Sociology

NOTE: See the beginning of Section F for abbreviations, course numbers and coding.

Unless otherwise indicated, students must complete Sociology 1001 before taking any sociology courses at the 2000 level or above. Students are required to complete at least three term-courses of sociology at the lower level (1000–2000 courses) before enrolling in any third-year sociology courses. Students who are not majoring or honouring in Sociology will be admitted to a 4000 level course only if they have completed six term-courses of Sociology and have consulted with the instructor.

A minimum grade of C (2.0) is mandatory for all sociology courses required as prerequisites or taken to meet the Majors and Honours requirements.

SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology3 ch (3C) [W]
This course provides students with a general overview of sociological theories (both classical and contemporary) and methods (both qualitative and quantitative), while also demonstrating how sociology differentiates itself from other disciplines. Students will be exposed to foundational concepts such as inequality, solidarity, patriarchy, etc.
SOCI2004Early Social Theory3 ch (3C) [W]
This course introduces students to developments within social theory since its origins in the 19th century. The writings of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber will be examined, along with more recent contributors to the field. Students who have taken SOCI 3000 cannot also get credit for SOCI 2004. In addition, students who have taken SOCI 3008 cannot get credit for this course.

Prerequisites:
SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
SOCI2008Sociological Approaches for Understanding Indigenous Experience3 ch (3C) [W]
This course provides students with a sociological perspective on Indigenous Peoples' relationship with the colonization/decolonization process in Canada. Topics may include racism/anti-racism, indigenous and treaty rights, indigenous-settler alliances, constitutional issues, the findings and recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, etc. Through lectures and discussions, students will gain a better understanding of how Indigenous-settler relations have shaped the structure of Canadian and Indigenous societies.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
SOCI2205Interpersonal Relations (O)3 ch (3C) [W]

An introduction to a variety of perspectives designed to provide insight into social interaction on the interpersonal level. Attention is also given to some of the methodological problems involved in achieving a better understanding of this area of social life.

Prerequisite: SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
SOCI2251Film and Society Prior to World War II3 ch (3C) [W]

This course examines the rise of the North American film industry, its organization and its current cultural influence. It investigates the history of early film, the rise of the studio system, the star as celebrity, the emergence of a number of film aesthetics, and it analyses how film has represented social issues especially those of class, gender and race.

Prerequisite: SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
SOCI2323Sociology of Work3 ch (3C) [W]

Examines the changing nature and organization of work within the context of regional, national and international developments. 

Prerequisite: SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better. 

SOCI2376Sociology of Health, Illness and Healing (O)3 ch (3C) [W]

Examines the social nature and consequences of health, illness and healing and looks at medicine as a form of social control. Areas to be covered include the delivery of health care, social construction of medical knowledge, social inequality and its impact on health and disease.

Prerequisite: SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better. 

SOCI2413Canadian Society (O)3 ch (3C) [W]

Examines the historical preconditions, current processes in and structure of Canadian society. This may include French-English relations, regionalism, native rights, Canadian mosaic and position in the world system. 

Prerequisite: SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
SOCI2501Introduction to Gender and Gender Studies3 ch (3C) [W]

An introduction to gender and gender studies from a sociological viewpoint with some consideration of interdisciplinary perspectives. Examines basic concepts, approaches, and methods pertinent to understanding gender relations and divisions in a global and historical context.

Prerequisite: SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better. NOTE: Students who take SOCI 2501 may not receive credit for GEND 2001.
SOCI2533Social Movements and Social Revolutions (A)3 ch (3C) [W]

An analysis of social movements and revolutions from a sociological perspective. Emphasis is on critical understanding of why they arise, why some fail and why others succeed.

Prerequisite: SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
SOCI2611Anti-Criminology (A)3 ch (3C) [W]

Introduces students to the new sub-field of anti-criminology. Focuses on qualitative criminological developments since the pioneering work of Howard Becker. Emphasis will be placed on interactionist, ethnomethodological, feminist and other micro-level analyses which constantly challenge and provoke the criminological canon.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
SOCI2615Historical Sociology I (O)3 ch (3C) [W]

Introduction to historical and sociological understanding of modern and post-modern societies. Particular emphasis will be placed on Canada and Europe.

Prerequisite: SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
SOCI2802Introduction to Visual Sociology3 ch (3C) [W]
This course examines the history of visual documentation and research by social scientists, indigenous persons and cultural activists; by looking primarily at how photography and film are employed in fieldwork and in rapidly expanding global modes of presentation. This course emphasizes the students' creative and critical abilities.

Prerequisites:
SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
SOCI2805Sociological Perspectives on Cannabis Use in Canada3 ch (3C) [W]
This course applies a number of sociological perspectives to understand the history, emergence and social implications of cannabis reforms and related legislation. In broad terms, the course asks students to think about interest groups, civil rights, power and authority, mental health and addictions, criminal justice, enforcement and punishment, and managing problematic issues like the opioid crisis.

Prerequisites:
SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
SOCI3009Modern Sociol Theory 3 ch (3C) [W]
This course familiarizes students with developments in modern social theory. Focus will be placed on contemporary theoretical issues and debates within the field. Students who have taken SOCI 3000 cannot also get credit for SOCI 3009.

Prerequisite
: SOCI 2004 or SOCI 3008 with a C or better.
SOCI3104Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences3 ch (3C)

Introduces students to the logic and main stages of quantitative research, covering research design, sampling, measurement, data collection methods, and statistical analysis as well as research ethics. 

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent and two term-courses in lower level Sociology, all with grades of C or better.
SOCI3105Qualitative Methods in the Social Sciences3 ch (3C) [W]

Introduces students to the inter-disciplinary emergence of qualitative methods (e.g., feminist, interactionist, textual), with an emphasis on epistemological, philosophical and reflexive concerns as well as practical applications.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent and two-term course in lower level Sociology, all with grades of C or better.
SOCI3214Sociology of Communications: Canadian Culture Through Film 3 ch (3C) [W]

A sociological examination of the principal ways communications can be understood. The course examines how Canadian films have addressed issues of regional identity, electronic communications (McLuhan), and national identity.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001, or equivalent and two term-courses of lower level Sociology, with grades of C or better. COMS students: SOCI 1001, SOCI 2251 and COMS 2001, all with grades of C or better.
SOCI3217Film and Society III3 ch (3C) [W]

This course will investigate the relationship between film and society and will focus its attention on contemporary film.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001, SOCI 2251 plus 1 additional term-course at the 2000-level in Sociology, with a grade of C or better in all three courses, or permission of the instructor.
SOCI3251Film and Society from WWII to the 1960s3 ch (3C) [W]

This course provides a broad-based introduction to the interdisciplinary field of the sociology of film. It investigates the relationship between film and society and focuses its attention on post World War II Hollywood Films, Italian Neo-realist and French New Wave films. 

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent, SOCI 2251 and one additional and term-course in lower level Sociology, all with grades of C or better. COMS students: SOCI 1001, SOCI 2251, and COMS 2001, all with grades of C or better. 

SOCI3257Film and Society from the 1960s to the Present Day3 ch (3C) [W]

This course will investigate the relationship between film and society and will focus its attention on contemporary film.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001, or equivalent, SOCI 2251 and one additional term-course in lower level Sociology, all with grades of C or better. COMS students: SOCI 1001, SOCI 2251, and COMS 2001, all with grades of C or better. 
SOCI3376Mental Health, Addictions & Wellbeing3 ch (3C) [W]
This course critically examines how we understand, label, define, diagnose, talk about and respond to mental health and addictions. Social construction of health and social determinants of health frameworks and introduced. Topics may include dual and concurrent diagnoses, gambling and substance use, deinstitutionalization and system responses, community mental health, stigmatization, and poverty.

Prerequisites:
SOCI 1001 or equivalent and two term-courses in lower level sociology, all with grades of C or better.
SOCI3517Sociology of Culture (O)3 ch (3C) [W]

Examines the historical emergence of contemporary western culture. Some cross-cultural comparisons will also be examined.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent and two term-courses in lower level Sociology, all with grades of C or better.
SOCI3614Anti-Criminology II (A)3 ch (3C) [W]

Advanced study in the field of anti-criminology. Focuses on developments in the field of critical criminology since the emergence of "The New Criminology" and "Discipline & Punishment". Emphasis will be placed on the critical analysis of our western systems of criminal justice.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent, SOCI 2611 and one term-course in lower level Sociology, all with grades of C or better.
SOCI3615Historical Sociology II (O)3 ch (3C) [W]

Advanced study of socio-cultural and socio-historical transformations in Western societies. Emphasis will be placed on the critical literature in this field, and the detailed analysis of specific empirical transformations. Course topics change annually.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent, SOCI 2615 and one term-course in lower-level Sociology, all with grades of C or better.
SOCI3701Sociology of Urban Life3 ch (3C) [W]
This course applies a sociological lens to the impacts of urbanization on social life and to the issues urban areas currently face.

Prerequisites:
SOCI 1001 or equivalent and two term courses in lower level sociology, all with grades of C or better.
SOCI3889Sociology of Indigenous Issues and Culture (O)3 ch (3C) [W]

Provides a socio-historical analysis of a range of issues facing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in Canada today. Includes an examination of the colonization process through a focus on treaties, The Indian Act, the reserve system, and residential schools.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent and two-term courses in lower level Sociology, all with grades of C or better. 

SOCI4014Designing Research Proposals3 ch (3S) [W]

Under the direction of a supervisor, an Honours student develops a proposal which is approved by the Discipline.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent, two term-courses in lower-level Sociology (including SOCI 2004), and SOCI 3009, SOCI 3104, and SOCI 3105, all with grade of C or better. CGPA of 3.3 or higher is required.
SOCI4015Honours Thesis3 ch (3S) [W]

Under the direction of a supervisor, an Honours student carries out an approved project and completes and defends a thesis.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent, two term-courses in lower level Sociology (including SOCI 2004), SOCI 3009, SOCI 3104, SOCI 3105, and SOCI 4014, all with grades of C or better. CGPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
SOCI4023Special Topics in Sociological Theory (O)3 ch (3S) [W]

Intensive study of a selected theorist or theory group or selected issues in sociological theory.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent, two term-courses in lower level Sociology, (including SOCI 2004), SOCI 3009 and one term-course in upper level Sociology, all with grades of C or better.
SOCI4263Discourse and Text (O)3 ch (3S) [W]

Advanced studies in discourse and textual analysis. Topics may vary from year to year, but will typically cover a selection from the following intellectual schools: phenomenology, ethnomethodology, conversation analysis, discourse analysis, cultural studies, post-structuralism, deconstruction, and feminism.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent, two term-courses in lower level Sociology, SOCI 3105, and two term-courses in upper level Sociology, all with grades of C or better. 

SOCI4379Community-Based Health Research Seminar3 ch (3C) [W]
Experiential education course in community-based health research. Exploration of topics related to community health and well-being.

Prerequisites:
SOCI 1001 or equivalent, two term-courses in lower level Sociology (including SOCI 2004), and SOCI 3009, 3104, and 3105, all with grades of C or better. CGPA 3.3 or higher is required.
SOCI4503Research Seminar in Popular Culture3 ch (3S) [W]

This course examines the daily cultural artifacts that surround us, their multitude of meanings, and their use by social actors. This course will provide a historical background for understanding contemporary popular culture, and will investigate current theoretical debates on mass culture, popular culture and postmodernism. NOTE: Students who have taken SOCI 3000 cannot also get credit for SOCI 3009.

Prerequisites: Sociology students - complete SOCI 1001 or equivalent, two-term courses in lower level Sociology (including SOCI 2004), SOCI 3009 and one of SOCI 3104 or SOCI 3105, all with grades of C or better. COMS Majors and Double-Major students - COMS 1001, COMS 1002, COMS 2001, COMS 3001, and COMS 3003 all with grades of C or  better.

SOCI4505Society and Sex Work (O) (Cross-Listed: POLS 4505)3 ch (3S) [W]

Examines sex work as a social issue. Topics include radical, liberal and socialist feminist understandings of prostitution; sex workers' standpoints; criminological implications.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent, and two term-courses in lower level Sociology, and three term-courses in upper level Sociology, all with grades of C or better. Credit cannot be given for both SOCI 4505 and POLS 4505.
SOCI4555Gender and Organization (O)3 ch (3C) [W]

An advanced focus on how gender and organization(s) are mutually constituting, and how other sources of diversity (e.g., race, sexual orientation, class) intersect with gender, informing organizational structures and processes and our experiences with them. Examines feminist critiques of traditional approaches to organization; feminist conceptualizes of gender and organization; empirical studies of men and women in particular organizations (e.g., business, police, military, health care, educational organizations).

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent, one of either SOCI 2501 or GEND 2001, one term-course in lower level Sociology, and three term-courses in upper level Sociology, all with grades of C or better.
SOCI4989Cultural Marxism 7G3 ch (3C) [W]
This course examines the development of Marxism (and related fields) over the 7 generations since Marx's original analyses. Although attention will be paid to the first 5 generations of Marxist scholarship, our main focus will be on generations 6 and 7; that is, with more contemporary formulations of 'cultural Marxism'.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1001, SOCI 2004, SOCI 3009