Sociology

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

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.

SOCI1001	Introduction to Sociology	3 ch (3C/WEB) (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.

SOCI2004	Early Social Theory	3 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.

SOCI2008	Sociological Approaches for Understanding Indigenous Experiences	3 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.

SOCI2251	Film and Society Prior to World War II	3 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.

SOCI2376	Sociology of Health, Illness and Healing (O)	3 ch (3C/WEB) (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.

SOCI2501	Introduction to Gender and Gender Studies	3 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. NOTE: Credit cannot be counted for both SOCI 2501 and GEND 2001. Prerequisite: SOCI 1001 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.

SOCI2611	Anti-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.

SOCI2615	Historical 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 minimum grade of C.

SOCI2802	Introduction to Visual Sociology	3 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.

SOCI2805	Sociological Perspectives on Cannabis Use in Canada	3 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.

SOCI3009	Modern Social 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 minimum grade of C.

SOCI3104	Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences	3 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: 9ch of lower-level Sociology including SOCI 1001, all with a grade of C or better; or enrolment in BSW.

SOCI3105	Qualitative Methods in the Social Sciences	3 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 a minimum grade of C.

SOCI3214	Sociology 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.

SOCI3217	Film and Society III	3 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.

SOCI3251	Film and Society from WWII to the 1960s	3 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.

SOCI3257	Film and Society from the 1960s to the Present Day	3 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.

SOCI3325	The Sociology of Disability	3 ch (3C) (W)
This course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the different theoretical and methodological approaches and key empirical findings within the field of disability studies, with a focus on sociological interventions. Here disability is used as an umbrella term to include physical disability, intellectual disability, deafness, blindness, mental health and addiction labels, neurodiversity and chronic illness, etc. Topics will include(but are not limited to) models of disability, ableism/saneism/audism, institutionalization, eugenics, settler-colonialism, education, income support, housing, representation, disability justice, and disability movements. The work of scholars with lived-experience will be prioritized. Students are encouraged to bring their own interests into the classroom. Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent and two term-courses in lower-level Sociology, all with grades of C or better.

SOCI3376	Mental Health, Addictions & Wellbeing	3 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.

SOCI3517	Sociology 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.

SOCI3614	Anti-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 witha minimum grade of C.

SOCI3615	Genealogies of Care in the West	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.

SOCI3701	Sociology of Urban Life	3 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.

SOCI3889	Sociology 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.

SOCI4014	Designing Research Proposals	3 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.

SOCI4015	Honours Thesis	3 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.

SOCI4023	Special 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.

SOCI4026	Social Policy in Canada	3 ch (3S) (W)
This course will provide students with the opportunity to interrogate Canadian social policy and to develop the skills to read and analyze primary policy documents as well as social policy scholarship. Through this course, students will learn to critically unpack Canada's patchwork quilt of social policies, to understand the implications for different communities and groups, and to identify possible social policy changes. Students will learn how to mobilize an intersectional approach when considering different social policies and how to read primary policy documents and write policy briefs.Prerequisites: 9ch of lower-level Sociology including SOCI 1001, all with a grade of C or better; or enrolment in BSW.

SOCI4263	Discourse 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.

SOCI4379	Community-Based Health Research Seminar	3 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.

SOCI4503	Research Seminar in Popular Culture	3 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.

SOCI4505	Society 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. NOTE: Credit cannot be given for both SOCI 4505 and POLS 4505. 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.

SOCI4027	Independent Inquiry in Sociology	3 ch (3S) W
Students will work with a faculty advisor to design and complete a reading course or similar on an agreed upon topic in sociology. Prerequisites: SOCI 1001 or equivalent, two term-courses in lower-level Sociology (including SOCI 2004), SOCI 3009 and on term-course in upper-level Sociology, all with grades of C or better.