"Sociology is the art of making the strange familiar
and the familiar strange."
- Everett C. Hughes

CHECK THIS OUT!

In February 1999, the Board of Trustees of Highline Community College passed a resolution that requires all students wishing to earn the AA degree who start at Highline Fall quarter 1999 or thereafter to take a course satisfying a Diversity/Globalism requirement.  This policy change reflects this institution's commitment to fostering a campus community which celebrates diversity and recognizes the intellectual benefits of understanding the influences of culture.  A number of classes fulfill this requirement, including Sociology 130.  

Interested in making a career out of helping others?   Highline Community College has a special program in Human Services! Students can earn the AAS degree with specializations in Youth Work and Developmental Disabilities, although courses addressing a wide range of interesting topics are offered every quarter. Contact Kayoko Bessho, Program Director, at (206) 878-3710 ext. 3608 or Derek Greenfield of the Sociology Department at (206) 878-3710 ext. 3402 for more information.

I WANT TO KNOW...

So what is sociology all about anyway?
Who are the faculty members in the department?
What would I do with a sociology degree?
What kinds of classes can I take?
What classes are offered this quarter?
Where else can I learn more about sociology?
Do you have comments about this site?

SO WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY ALL ABOUT ANYWAY?

By literal definition, sociology is the scientific study of human behavior and society, with a particular focus on groups and institutions. It is the critical investigation of the social forces which influence and shape our behavior. More than common sense, sociology encourages us to dig deeper and investigate the often hidden explanations for human behavior. Thus, by liberating our minds to see social phenomenon in a different light, we can better understand ourselves and our society -- ultimately allowing us to relate the social environment to our lives and envision and plan for social change.

C. Wright Mills captured the essence of the field with the term "the sociological imagination." This approach challenges us to recognize how our everyday thoughts and actions are in many ways influenced by the world around us. For example, using the classic work of Emile Durkheim, we know that suicide rates differ among various ethnic groups and in separate countries. How else could we explain something which seems to be completely individualistic or psychological, except by understanding how different groups of people construct reality and derive meaning from their world in different ways.

Or more simply put, ask yourself if you are always completely in control of your thoughts and actions. Would you be the exact same person if you grew up in another part of the country? If your parents were members of Congress? Do you behave differently on campus than you do at home? If students did not have to take certain distribution requirements at Highline, would everyone take math or social science classes? Probably not. While we are not controlled by society, we are definitely influenced by it. Thus, sociology becomes a vehicle for better understanding why we act the way we do, and by taking courses in sociology, students can develop a stronger awareness of themselves and their world.

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WHO ARE THE FACULTY MEMBERS IN THE DEPARTMENT?

The Sociology Department faculty currently consists of three full-time instructors, Hui Ming Huo, Darryl Brice, and Derek Greenfield. These instructors bring a wide range of professional and academic experiences to Highline Community College and are committed to dynamic teaching and service to the campus community. Dr. Huo will be on sabbatical during Fall Quarter, spending his time conducting research in China for an upcoming book.  The department also benefits from the services of two adjunct instructors, Jon Daykin and Melissa Butorac.  The Sociology Department is located in Building 11, and Marsa Mair serves as the secretary for the Social Science Division.

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WHAT WOULD I DO WITH A SOCIOLOGY DEGREE?

Plenty (even if your parents and friends do not think so)! While many sociology majors continue their studies in graduate schools and pursue positions in higher education or research, the majority of sociology majors select successful careers ranging from business to social service. Employers know that sociology majors understand human behavior and therefore are good to have around. It is an especially strong field for those people interested in entering the education, counseling, mental health, and law enforcement arenas. For students who wish to learn more about Highline's requirements for the AA degree, you can access the Educational Planning Center web site by clicking here.

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WHAT KINDS OF CLASSES CAN I TAKE?

Sociology 110  Intro to Sociology (offered every quarter)

This introductory course offers students the opportunity to discover the insights of sociology by covering a wide range of topics ranging from culture to socialization to social inequality. The class will help students to better appreciate the sociological perspective, the ways in which sociologists do their work, and how we all can be part of the mission for positive change. Occasionally, instructors offer special sections of this course which address particular areas of interest. For example, during the Winter 2004 quarter, students in one class will focus attention on "Hip-Hop and American Society."  Sociology 110 fulfills the Social Science distribution requirement at Highline Community College and transfers to most four-year schools (direct credit at UW).

Sociology 115 Crime and Society (offered Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters)

In this basic course in criminology, students will learn about the causes of criminal behavior as well as the changing social definitions and responses to deviance. Topics range from the history of thought on criminality to explanations of violent crime to the costs of white-collar crime on our society. By being more aware of this field of study, we can begin to formulate more effective strategies for preventing crime and rehabilitating offenders. Sociology 115 fulfills the Social Science distribution requirement at Highline Community College and transfers to most four-year schools (UW grants credit towards distribution requirements, but not for this specific course).

Sociology 120 Social Problems (offered Winter and Spring quarters)

This course investigates the ways in which our society calls attention to "social problems" and suggests solutions to these issues. Topics range from concerns about health care to family violence to homelessness in America, although the specific issues addressed depend upon the interests of the instructor and the students. In their discussions of the material, students will analyze various approaches to dealing with these social problems and the implications of these potential solutions. Sociology 120 fulfills the Social Science distribution requirement at Highline Community College and transfers to most four-year schools (direct credit at UW).

Sociology 130 American Diversity (offered Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters)

This course offers students the exciting opportunity to explore a variety of critical topics related to diversity, including race, gender, social class, and sexuality. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge about the political realities of diversity in America, students will have the opportunity to learn more about themselves and how they can be part of the mission for creating a more egalitarian society. Sociology 130 fulfills the Diversity/Globalism and Social Science distribution requirements at Highline Community College and transfers to most four-year schools (UW grants credit towards distribution requirements, but not for this specific course).

Sociology 200 Sociology of the Family (offered Fall and Spring quarters)

This overview course provides students with the opportunity to explore the sociological dimensions of the family and its changing dynamics in American society. Topics discussed range from diversity in families to alternative lifestyles to the impact of single parenthood on children. By enrolling in this course, students will gain a stronger understanding of the role of families in general as well of their own personal journeys. Sociology 200 fulfills the Social Science distribution requirement at Highline Community College and transfers to most four-year schools (UW grants credit towards distribution requirements, but not for this specific course).

Sociology 291-295 Independent Study

Outstanding students who wish to study sociological issues in greater depth and engage in social research under the supervision of an instructor may enroll in Independent Study. Variable credit (1-5) is offered for this experience which often transfers to four-year schools. Sociology 291-295 may be arranged any academic quarter for which an instructor is available.

Students who wish to view a particular course syllabus may access it using the links in the next section. Our instructors are also participating in Coordinated Studies and thus may offer courses on additional areas of interest.

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WHAT CLASSES ARE OFFERED THIS TERM?

FALL QUARTER 2003 CLASSES

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WHERE ELSE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT SOCIOLOGY?

We have provided a few links to interesting web sites you may want to check out.

American Sociological Association

Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research

United States Census

Sociology Department Web Pages (world-wide)

Strawberry Pop-Tarts Blowtorch Page - a pseudo-scientific study for your amusement

Of course, students are welcome to visit with instructors for further information and are highly encouraged to take courses in our department. Sociology classes can be applied toward the Social Science distribution requirement, and furthermore, they are fun and educational!

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DO YOU HAVE COMMENTS ABOUT THIS SITE?

We hope that you enjoyed our virtual tour of the Sociology Department at Highline Community College and encourage your feedback to this site.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!

"Some people give gifts that fit on mantles, while others give gifts of positive examples" - KRS-One

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this web site was last updated 07/03

Faculty Profiles

DEREK GREENFIELD

After completing my BA and MA degrees in Sociology from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, I remained in the Chicago area and spent the next seven years working for a variety of social service agencies. In my last position, as Project Coordinator for the "I Have A Dream" Foundation Lawndale Program, I directed a comprehensive, community-based youth empowerment program in one of Chicago's most gang-involved neighborhoods.

During this time, I also taught courses at the community college, undergraduate, and graduate levels on a part-time basis. Furthermore, I started my own educational and motivational consulting practice, providing services for companies, schools, agencies, and conferences nationwide -- ranging from McDonald's Corporation to the National Youth Professionals Institute to the Boys and Girls Clubs. I also spent one year as an assistant college basketball coach.

However, I wanted to teach full-time at the college level and become more involved in helping students to empower themselves to achieve success.  Thus, I accepted a position with Highline Community College in 1997 and continue to enjoy the opportunity to work with the best students I have encountered in my teaching career. My particular areas of interest in sociology are in racial and ethnic studies, urban education, and social change.  I am currently enrolled at the University of Washington as a PhD student in Cultural Studies.

My door is always open to students, and I am available to serve as an academic advisor for those individuals needing some assistance in planning their educational careers. My office hours for Winter Quarter 2003 are Monday-Friday 9-10am, and Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-2pm. Furthermore, I am available by appointment, and you may simply drop by my office (Building 11 Room 106) at other times to see if I am around. I can also be reached at (206) 878-3710 ext. 3402 or on my cell phone (206) 898-7337.   You may also feel free to send me e-mail here. Thanks and best wishes in all your endeavors!

More pictures of Derek and his classes

Sociology 110 Question of the Day:

HUI MING HUO

PhD in Sociology from the University of Akron, Ohio in 1994; MS in Sociology from Brigham Young University, Utah in 1989; MA in Linguistics from Xi'an Foreign Languages Institute, China in 1986; and BA in English from the same university in 1978.

Diverse teaching experience in both China and the United States. Specialties in sociology include social organization and race/ethnic relations. Understanding of students at both two-year and four-year institutions of higher learning, and bi-cultural and bi-lingual backgrounds provide the instructor with cutting-edge knowledge in global perspectives in the field of sociology.

The instructor is dedicated to helping students make the learning process in sociology one of challenge and excitement. Students are welcome to contact the instructor during office hours (12:00-12:50am Monday-Friday), by appointment, or drop by for questions and advising.  You can e-mail the instructor at hhuo@ctc.ctc.edu.

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