About Our Program

Sociology is the scientific study of society and social life, and as such, looks at a diverse range of topics concerning the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists examine the structure of groups, organizations and societies as a whole, as well as how people act and interact within those social contexts. Sociology is a rapidly evolving discipline that is particularly well suited to addressing issues and problems in a complex contemporary world.

Sociology can help students to gain a better understanding of themselves and the society of which they are a part. The field features a range of theoretical approaches that can generate new ideas, stimulate debate and challenge taken-for-granted notions about the nature of social reality and the status quo. The field also offers a range of research methodologies that allow for systematic and scientific investigation of social phenomena, rather than using common sense, propaganda, opinion or other such subjective explanations for human behavior.

Sociological approaches can be applied to studying many aspects 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. Having a background in sociology is valuable across a wide range of professional careers and occupations.

The Social Work and Human Services program is designed to prepare students for employment in the human services field. Social work is an applied behavioral science and focuses on the essential principles needed for understanding and critically analyzing behavior, social forces, and structural conditions in diverse environments. Students will gain essential skills and hands-on experience in providing human services. As a profession, social work focuses on methods for helping people from many different social groups by connecting them to the resources and support they need to improve their well-being.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the major theoretical perspectives in sociology and apply them to the analysis of social phenomena
2. Describe the key concepts associated with one or more substantive areas of the discipline, and apply them to an analysis of social phenomena
3. Analyze the role of social forces in shaping the individual
4. Explain how individuals create and sustain society through collective action
5. Define the role of social institutions in society
6. Explain how structures and processes of social inequality across such dimensions as class, race and gender influence the life experiences of individuals
7. Utilize a variety of research methods to collect data and to produce original written work, according to social scientific standards
8. Discuss the ethical standards that guide research in the social sciences 
   
   

Faculty and Offices: 

Patrick O’Brien, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology, (IDC 369) Contact: pkobrien@pipeline.sbcc.edu

Jill Stein, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology, (IDC 370) Contact: jmstein@pipeline.sbcc.edu