Sociology
Sociology is the study of people in society, and is used to analyze how social institutions and constructions influence individuals’ lives and group interactions. Sociology examines how the unequal distribution of power impacts the organization of the social world and how individuals experience and are treated in it as they navigate their lives in different social, cultural, economic, and political contexts. As a social science, sociology utilizes various theories and methods to collect empirical data to study patterns that arise in social worlds. Major sub-fields of sociology focus on social issues related to inequalities of race and ethnicity, gender, and social class.
Westchester Community College offers several sociology courses, including Introduction to Sociology (also offered as an Honors course) and Marriage and the Family, which can both be used to satisfy the Social Science General Education requirement. Additional courses, such as:
Social Problems, Urban Sociology, and Pluralism in America, are also offered to gain additional depth in Sociological study. Sociology classes and degrees are useful in careers in government, non-profits, education, law, and social services.