Faculty

What courses does Sylvie teach?

I teach SOCI 111 (Introduction to Sociology); SOCI 205 (Messages and Media); SOCI 215 (Issues in Canadian Society); SOCI 250 (Introduction to Social Research); SOCI 351 (Quantitative Research and Analysis); SOCI 470 (Sociology of Education); PLAN 570 (Research Methods [MCP program]); CRIM 351 (Quantitative Research Methods); and CBAIR -(Community Based Applied Interdisciplinary Research). I have also supervised "directed studies" on several topics including the sex trade, homelessness, community organizations, service clubs, immigration and refugees, and the sociology of human rights.

Why did Sylvie choose to teach Sociology?

I was lucky enough to turn my hobby into my job. While working full-time for the federal government in Ottawa, I started teaching part-time at the University of Ottawa. I realized then how much I love teaching and academia. I chose to teach Sociology because I am a sociologist – and I would not want to be anything else. Sociology provides all the tools we need to understand our world and our place in it. And I love offering students opportunities to view the world through a sociological lens.

What does Sylvie love about VIU?

The VIU community makes going to work fun. There is a sense of camaraderie and openness that makes the campus feel like a second home. The small class sizes let us get to know our students and be available to them. They also allow us to provide opportunities that might not exist if class sizes were bigger. The VIU campus is beautiful, despite the thousands of stairs. There aren’t too many places where we can live and learn with such glorious views of the mountains and the ocean. 

What courses does Bruce teach?

Intro, Inequality, Urban Sociology, Theory, Canadian Society, Sociology of Identity.

Why did Bruce choose to teach Sociology?

The BEST thing about teaching is what you learn.  In sociology, I learn something new every day, not just from re-reading old books and reading new ones, but from the ideas that come from my students about the social world. I leave every day excited about what I am learning!

What does Bruce love about VIU?

I have attended or taught at ten universities and colleges.  VIU is the real deal.  VIU is genuinely committed to students in a way that I have never seen before. We are an open admission university that produces real scholars, and where people from a variety of backgrounds come to improve their lives.  It is a real privilege to be part of that.

What courses does Gerald teach?

As a non-regular faculty I teach whatever I am asked to. In the past couple of years I’ve taught ‘Intro’, ‘Social Inequality’, ‘Race and Ethnicity’ and ‘Consumer Society’.

Why did Gerald choose to teach Sociology? 

I teach both sociology and anthropology. I’ve always appreciated the symbiotic relationship between the practical, experience driven world of anthropology and the critical perspective of sociology. I choose to teach sociology because I want to keep that dual perspective in my work.

What does Gerald love about VIU?

I appreciate the small class sizes and personal interaction with students. I also love the diverse student body and collegial atmosphere among the faculty.

What courses does Gillian teach?

My teaching and research interests focus primarily on addressing issues of social inequality, including the sociology of families and gender relations; social problems and social policy; the sociology of home; and women’s organizing for social change.

Why did Gillian choose to teach Sociology?

Sociology calls into question many things we as individuals and as a society often take for granted. It encourages us to think critically and act collectively to better not just our own daily lives, but the lives of our friends, families and communities. Emphasizing social equality and progressive social change, sociology inspires us to strive for more egalitarian ways of being and doing in an ever-changing social world.

What does Gillian love about VIU?

As a teaching-based institution, VIU offers undergraduates meaningful opportunities to actively engage in collaborative community and campus-based projects that foster lasting connections between students and faculty. These joint activities are a win-win. Students benefit. Faculty benefit. The VIU campus and Nanaimo community at large benefit. Some partnerships may even extend beyond the completion of a degree program or graduation, enriching our shared academic and everyday experiences. This one of the things I value most about VIU.

What courses does Jerry teach?

Beyond introduction to sociology, which all of us teach, the second year course I teach most often is Social Interaction (SOCI 204), which allows me to explore Symbolic Interaction theory in a practical and useful way. I am able to share my love of research by teaching our second year Introduction to Social Research course (SOCI 250) every year and Qualitative Research (SOCI 350) every second year. A new upper level course on Program Evaluation (SSID 370) has been offered once so far, and I hope we can offer it again soon.

The other upper level courses I teach on a three-year rotation include: Community and Social Action (SOCI 325), focusing on applying sociological perspectives and action in the local community, Surveillance and Society (SOCI 365), and Issues in the Information Society (SOCI 460). One of my favourite courses in the Sociology of Education (SOCI 470), which I share with my colleague Sylvie Lafreniere. Most recently, I had the pleasure of teaching a selected topics course on Sociology and Film (SOCI 390), in which I explored documentary as a form of research and social action. Perhaps the most fun I have ever had teaching a course was taking a group of students to London, England with a colleague in the English department (SOCI 391 - Advanced Field Study in Sociology).

Why did Jerry choose to teach Sociology?

I think that Sociology is the most general and interdisciplinary of disciplines. My research practice and interests are quite interdisciplinary, and sociology allows me to examine virtually any topic, and work with people from very different backgrounds. I appreciate the theoretical nuance that sociology encompasses, and breadth of research approaches that sociologists can and do apply in their work. My research experience has been primarily in applied social research, typically in a community setting. This practical side to sociology appeals to my interest in having my work make a difference in the world.

What does Jerry love about VIU?

For me, as a 'young' university, I find that VIU has not yet had disciplines settle into uncommunicative silos - we encourage interdisciplinary work, and we spend time with others across the institution. I think this benefits students, faculty, and the institution as a whole. It means that we can connect outside the university in ways that are real for people in the community as well. I hope we never reach the point of being that stereotypical ivory tower. I enjoy my colleagues in sociology and in many other disciplines - it's a university that puts teaching and people first.

What courses does Laura teach?

I teach Introductory Sociology, Sociology of Health and Illness, and Social Relations across the Life Course. In the past, I have also taught Social Inequality, Contemporary Social Theory, and Sociology of the Family. I also teach in the Liberal Studies Program and the Global Studies Program at VIU.

Why did Laura choose to teach Sociology?

I am drawn to sociology as I am fascinated by the social. I am inspired by research questions that unpack the patterns and constructions of daily life. I also embrace the agency of the sociological pursuit. I see social policy and community as potential sites of positive social change. 

What does Laura love about VIU?

I value the opportunity to work closely with students and to see their development as students and citizens. I enjoy working closely with my colleagues to develop a sociology program that is creative, rigorous, and supports students in their educational goals. I am an interdisciplinary thinker so I benefit from working in a smaller university where I can work with colleagues from other departments on research and teaching collaborations. I support VIU’s commitment to making positive social and economic impacts in the communities that we serve.

I also love the view from my office window! Too bad it has not inspired me to keep my office tidy!   

Office hours: Tues/Thurs 2:30-3:30 pm & by appointment

What Courses Does Vicki Teach?

Anti-oppression, sex, gender, sexualities, families, race, racialization, and racism, social problems, social interaction, social inequalities, pop culture, consumer society, criminology, Canadian society, introductory sociology, theories, research methods, and others.

Why Did Vicki Choose to Teach Sociology?

Basically, it chose me. From the first class in Intro Sociology, I was challenged by what I was learning, and I liked it! It felt like the discipline for me. When asked to fill in for a prof while in my MA program at UVic, I felt like I had found my calling. I love being able to give people the tools to explore and analyse their own lives and the social world in entirely new ways. If people understand the world as socially constructed, they can be empowered to see it can be deconstructed and ultimately, reconstructed – hopefully in more equitable and inclusive ways. 

What Does Vicki Love About VIU?

I love the enthusiasm people have for teaching and the collegiality of those who work at VIU. I love the small size of the university and the ability to really get to know students. I appreciate the dedication to small class sizes and the ability to highlight local knowledge and forge local and international relationships. The location is pretty epic too! 

What courses does Michael teach?

My teaching and research interests are social transformation and social movements; environmental sociology and the sociology of housing.

Why did Michael choose to teach Sociology?

Sociology is a key meeting point for the disciplines and seeks a holistic understanding of social issues. Through ecological, socio-economic, cultural, feminist, and decolonial approaches, sociology also helps call into question the status quo, and to explore pathways for social change. The discipline fosters and supports both academic research and creative activities, as well as community engagement and social activism.      

What does Michael love about VIU?

It is one of the few universities that prioritizes student learning and their learning experience. There's a collaborative atmosphere here and ample community-based research opportunities. VIU is deeply connected to the world of non-profit and community organizations, both locally and abroad.