This cluster provides foundational coursework in sociology and psychology for students curious about majors such as Public Health, Media Studies, Social Welfare, and more. Students will explore core concepts in sociology and psychology, gaining insight into society and human behavior. This cluster invites students to learn more about addressing social issues and analyzing human behavior in a variety of contexts. Students will also fulfill either the first OR the second half of Reading and Composition.
Regarding R&C course placement into either College Writing R4A OR College Writing R4B:
Students participating in this cluster will be placed in the appropriate course based on scores and other relevant criteria. To help determine your course level, (1) be sure you have satisfied Entry Level Writing with a qualifying test score (such as an AP English exam), Berkeley Writing Assessment score, or completion of COLWRIT R1A in fall 2025; and (2) review the Reading and Composition Requirement website for all of the options that satisfy Reading and Composition. In the enrollment form, you will be asked for more information about your Reading and Composition (R&C) writing level by selecting from a list, to the best of your ability. We understand that you may not have your AP English exam score data at this time.
Course Descriptions
Click on the courses below for more detail.
SOCIOL 1: Introduction to Sociology (4 Units)
Introduces students who are considering majoring in sociology to the basic topics, concepts, and principles of the study of society. This course is required for the major; 1 or any version of 3 is prerequisite for other sociology classes; students not considering a sociology major are directed to any version of 3 or 3AC.
PSYCH 1: General Psychology (3 Units)
Introduction to the principal areas, problems, and concepts of psychology. This course is required for the major; students not considering a psychology major are directed to 2.
COLWRIT R4A OR COLWRIT R4B: Reading, Composition and Research: Modern Love, Ancient Brains (4 Units)
More information regarding R4A to come. R4B is a lecture/seminar satisfying the second half of the Reading & Composition requirement and offers structured and sustained practice in the processes used in reading, critical analysis, and writing. Students engage with thematically-related materials from a range of genres and media. In response, they craft short pieces leading to longer expository and/or argumentative essays. Students develop a research question, draft a research essay, gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources. Elements of the research process–a proposal, an annotated bibliography, an abstract, a works cited list, etc.–are submitted with the final report in a research portfolio. Students write a minimum of 32 pages of prose.
Meeting Schedule
- SOCIOL 1: MWF 10-11 AM; Discussion MW 12-1 PM
- PSYCH 1: F 12-2PM; Discussion T 1-2 PM
- COLWRIT R4A: TR 3:30-5PM
- COLWRIT R4B: MWF 3-4 PM
Major Prerequisites and L&S Breadth/General Requirements
| Course | Major Prerequisite | Major Lower Division | L&S Breadth/General Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOCIOL 1 | ISF* Legal Studies* Media Studies* Social Welfare* Public Health* Sociology Psychology* |
N/A | Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| PSYCH 1 | Public Health Media Studies Psychology |
Public Health Media Studies Psychology |
Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| COLWRIT R4A | N/A | N/A | Fulfills R1A |
| COLWRIT R4B | N/A | N/A | Fulfills R1B |
* = one of several classes that can satisfy requirement
+ = recommended, not required
^ = lower division requirement, not required for declaration
