Associate of Arts - Sociology

The College of Alameda offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. Upon completion of this program a student will be able to: • Foundational Knowledge in Sociology: Demonstrate a degree of mastery of the state of the discipline of Sociology. Define the core concepts of sociology, theory and forms of applied research and the use of sociological data (social structures, culture, social stratification, race, ethnicity, gender, and globalization). • Critical Sociological Thinking: Demonstrate a degree of proficiency at the life skills of critical thought and political consciousness to better access, evaluate, and interpret ideas found in sociological theory and research enabling people to be disciplined to communicate effectively, reach conclusions, and solve problems as a responsible global citizen — part of the social, political and economic structure in an unequal world — such that they may apply these in their professional pursuits should they choose a path of public service or community leadership, of simply community participants. • Personal Enrichment & Lifelong Learning – Sociological Efficacy: Demonstrate a degree of capacity in personal sociological efficacy to assume responsible and healthy membership in society - in the application of sociological concepts explored in this learning experience (class, classes, program) in a meaningful manner to one’s own self defined reality in all spheres of social interaction in society (a) as part of their everyday life as engaged persons in the modern world system; and (b) in the context of global environmental (and other) challenges. • Articulate the various social realities for people through an intersectional framework that provides a deeper understanding of an individuals experience as it relates to group membership. Thus enabling student capacity to discuss the interpersonal, institutional, cultural and structural mechanisms that produce and maintain inequality in various social and political institutions; and, to be able to engage with such challenges and assume a degree of change agency in this context.

Sociology is applicable to multiple issues. As a result, students who take Sociology courses are prepared for academic study and careers across many disciplines. Every organization can use a sociologist. Students who complete this program work in a variety of academic and applied settings from marketing, social work, business, criminology, the public sector, law enforcement, health, medicine, and even programming.