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Sociology

Through highly-interactive, engaging courses, students learn about society and social behavior by examining groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that develop when people interact and work together. Students gain knowledge of sociology theories and methods while choosing from a variety of topical courses reflecting social issues and contemporary concerns. This associate degree prepares students to transfer and continue their education at a four-year institution.

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Career Opportunities

  • Anthropologist
  • Economist
  • Geographer
  • Historian
  • Statistician
  • Political Scientist
  • Post-secondary Teacher
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker
  • Survey Researcher
  • Urban and Regional Planner
  • Case Worker
  • Counselor

A few top JWCC transfer schools

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Suggested Degree Plan for Sociology (AA)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
PHL 101 Introduction to Philosophy Details 3
Introduction to basic problems, procedures, and systems of philosophy and the development of powers over independent analysis on the student with a constructive attitude toward knowledge. IAI: H4 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Details 3
Basic introduction to the major areas of psychology--the study of behavior and the mind. Areas of emphasis include human development, personality theory, learning, thinking, stress and motivation, mental illnesses, and biological and social aspects of behavior. Course will combine research with real life application throughout. IAI: S6 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology Details 3
This course is an introduction to sociology as a way of understanding the world and how it applies to everyday life. Major theoretical perspectives and concepts are presented including socialization, culture, the social construction of knowledge, social control and deviance, inequality, race and ethnic relations, poverty, and the sociological imagination. IAI: S7 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
CSC 100 Computer Literacy Details 1
An introductory course in the history, characteristics, and significance of computers, including basic hardware and software components and a survey of applications. For persons with little or no background in computers who desire a general knowledge of computers or a foundations course on which to build a strong background in computing. Some "hand-on" experience.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 102 Rhetoric and Composition II Details 3
A continuation of ENG 101; provides further practice in writing at the college level for a variety of purposes and audiences, using both fixed and open or developing forms. Research paper required. IAI: C1 901.
Prerequisites: completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or above
BIO 101 General Biology Details 4
An introductory biology course that covers a breadth of biological concepts including biochemical pathways, molecular and cellular biology, the structure and function of organisms, genetics and heredity, evolution, ecology, and the importance of life science to society. In the laboratory setting, emphasis will be placed on utilizing the scientific process to arrive at evidence-based conclusions. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: L1 900L.
Prerequisites: MAT 010 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement test score, or consent of department. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
PHL 111 Introduction to Critical Thinking Details 3
This course covers inductive and deductive methods in logic. It is designed to assist students in methods of logical analysis and reasoning. IAI: H4 906.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 221 Social Psychology Details 3
A study of the impact of social factors on individual and group behavior, including attitudes, behavior, and motivation. (Same as SOC 221.) IAI: S8 900.
Prerequisites: PSY 101 or SOC 101
Various SOC 212 / SOC 222 Details 3
SOC 212 or SOC 222.
SOC 212 Human Sexuality Details 3
This class will examine the social psychological and sociological aspects of human sexuality. Theories, perspectives, and data from the scientific field of sexuality will be discussed. The major goal is for students to gain a greater understanding of their own bodies and arousal, sexual orientation and sexual thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, which will benefit them in their lives and decision making. (Same as PSY 212)
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 222 Sociology of Diversity Details 3
This course will focus on the social construction of race and its impact on racial identities and relations. The historical structural foundations of racial inequality in contemporary society will be addressed as well as group relations of other minority groups, including religious and sexual minorities. Students will explore the social implications of difference with particular reference to issues of race, ethnicity, religion, class and gender. Key components of cross-cultural theories, methods and research as they relate to living and working in a multicultural society will also be examined. IAI: S7 903D.
Prerequisites: (none)
Third Semester Details
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
SCI 100 Environmental Geology Details 4
An introductory study of forces that continually shape the surface of the earth, including examination of geological formation processes and our impact on the environment. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours. IAI: P1 905L.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSC 110 Introduction to Political Science Details 3
Survey of major concepts and approaches employed in political science. IAI: S5 903.
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 111 Social Problems Details 3
This course describes social problems facing the United States today and identifies how these problems impact and are impacted by our institutions and culture. Students will learn how to interpret social problems by looking at them through the lens of sociological theory. The course examines the causes of various social problems, the effects of these problems on society and possible remedies or policies. IAI: S7 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 224 Marriage and the Family Details 3
The social context of marriage and family patterns in the current American society; nature, purpose and obligations of marriage and family. IAI: S7 902.
Prerequisites: (none)
Fourth Semester Details
HIS 131 African American History Details 3
This course is a survey of African American history from the African background to the present. The course explores dimensions of the African American experience, and in doing so, highlights the multifaceted ways they made their own history while simultaneously shaping and contributing to the history of the United States.
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 212 Human Sexuality Details 3
This class will examine the social psychological and sociological aspects of human sexuality. Theories, perspectives, and data from the scientific field of sexuality will be discussed. The major goal is for students to gain a greater understanding of their own bodies and arousal, sexual orientation and sexual thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, which will benefit them in their lives and decision making. (Same as PSY 212)
Prerequisites: (none)
PSC 101 American Government Details 3
Fundamentals of federal, state and local governments with emphasis on national government, including the Constitution of the United States. IAI: S5 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 121 Ethics Details 3
A study of values. This course is designed to assist students in the development of a philosophic understanding of human nature, moral philosophy, and principles of ethics that will help them assume individualized responsibility in a democratic society. IAI: H4 904.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 195 Special Topics in Psychology Details 1-4 (Varies)
Deals with current topics in psychology not covered in other courses. Topics will vary at discretion of the instructor. No topic will be offered more than twice within three years. May be repeated with different topics to maximum of four credit hours. Topics to be listed on student's permanent academic record.
Prerequisites: Consent of department
PSY 238 Abnormal Psychology Details 3
A study of mental illness including the causes, characteristics, progression and treatment of mental illness. IAI: PSY 905.
Prerequisites: PSY 101
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.