Prerequisite: None. Total lecture 54 hours. This course offers a critical analysis of the conditions of society that lead to negative human consequences for a significant number of people. Sociological theories, research methods and critical thinking will be employed to evaluate current challenges facing local, U.S. and global communities. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between evidence and social analysis. Issues addressed include social inequality, deviance, healthcare, education, politics, media, environmental crises, war and terrorism, and cross-cultural analysis. Approved for pass/no pass grading option. C-ID SOCI 115 (A/CSU/UC) PC-Area 4; CSU-D0; CSU- E; IGETC-4J