Courses

SOCI 111 (3) Introduction to Sociology

An introduction to the sociological understanding of society and an exploration of how social conditions and historical context shape the life chances of individuals and groups. Topics include theoretical perspectives, culture, socialization, groups and organizations, social structure, social class, inequality, deviance and social control, gender, race and ethnicity. Credit will only be granted for one of INTR 102 or SOCI 111. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: None.

SOCI 112 (3) Canadian Society in the Contemporary World

An introduction to Sociology through the study of Canadian society and its global context. In addition to theoretical perspectives, social class and inequality, topics may include education, family, religion, science and technology, environment, globalization, work, economy, politics, health and medicine, social movements and social change. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: None.

SOCI 204 (3) Social Interaction

An examination of the ways in which individuals relate to and communicate with each other, and how people give meaning to such relationships. Attention is given to theoretical perspectives and empirical studies concerned with the relationship between self and society. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112.

SOCI 205 (3) Messages and Media

An examination of the uses of mass media in contemporary society. Includes an analysis of the effects of print and electronic media on public awareness and attitudes. (2:1:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112.

SOCI 209 (3) Social Inequality

An examination of the origins, persistence, and consequences of inequality, as well as various proposed solutions, through the lens of classical social theories. Also includes explorations of how structured inequalities based on race, class, gender and age shape individual life chances and experiences. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112 or INTR 102.

SOCI 212 (3) Race and Ethnicity in the Modern World

A critical examination of racism in the modern world. Topics include the concept of "race", racist attitudes and racist ideology, the diversity of human population, ethnic prejudice, discrimination, and the structure of ethnic inequality. The course emphasizes comparative analysis. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112.

SOCI 215 (3) Issues in Canadian Society

An examination of topical issues facing Canadians. Topic areas vary from semester to semester but include combinations of national identity, regionalism, demographic characteristics, social inequality, and relations with other nations. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112.

SOCI 240 (3) Social Control and Resistance

An introduction to concepts, theories, and research related to social control and resistance, which is of central concern in late-modern society. Topics may include moral regulation, dangerization, medicalization of deviance, moral panics, cults, stigma, mental illness, positive or honourable deviance, marginalization, state control, sub-cultures, strategies of resistance. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112.

SOCI 250 (3) Introduction to Social Research

An introduction to concepts and strategies of social science research: current methodological issues, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and an introduction to computer-assisted data analysis. Students with credit in CRIM 220 and/or PSYC 204 and/or SSID 250 are exempt from SOCI 250. Credit will only be granted for one of SSID 250,CRIM 220 or SOCI 250. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112 (recommended), or any 100-level course in Psychology, Geography, Anthropology, Criminology, or Political Studies.

SOCI 280 (3) Consumer Society

A critical sociological examination of how consumerism affects the structure of society and the everyday practices and identities of individuals. Topics include the development of a culture of consumption and its social and ecological consequences, the effects of consumerism on children, money and debt, and the role of corporations. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112 or permission of the instructor.

SOCI 290 (3) Selected Topics in Sociology

An exploration of current topics in Sociology. Topics vary by semester. Interested students should contact the instructor or department chair for more information. Students may take up to a total of 9 credits from the Sociology Department's "Selected Topics" courses as long as they are on different topics. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: One of SOCI 111, SOCI 112 or INTR 102.

SOCI 291 (3) Field Study in Sociology I

An opportunity to apply sociological perspectives and methods in a field-based setting. The course may include site visits, observation, in-field data collection and seminars. May involve travel in Canada or abroad. Pre-trip sessions and readings will provide background on the field setting and allow for individual research selection. (6:6:0 -30 for 3 weeks)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 and any 200-level SOCI course, or third year standing, or permission of the instructor.

SOCI 292 (3) Field Study in Sociology II

A continuation of SOCI 291. If taken concurrently with SOCI 291 this may involve a longer duration or higher intensity field experience. (6:6:0 -30 for 3 weeks)

Prerequisite: SOCI 291.

Co-requisites: SOCI 291.

SOCI 293 (3) Field Study in Sociology III

A continuation of SOCI 292. If taken concurrently with SOCI 292 this may involve a longer duration or higher intensity field experience. (6:6:0 -30 for 3 weeks)

Prerequisite: SOCI 292.

Co-requisites: SOCI 292.

SOCI 304 (3) Identities and Society

An examination of the ways in which social and cultural processes shape personal and group identities, and the ways in which we continuously reinvent ourselves in response to these processes. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor. SOCI 204 recommended.

SOCI 306 (3) Sociology of Popular Culture

An exploration of how popular culture is produced, distributed, and consumed, including analysis of the diverse forms of social resistance to cultural objects such as music, fashion, literature, technology, and sport. Topics may include: culture and social class, subcultures, countercultures, gender, sexuality, media, and cultural imperialism. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 310 (3) Foundations of Social Theory

A reading and discussion course covering some of the most basic concepts, theories, and methods that inform the practice of Sociology. Students are encouraged through discussion and assignments to apply these ideas toward developing a critical sociological imagination. SOCI 310 was formerly called SOCI 210; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and SOCI 209, or written permission of instructor.

SOCI 312 (3) Contemporary Sociological Theory

A reading and discussion course covering developments in sociological theory since the mid-20th century. Topics will be chosen from a variety of theories and may include world-systems theory, conflict theory, neo-functionalism, neo-Marxism, critical theory, symbolic interactionism, phenomenology, feminist and postmodernism. SOCI 312 was formerly called SOCI 210; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and SOCI 209, or written permission of instructor.

SOCI 320 (3) Families in Today's World

What is happening in families? How are contemporary socio-cultural changes affecting families? What dynamic changes are occurring in family structure and relationships among family members? An examination of transformations in family life from a comparative perspective and an exploration of family policies in various societies. Credit will only be granted for one of SOCI 305A and SOCI 305B. or SOCI 320. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 322 (3) Sociology of Gender Relations

An exploration of how individuals and society "do gender" on an everyday basis, and how gender as a social construct impacts the lives of women and men. Topics may include theoretical and empirical issues related to the (re)production of gender, gender relations, gender inequality, masculinity, sexuality, feminist theories, and activism. SOCI 322 was formerly called SOCI 221; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and one SOCI course at the 200 level. SOCI 209 recommended but is not required.

SOCI 325 (3) Community and Social Action

An exploration of how voluntary, nonprofit, and nongovernmental organizations affect and create social change at the local, national, and international levels. Topics include how this sector may be affected by the forces of marketization, privatization, and globalization, its role in democracy, and as a source of social capital and community. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 330 (3) Social Relations Across the Life Course

An exploration of how individual life courses intersect with history, social inequalities and social change. Topics may include: experiences of childhood, youth, and adulthood; sexuality; parent-child relationships; demographic shifts; work/life balance; the aging/anti-aging industry; social policy and the politics of aging; domestic living; intergenerational relations; death and dying. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 335 (3) Social Problems and Solutions

A critical application of sociological perspectives to examine substantive issues related to 'social problems' in Canadian society. Topics may include: social inequalities, poverty, food (in)security, crime and deviance, drugs and addiction, violence, homelessness and urbanization. The focus will go beyond defining problems to include exploring possible solutions. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

SOCI 340 (3) The Sociology of Health and Illness

An examination of health and illness from a variety of sociological perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on the social determinants of health, how age, race, and gender affect illness, addiction, and social and individual responses to healthcare issues. Topics may include: medicalization, healthcare ethics, built environments, and global comparisons. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

SOCI 350 (3) Qualitative Research

An introduction to ethical and practical issues in conducting qualitative research and analysis. Topics may include qualitative traditions such as case studies, grounded theory, ethnography, narrative research, historical and textual analysis, and research approaches such as observation, interviewing, focus groups, program evaluation, and participatory action research. Credit will only be granted for one of PSYC 304,CRIM 350,SSID 350 or SOCI 350. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and one of SOCI 250, CRIM 220, SSID 250 or PSYC 204, or written permission of instructor.

SOCI 351 (3) Quantitative Research and Analysis

Designed to develop quantitative research and data analysis skills and the ability to critique quantitative studies. Topics may include survey research, use of archival data and experimental designs. Students will learn the application of statistical concepts using SPSS for data analysis. Credit will only be granted for one of CRIM 351, PSYC 300 or SOCI 351. (1.5:0:1.5)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112; and one of SOCI 250, CRIM 220, or PSYC 204. One of Pre-calculus 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, or Applications of Mathematics 11.

SOCI 360 (3) Work in Contemporary Societies

Questions to be discussed include: What forces are driving change in the nature of work at local, regional and global levels? What are the impacts of the new economy on societies and individuals? What variations are there between rich and poor nations? How are people, individually and collectively, re-defining work and its place in their lives? (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 365 (3) Surveillance and Society

A theoretically informed and empirically illustrated critical introduction to the interdisciplinary field of surveillance studies. The course will examine the pervasiveness of contemporary surveillance - CCTV cameras, ID cards, online monitoring, and consumer tracking - and emerging privacy and ethical issues such as social sorting, data flows and social control. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

SOCI 370 (3) Environmental Sociology

An examination of the sociological study of society-environment relationships. Topics will vary with the expertise of the instructor and may include environmental movements and attitudes, social construction of nature and environmental problems, the political economy of environmental problems, globalization and environment, environmental racism and gender and the environment. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 372 (3) Urban Sociology

An exploration of the social causes and consequences of urbanization. Topics may include: the global megalopolis, urban reproduction of social inequalities, slums, sprawl, social fragmentation, homelessness, urban cultures and identities, community building, social and ecological sustainability, the experience of urban space, and urban social movements. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 382 (3) Crimes Against Humanity

An advanced study of the micro and macrosociological factors related to crimes against humanity, particularly genocide and war crimes. Topics may include obedience to authority, instrumentality, the bystander effect, and the possibilities of forgiveness and reconciliation. An overall emphasis concerns the impending age of resource scarcity and consequent global conflict. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of the instructor.

SOCI 390 (3) Selected Topics in Sociology (Advanced)

An exploration of current topics in Sociology. Topics vary by semester. Interested students should contact the instructor or department Chair for more information. Students may take up to a total of 9 credits from the Sociology Department's "Selected Topics" courses on different topics. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: One of SOCI 111, SOCI 112, or INTR 102; and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 391 (3) Advanced Field Study in Sociology I

Advanced opportunity to apply sociological perspectives and methods in a field-based setting. The course may include site visits, observation, in-field data collection and seminars. May involve travel. Pre-trip sessions and readings will provide background on field setting and allow for individual research. Where possible, students may facilitate SOCI 291 tutorials. (6:6:0 -30 for 3 weeks)

Prerequisite: SOCI 209 and one of SOCI 250, CRIM 220, or PSYC 204. Either third-year standing, min. 3 credits of upper-level SOCI, or permission of the instructor.

SOCI 392 (3) Advanced Field Study in Sociology II

A continuation of SOCI 391. If taken concurrently with SOCI 391 this may involve a longer duration or higher intensity field experience. (6:6:0 -30 for 3 weeks)

Prerequisite: SOCI 391.

Co-requisites: SOCI 391.

SOCI 393 (3) Advanced Field Study in Sociology III

A continuation of SOCI 392. If taken concurrently with SOCI 392 this may involve a longer duration or higher intensity field experience. (6:6:0 -30 for 3 weeks)

Prerequisite: SOCI 392.

Co-requisites: SOCI 392.

SOCI 405 (3) Science, Technology and Society

Contemporary science and technology affect all aspects of our lives, even if we are not scientists. This course offers students the chance to read and discuss classic and contemporary works in sociology, history, and philosophy in order to better understand the complex and constantly changing relationships between science, technology, and society. (1:2:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 430 (3) Social Movements and Social Change

An examination of social movements and their role in social change both in Canada and around the world. Topics include movement organization and strategy; globalization and movements; and the cultural, social and political impact of movements. Examples may include ecological, women's, anti-poverty, anti-globalization, workers', and gay and lesbian movements. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 470 (3) Sociology of Education

A critical examination of education as a social institution, covering the relevance of sociological theory and research to education policy, practice and change. Topics may include the role of schooling in mirroring, reproducing and challenging inequalities, and sociological perspectives on historical, philosophical and economic foundations of education. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, and any 200-level SOCI course, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 490 (3) Directed Studies in Sociology

Independent studies for advanced students. Complete arrangements must be made with an instructor in the department prior to registration. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCI 111 or SOCI 112, any 200-level SOCI course, and permission of instructor and Department Chair.

SOCI 491 (3) Senior Project

For Majors and may only be taken after consultation with and permission of the Chair of the department of Sociology. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: One of SOCI 310 or SOCI 312, and one of SOCI 350 or SOCI 351, or permission of the department Chair. Restricted to Sociology Majors.

SOCI 499 (3) Field Placement in Sociology

An opportunity for students with a declared Major or Minor in Sociology to develop professional roles and applied work experience through short work placements with community based agencies. Students must contact a Sociology faculty member and express their interest in advance of the term of study. (0:0:0 -100)

Prerequisite: SOCI 209 and one of SOCI 250, CRIM 220, or PSYC 204. Third year standing, at least six upper level Sociology credits, a minimum "B+" grade point average in Sociology courses, and written permission of the instructor.