Sociology

Graduating students

WELCOME TO PIERCE COLLEGE SOCIOLOGY!

Sociology is a scientific study of society, of how society both, shapes us and is shaped by us. There are many different ways of making sense of the world around us. As we live our lives, we all try to make sense of our social environment. However, our individual perception is limited, and therefore our conclusions are not always accurate.

Sociology enhances our ability to understand how our society works, how we are products of our social environment but not passive pawns – we can think critically, take action, and shape our social environment as well.

Sociology gives us tools that we can use throughout our lives to navigate obstacles and maximize opportunities we encounter. It gives us the ability to connect what we and others experience in life to social patterns in the larger society. This kind of skill and perspective is liberating and empowering. See for yourself, by taking our classes!

At Pierce College we offer a wide range of sociology courses in various modalities. No matter what sociology class you take, you will be able to relate its contents to your own life and you will be able to contribute.

We are looking forward to seeing you in class!

Contact

Chairperson
Cara Gillis

 

Phone
(818) 710-2256
Email
gilliscl@laccd.edu
Location
FO 2603
Office Hours
N/A

Department
Philosophy & Sociology

Pathway
Social & Behavioral Sciences

BETTY ODELLO PERPETUAL SCHOLARSHIP

Each year a group of friends of Philosophy Professor Emerita Betty Odello offers a scholarship of $1,500 in honor of her many years of dedicated service to the students of Pierce College.

Completed application packets are due via Dropbox by 11:59 PM on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023.

  1. You must be transferring to a university next semester.
  2. You must meet the requirements to transfer to a bachelor’s program* by the end of the current semester (6 units in Sociology, Philosophy, or a combination of both).
    *It is not necessary to have declared Philosophy or Sociology your major.
  3. You must have completed at least 30 units at Pierce with a minimum cumulative Pierce GPA of 3.2.

  1. All application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM on April 22, 2023.
  2. Click HERE to upload your files.
  3. Be sure that all file names clearly identify you, e.g., LastNameFirstName_UnofficialTranscript.
  4. Your completed application must include the following items:
    • Completed application form. Available to download HERE.
    • A personal essay that includes any information that you feel will help the committee evaluate your qualifications and you as an individual. Do describe your post educational and career goals. Also include any awards, achievements, service learning, involvement or volunteer work on campus and off. Be specific about your participation. Limit the essay to two pages, double spaced.
    • A copy (unofficial is fine) of your transcript.
    • An example of your completed work, 1 paper, 4-10 pages (excluding bibliography or notes) double-spaced, 12 pt. font.
    • At least one letter of recommendation (but no more than two) from faculty on your behalf (guidelines are HERE). One of these must be from a professor in the department (either in philosophy or sociology). The professors should upload their recommendation letters HERE.  The file name should identify you (e.g. LORStudentX).

The Betty Odello Perpetual Scholarship Committee will review the applications. The committee will coordinate with the Financial Aid Office for disbursement of funds. The committee will be composed of the Philosophy/Sociology Department Chair, faculty members from each discipline, and the donors. The scholarship may be awarded to one person or divided among two or three students as determined by the committee. The decision by the committee shall be final.

The scholarship will be awarded to the student(s) at the graduation breakfast.

Please direct questions to co-coordinator Dr. Mia Wood, woodmc@piercecollege.edu. Please put “Odello Scholarship” in the subject line.