Office

Location: King Hall C3093
Phone: (323) 343-2200
FAX:  (323) 343-5155
E-mail: sociol@calstatela.edu
Website:  Department of Sociology

Administrator

Chair: Roseann Giarrusso
Email: rgiarru@calstatela.edu
Phone: (323) 343-2200

The Faculty

Professors: Bradley Campbell, Wai Kit Choi, Elaine Draper, Louis Esparza, Gabriela Fried Amilivia, Roseann Giarrusso (Chair), Hyojoung Kim, Molly Talcott.
Associate Professors: . Shweta M. Adur, Luoman Bao, Katie Dingeman, Kristen Discola, Analena Hope Hassberg, William E. Rosales, Vanessa Stout, Robert D. Weide
Assistant Professors:  Libby Lewis, Luis F. Nuno, Tanya Sanabria, Zhe (Meredith) Zhang
Emeriti: Cristina Bodinger-de Uriarte, William D. Darrough, Steven L. Gordon, Lawrence K. Hong, Janet Lever, Eleni N. Pitsiou-Darrough, Ronald T. Tsukashima, Eui-Young Yu

Overview

Sociology is the scientific study of social behavior, social institutions, and social structure. It provides a background of understanding and research skills for students interested in a variety of occupations. The department’s programs prepare students for advanced professional study in sociology, social work, and law as well as positions in public and private social service agencies. Sociology will also appeal to students whose intellectual and career interests include working with people in business and other organizations.

Sociology majors study various subjects, including: race/ethnic relations, gender issues, interpersonal relationships, religion, law, health care, child development, aging, urban populations, social inequalities, crime, occupations, popular culture, social deviance, politics, social psychology, sociological theories, and sociological methods. The primary purpose of the academic program in sociology is to enhance students’ analytical abilities and understanding of social phenomena.

Students pursuing legal, educational, and governmental careers may benefit from sociological perspectives on human relations. Students who intend to follow careers in management, marketing, human resources, public relations, advertising, journalism, criminal justice, nursing, and comparable areas may find particular value in combining the study of sociology with their professional preparation.

Programs

• Sociology, B.A.

• Minor in Law and Society
• Minor in Social Gerontology
• Minor in Sociology

• Sociology, M.A.

Courses

• SOC 4800 - Criminology
• SOC 4810 - Sociology of Policing
• SOC 4820 - Sociology of Genocide
• SOC 4830 - Sociology of Human Rights
• SOC 4840 - Altruism and Morality
• SOC 4850 - Domestic Violence
• SOC 4860 - Gender-Based Violence from a Transnational Perspective (also listed as WGSS 4860)
• SOC 4870 - Environmental Policy, Law, and Society
• SOC 4880 - Sociology of Law
• SOC 4930 - Sociology Honors Thesis
• SOC 4950 - Senior Capstone Seminar
• SOC 4960 - Law and Society Honors Thesis
• SOC 4980 - Cooperative Education (also listed as UNIV 4980)
• SOC 4990 - Undergraduate Directed Study