Why study sociology?
Sociologists study social issues at both the individual and social level. These issues include racial relations, deviant behavior, crime, poverty, wealth, prejudice, discrimination, marriage, family, and social movements. Sociologists use the scientific method to carefully gather data on social institutions and social connections and analyze this material critically. The research methods used by sociologists vary widely and can include laboratory work, statistical surveys, interviews and observations, the study of social media, and research of historical and archival material.
Sociologists can be found in both the private and public sector. They work as government consultants studying society’s needs and making recommendations on how to solve important social issues such as criminalization and laws that affect basic human rights. Sociologists work as educators, policy analysts, demographers, survey researchers, and statisticians.
At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty—never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority.
Courses
Introduction to Sociology (SOC 101): Introduces the principles and concepts of general sociology.
Social Problems (SOC 102): Sociological analysis of social institutions and problems created by their efforts to meet the demands of a changing social environment.
Sociology of Marriage and Family (SOC 200): Explores the impact of social institutions on marriage and family structure.
Sociology of Deviant Behavior (SOC 202): Explores the dynamics that drive deviant behavior including alcoholism, suicide, drug addiction, prostitution, and adult crime.
Diversity and Society (SOC 203**): Examination of racial, religious, ethnic, and other groups and their interactions with group identity, group relations, social movements, and government policy.
Criminology (SOC 204): Contemporary analysis of crime and delinquency from a sociological perspective.
Methods of Social Research (SOC 205): Introduction to the process and methods of social research including construction of research questions, study design, research methods, analysis, and interpretation.
Introduction to Social Work (SOC 220): Examines major social problems and identifies groups historically impacted by them.
Gender and Society (SOC 240): Introduction to the sociology of gender including the socialization of gender, social institutions and gender, and social stratification and gender inequality.
Topics in Sociology (SOC 289): Study of selected topics in sociology; varies by semester.
**Satisfies U.S. Minority course requirement for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Will my classes transfer?
SOC 101, 102, 200, 203, and 240 will fulfill the Social and Behavioral Sciences general education requirement at Illinois public universities. Parkland College classes with an even middle digit (such as ENG 101, MAT 128, and BIO 141) are accepted for transfer as general education courses, major courses, or electives as determined by the transfer institution.
For more information about transferring, speak with an academic advisor and visit the Parkland Course Matrix.
Curriculum
Learn more about how these courses fit into a transfer degree or the general education core curriculum (GECC).