year

15 Units Total
ETHS 1
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 17A
3
United States History - 17A
HIST 17A
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUM 2
3
Exploring the Humanities
HUM 2
Units 3
This course is designed to explore the humanities by examining expression of human values, ideas, concerns, and experience through the arts, literature, media and the social sciences. The reading of important works in the humanities, written analysis, and attendance at selected performances are major requirements of this course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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BIOL 5
3
Introduction to Human Biology
BIOL 5
Units 3
A one-semester introductory course in human anatomy and physiology presented with a medical emphasis. Selected topics on eleven organ systems are covered. This course is intended to serve medical assistants, licensed vocational nursing, and fire science majors. It also complements child development and nutrition majors. BIOL 5 is a prerequisite for the LVN program. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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COURSE #1-99
3
Transfer Elective Course
COURSE #1-99
Units 3
Choose any course #1-99. 

Please view Course Catalogs & Class Schedules for more information. You can also Search Courses & Sections in the guest Course Catalog.
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Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.

*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:

Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).

  • Sociology AA-T - Full-Time Pathway (PDF)

*These printouts are currently not yet available, but they will be linked as soon as they're ready!

People, Culture, & Society Interest Area Counselors

Brian Spillane

Faculty Contact Info
Position Educational Counselor
Location Redding Main Campus | Room 130
Degree Ph.D., University of Dallas
Language Fluent in Spanish

Corrinne Minnard

Faculty Contact Info
Position Counselor - General Counseling
Location Redding Main Campus | Room 134
Degree M.S.W,, University of Washington
For Appointments (530) 242-7724

Academic/Instructional Division Office

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