{"id":5713,"date":"2021-03-29T12:57:04","date_gmt":"2021-03-29T19:57:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=5713"},"modified":"2021-08-13T09:27:49","modified_gmt":"2021-08-13T16:27:49","slug":"get-your-sociology-degree-take-action-in-your-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=5713","title":{"rendered":"Get Your Sociology Degree & Take Action in Your Community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At San Jos\u00e9 City College we value community. And we know that meaningful connections in our society start as individual relationships (often in the classroom). We also know that each class should inspire students to tap into their individual and collective potential. To think critically about their own society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All our classes leave a lasting positive impression on our students, and we hope they inspire them to take action. So it’s no surprise that our Sociology Program has these goals clearly and explicitly integrated into its mission and coursework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s just say, if you pursue an Associate Degree for Transfer in Sociology<\/a>, you will be forever changed. You\u2019ll learn about the world around you through diverse coursework that\u2019s constantly evolving. You\u2019ll get the freedom and support to explore your interests and passions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now let\u2019s explore the many benefits of getting your sociology degree at SJCC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSJCC’s sociology program is much more focused on addressing real issues with real actions outside of the classroom.\u201d <\/p>Luke Wagner, SJCC sociology student<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"Sociology
Sociology students at San Jos\u00e9 City College.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is Sociology?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First things first. Sociology is a complex and varied field of study. So let\u2019s look at its definition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Britannica<\/a>, sociology is \u201ca social science that studies human societies, their interactions, and the processes that preserve and change them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need more detail?  \u201cIt does this by examining the dynamics of constituent parts of societies such as institutions, communities, populations, and gender, racial, or age groups. Sociology also studies social status or stratification, social movements, and social change, as well as societal disorder in the form of crime, deviance, and revolution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sociology is the science of societies and the people that make them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Study Sociology?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The vast possibilities sociology offers may seem exciting or overwhelming. Or maybe a little bit of both. But let\u2019s get practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are so many reasons to get your associates in sociology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Can Make a Change with a Sociology Degree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a sociology major, you\u2019re sure to study the beauty and wonder that societies create. But the truth is, there are plenty of problems that plague every corner of our society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for the tools to help you make an impact in your community or on a larger scale, a solid foundation in sociology will take you far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sociology Careers Are Everywhere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The valuable skills you learn as a sociology major will allow you to break into nearly any field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll be knowledgeable in a wide range of issues pertaining to societies and human behavior. But you\u2019ll also refine essential skills like: writing, research, communication, leadership, public speaking, problem-solving, and so much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you get your associates and then pursue a Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Sociology, your options open up even more. Sociology won\u2019t limit you to one career path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need some specifics? UC Davis<\/a> provides a useful and very comprehensive list of potential sociology careers in many categories. These include law, health services, higher education, and even publishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Balance Careers<\/a> and Glassdoor<\/a> are also great resources to give you an idea of sociology jobs \u2014 which can also be found in business, marketing, human resources, and government. It\u2019s important to note that every single one of these fields is thriving in Silicon Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line? Sociology provides endless opportunities, wherever you\u2019d like to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey [students] have come up with many wonderful projects to help the community over the years.\u201d<\/p>SJCC faculty<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"SJCC
SJCC Sociology Club donating supplies to help people who are struggling with homelessness at St. James Park in San Jos\u00e9.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What Does SJCC\u2019s Sociology Program Offer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At San Jos\u00e9 City College our faculty and staff are always working to improve students\u2019 experiences. Our Sociology Program<\/a> is no exception. It is constantly growing and changing; pioneering, innovative, and collaborative at its core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey [students] feel our program gives them a deeper understanding of services and how as future leaders they can help serve their community and address social problems in our society.\u201d Said Dr. Maile Del Buono, a long time faculty member at SJCC. They \u201coften tell me they feel empowered being a sociology major at our college.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what you need to know about SJCC\u2019s Sociology Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Community Centered Approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Sociology Department at SJCC does more than just teach the theory of social science, it encourages students to realize their potential and make an impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luke Wagner, an ambitious sociology student with four majors, said, \u201cSJCC’s sociology program is much more focused on addressing real issues with real actions outside of the classroom.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wagner touches on something that is embedded in the curriculum itself. Core courses for sociology majors at SJCC are \u201cIntroduction to Sociology,\u201d and \u201cSocial Problems.\u201d Both require students to participate in a class project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey have come up with many wonderful projects to help the community over the years.\u201d Sociology faculty said in a collective interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through these class projects, students have tackled a wide range of social issues including homelessness, food scarcity, women\u2019s safety, and natural disasters. They have collaborated with organizations like HomeFirst<\/a>, Loaves & Fishes<\/a>, and a local Women\u2019s Shelter. One of their most memorable projects included a large donation drive to help the 2018 Paradise Fire victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLike a Silicon Valley Startup, the sociology students are innovative and creative,\u201d faculty said. Thanks to these class projects, sociology students learn to collaborate with their peers and engage with their community every semester.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Constantly Evolving, Interdisciplinary Curriculum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The AA Degree in Sociology has grown into a strong program. And since it\u2019s such a complex field of study, it has become increasingly interdisciplinary.

The AA-T Degree for Transfer requires students to take courses in sociology, psychology and ethnic studies. It gives you the opportunity to explore other disciplines like anthropology, administrative justice, journalism, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are adding more courses such as Sociology of Marriages and Families, African American Males Experiences, African American Families, Sociology 10 for Honors Students, and Directive Studies to our major. We also hope we can cross list more courses to the Sociology major in the near future,\u201d faculty said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This flexibility allows students to follow their natural curiosity and find their passion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlong with the required class projects and participation in the Sociology Club students have ample opportunities to explore and deepen their passion in a particular field.\u201d<\/p>SJCC faculty<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Freedom to Explore <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We already know that a well-rounded and diverse curriculum allows sociology students to pursue a diverse range of jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the great thing about SJCC is that we give students the opportunity to dive even deeper into their interests at a very early phase in their higher-education. This enables them to make healthy career choices down the line. Through our honors program<\/a>, class project opportunities, school newspaper<\/a>, and many student organizations<\/a>, we allow students to truly explore what interests them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlong with the required class projects and participation in the Sociology Club students have ample opportunities to explore and deepen their passion in a particular field,\u201d faculty said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israel Golden \u2014 another bright quad major and sociology student \u2014 has a refreshing diversity of interests. Golden hopes to pursue art therapy. \u201cI want to help people,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In class, Golden is most interested in Marx’s theories on class war. And he\u2019s currently working with Dr. Del Buono on an honors project about Judas and the Black Messiah<\/a>, a contemporary historical film about Fred Hampton and the Black Panther Party in 1960s Chicago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since there is such a diversity of coursework, not every student who takes a sociology course will go on to pursue the associates in sociology (though many are swayed after just one). But  if you ask, most of them leave inspired by what they learned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am passionate about the science of societies,” said Wagner, who hopes to transfer into the UC system. “It\u2019s \u201can essential component to a Liberal Arts and Humanities education.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Donations
Donations for the victims of the 2018 Paradise Fire as part of a sociology class project.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A Thriving Sociology Club<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This student club was founded in 2015 as a sociology class project. It\u2019s part of the Associated Students at SJCC. The on-campus club continued to do community work until March of 2020. Due to COVID-19, its not currently organizing events, but once the campus fully re-opens they\u2019ll be back in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since its inception, the SJCC Sociology Club has participated in many campus activities, and organized plenty of projects to combat social issues. It has organized book drives, made plans to start an organic garden and annually provided food and sleeping bags to folks struggling with homelessness at St. James Park in San Jos\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Degree with a Guarantee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All of our Associate\u2019s Degrees for Transfer (AD-T), including our sociology degree, are part of the Degree with A Guarantee Program<\/a>. We are able to offer this thanks to the partnership with California Community Colleges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you complete your general and sociology major requirements with a 2.0 or higher, you are guaranteed a spot at a select number of California State Universities (CSUs). Choosing this route at a bay area community college will drastically reduce your education costs if you plan to transfer to a 4-year university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden also highlighted affordability as an important draw for SJCC. \u201cI can get a relatively affordable education from a licensed Doctor in the field of Sociology.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out all of our financial aid programs here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Your Sociology Degree & Make a Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A sociology degree at SJCC introduces you to our broader society and its challenges. It gives you the freedom to follow your interests. But more importantly, it gives you an education rooted in empathy, so that you can pursue a fulfilling career and make a positive change in your world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur sociology students have limitless potential,\u201d faculty said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you\u2019re interested, go to the SJCC Sociology Department<\/a> for more information. And if you\u2019re curious about additional transfer degrees in the humanities, check out Communication Studies<\/a>, Journalism<\/a>, or Social Justice: Asian American Studies<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n