Sociology and Social Studies Courses

SOC 100

Introduction to Sociology

This course introduces students to basic sociological concepts, debates, and modes of analysis. Through discussion of issues such as the cultural development of humans, the socialization process and the structures of global society, students will be introduced to the distinctive approach of sociology.

SOC 201

Globalization and Development

This course introduces students to sociological analyses and theories on the rise of global society. Specific topics may include issues such as the development of capitalist industrial societies, local and global inequalities, and the ways in which economic, technological, and political changes shape the world we live in.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of Department Head.***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology*

SOC 202

Cities in the 21st Century

This course examines contemporary urban life and the challenges facing cities in the 21st century using a variety of sociological frameworks. Topics covered in the course may include cities and the environment, urban culture and urban renewal, civil society and community engagement, and global cities.
*** Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of Department Head.***
* Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology *

SOC 203

Canadian Society

This course introduces students to issues of particular relevance to Canadian society. The course considers the historical origins and contemporary expressions of different topics, which may include such things as industrialization and de-industrialization, cultural industries, Canada's position within a global economy, and environmental issues.
*** Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or or SOC 100 or permission of Department Head.

* Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology *

SOC 207

The "Nature/Nurture" Controversy

This course introduces students to social science debates over the origins and meanings of human nature and human behaviour, with specific emphasis on the nature/nurture controversy. The course focuses on 21st-century aspects of these debates, including socio-biology and evolutionary psychology in the context of their historical roots.
*** Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or or SOC 100 or permission of Department Head.

* Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology *

SOC 208

Inequality and Social Justice

This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on issues of inequality and social justice. It analyzes the origins and consequences of social inequalities and the mechanisms by which they are perpetuated and challenged.

*** Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or or SOC 100 or permission of Department Head.

* Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology *


* Note: Formerly numbered SOC 206. Students may not receive for both SOC 208 and SOC 206. *

SOC 209

Religion and Society

This course introduces students to sociological analyses and theoretical perspectives on the place of religion in modern society. The course focuses on issues such as secularization, fundamentalism, sects and cults, and Third World religious movements.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology.*

SOC 210

Social Structure and Personality

The course introduces students to sociological perspectives on the human personality and the sociological conditions within which personalities develop. The course covers classical theories as well as current debates and issues.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of Department Head.***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology.*

SOC 211

Sociology of Diversity and Intersectionality in Canada

This course introduces sociological approaches to diversity, equity and inclusion. It explores social policy and practices focusing on the complex intersections of race, gender, glass, age, disability, citizenship, and other factors. Course discussion topics include: Indigenous communities, human rights, inequality, newcomer experiences, active citizenship, and complex identity issues.
*** Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or or SOC 100 or permission of Department Head.
* Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology *

SOC 212

Gender and Sexuality

This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on gender and sexuality in contemporary society. Key topics include: gender and sexual identity, gender inequality, and changing definitions of masculinity and femininity. Students will be introduced to various theoretical perspectives on gender and sexuality, including feminist theories, LGBT studies, and queer theory.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of Department Head.***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology*

SOC 213

Families

This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on the family, with emphasis on issues of particular importance in contemporary Canadian society. Specific topics might include the impact of social change on family relationships, changing definitions of the family, children's rights, concepts of fatherhood and motherhood, and same-sex marriage.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or permission of Department Head***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology*

SOC 214

Sociology of Indigenous People in Canada

This course introduces students to the experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada from a sociological perspective. Employing historical and contemporary examples, students are introduced to policies and legislation shaping relationships between Indigenous peoples and other Canadians. Specific topics might include the neglect of Indigenous issues in Canadian sociological studies, applying social theory to the study of Indigenous issues, identity, Aboriginal and treaty rights, self-government, assimilation, land claims, health, education and justice.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of the Department Head***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology*

SOC 215

Sociology of Crime and Criminal Justice

This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on the study of crime and justice. The course examines sociological concepts of deviance, punishment, and social control.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of department head.***
* Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology. *

SOC 217

Rural Societies

This course introduces students to classic and contemporary sociological perspectives on rural life. Topics include issues such as the impact of the global economy on rural societies, rural to urban migration, and social cohesion and social conflict within rural communities.
***Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of department head.*** *Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology.*

SOC 218

Sociology of Hockey in Canada

An examination of hockey in Canada, exploring the relationships between hockey and social inequality, the economy, violence and Canadian nationalism. Central to Canadian popular culture, hockey extends far beyond the rinks and streets on which it is played into the social, cultural, economic, and political realms of Canadian society. ***Prequisite: Completion of SOC 100 or 12 credit hours or permission of the Department Head. ***
* Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology.*

SOC 222

Sociology of Health

This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on health and illness. The course will examine the history of health care, including the Canadian Health Care System. Current debates over the future of Medicare will be examined, including the relative roles to be played by public and private systems.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of department head***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology*

SOC 225

Digital Society

This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on digital technologies in contemporary society, with particular emphasis on the role they play in the daily lives of Canadians. Specific topics might include social media; dis/misinformation; online shopping, dating, and gaming; Big Data, Al, and surveillance capitalism; and issues of privacy and access to information.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of Department Head.***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology.*

SOC 230

Environment and Society

This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on the relationship between society and the natural environment. The course examines the environmental impact of the actions of individuals, businesses and governments. Specific topics might include climate change, environmental degradation, sustainability and environmental movements and conflicts.
***Prerequisites: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of department head.***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SOC 230 or GES 297AB.*

SOC 285

Theories of Society

This course introduces students to the main theoretical paradigms in Sociology. The course focuses on the central issues and debates which have ***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology.*

SOC 288

Sociology of Addiction

This course explores the concept of addictive behaviour using different models and theories relevant to understanding addiction within Canadian society from a sociological perspective.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 296

Sociology of Superheroes

This course examines the rise of Superheroes as a cultural phenomenon. It traces the historical roots of Superheroes in myths and legends, and then focuses on modern Superheroes in comic books, graphic novels and motion pictures. It uses Sociological theories to assess the significance of Superheroes in modern society.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of Department Head.***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology***

SOC 297

Sociology of Law

A theoretical and practical analysis of sociological issues and contexts influencing the development, functioning, and effects of law in society. Some specific issues to be analyzed may include law and Aboriginal peoples, welfare fraud, terrorism, immigration, corporate crime, violence against women, homophobia, and the right to strike.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology.*

SOC 299

Sociology of Mental Illness

An examination of the social patterns of risk for mental illness. A comparative and critical assessment of the sociological, psychological and biological models of explanation and intervention.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology.*

SOC 300

Issues in Social Policy

This course examines the nature and development of social policies in Canada. It engages with debates about the meaning of social well-being, and how best to promote it locally, nationally, and/or internationally.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including completion of one 200 level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 301

Origins of Modern Society

This course analyzes the social, political, and economic forces that gave rise to contemporary social conditions. The course includes an overview of different sociological explanations of social development and change.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including completion of one 200 level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 308

Power and Social Justice

This course examines sociological perspectives on the impact of social power on social justice. It utilizes both historical and theoretical materials to analyze the effect on inequalities of power and wealth on justice and injustice in society.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including completion of one 200 level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 310

Sociology of Work

This course provides an overview of sociological perspectives on work in a globalized world. Specific topics that might be examined in this course include paid and unpaid work, alienation and resistance, and the ways in which class, gender, and race shape experiences and practices of work.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including completion of one 200 level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 312

Studies in Feminism

This course analyzes feminist thought as both political practice and as academic discourse. The course examines different perspectives in feminist thought as they relate to other social theories and as they relate to political and social action.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including completion of one 200 level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 314

Sociology of Development

This course introduces students to sociological theories of international economic, social and political development. It examines the global division between the West and the rest, and looks at the problems which poor countries face as they attempt to develop, including the role of Western corporations and organizations such as the International Monetary Fund.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including completion of one 200 level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 315

Advanced Studies in Crime and Justice

This course examines advanced sociological perspectives on crime and criminal justice, and explores current controversies in Canadian crime and justice.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including completion of one 200 level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 322

The Social Determinants of Health

This class will review the evidence and theoretical concepts used in assessing the social determinants of health. The social determinants of health include a range of factors such as income, education, employment, social cohesion, and early childhood development.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including completion of one 200 level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 328

Women and Social Policy

An examination of the past, present and future of social policy from the perspective of women, primarily in Canada. A critical assessment of existing perspectives and practices in the formation of social policy and the implications for various groups of women and society in general.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including completion of one 200 level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 330

Sociology of the Environment

This course examines social theories, social concepts, and methodological issues related to the understanding of the environment in classical and modern sociological theory. Specific topics might include the social construction of nature, gender, class, race and the environment, sustainability, and the challenges of interdisciplinarity.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including completion of one 200-level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 333

Sociology of Disaster

Sociological explanations of the different ways societies define and manage exposures to risk. Disasters, as distinct from hazards, are consequences of social conditions and social institutions generating vulnerability to risk.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including completion of one 200 level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 355

The Global Food System

A sociological lens on processes of food production, distribution, and consumption on a global scale. The course traces the historical development of the global food system and examines contemporary conflicts driving social change.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including completion of one 200 level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 396AC

The Sociology of Wellbeing and Happiness

We all want to be happy, but how do we achieve this? In this course, we explore the social determinants of happiness, and we engage debates about those social relations and organizations that either promote or obstruct wellbeing. We also examine, assess, and experiment with strategies to increase wellbeing and happiness in Canada and beyond.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours, including one 200-level SOC course, or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 400

Honours Seminar

A weekly seminar devoted to the discussion of special issues in sociology, the reports of research projects, and to the presentation of papers by both students and faculty.
**Permission of the Department Head is required to register**

SOC 401

Honours Seminar

A weekly seminar devoted to the discussion of special issues in sociology, to reports of research projects, and to the presentation of papers by both students and faculty.
** Permission of the Department Head is required to register. **

SOC 404

Seminar in Social Research Methodologies

A senior undergraduate seminar that critically explores ontological and epistemological underpinnings of various research approaches and considers their methodological implications with special focus on social science methodological debates and controversies.
** Permission of the Department Head is required to register. **

SOC 460

Theoretical Perspectives on Development and the Environment

This senior seminar analyzes and reflects upon the major theoretical issues in development and the environment.
*** Prerequisite: One 300-level course from the Development and the Environment area and completion of 45 credit hours, or permission of Department Head ***

SOC 480

Issues in Social Theory

This senior seminar analyzes and reflects upon the major issues in the development of social theory.

*** Prerequisite: One 300-level course from the development of theory foundation and 45 credit hours, or permission of Department Head ***

SOC 485

Sociological Imaginations

This senior seminar is the capstone class for sociology majors and is to be taken in the final year of the program. Students reflect upon and analyze the major theoretical issues in sociology.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 75 credit hours or permission of the Department Head.***

SOC 490AI

Animals and Society

This reading course will explore the current state of social science inquiry on animal-human relations and potential in studying animals as social agents/subjects. Topics of focus will include issues with respect to the rights of animals and ontological and epistemological challenges in studying the human-animal relationship across history and context.

SOC 499

Honours Paper

Candidates for the Honours degree work with a committee to prepare an honours paper in accordance with the department's guidelines.
*** Prerequisite: SOC 404. ***
** Permission of the Department Head is required to register. **

SOC 800

Graduate Seminar

A weekly seminar devoted to the discussion of special issues in sociology, reports of research projects, and the presentation of papers by students and faculty. Students are expected to register in the graduate seminar in two semesters.

SOC 802

Advanced Sociological Theory I

An advanced theory course with special consideration given to contemporary sociological theory.

SOC 803

Advanced Sociological Theory II

An advanced theory course with special consideration given to classical sociological theory.

SOC 804

Advanced Research Methods I

An advanced research methods course with special focus on controversies in social science methodology.

SOC 805

Advanced Research Methods II

Research design and the application of statistical techniques in social science research.

SOC 806

Advanced Studies in Canadian Social Theory

An examination of Canadian contributions to the development of sociological theory.

SOC 808

Seminar Class & Political Economy

Development of and changes in the class structure of Canadian society and relations between class, class conflict and socio-economic growth, development and depression.

SOC 830

Development and Environment

This seminar investigates relationships between environmental issues and development processes. Drawing upon theories such as political ecology, discourse analysis and ecofeminism, it provides a foundation for discussions of social, political and economic factors in environmental change and conflict. Issues explored may include water, agriculture, population, common property, and climate change.

SOC 831

Sociology of Underdevelopment

This seminar provides a critical examination of theory and case studies of development and underdevelopment throughout the world. A comparative, historical perspective will be emphasized. Topics may include modernization/neo-liberalism, dependent development, world-systems theory, the developmental state, global commodity chains, globalization, development discourses, gender and development, culture, and new social movements.

SOC 840

Knowledge, Science, Technology

This seminar discusses the works of major figures in the sociology of knowledge, science, and technology. Issues covered will include the nature of scientific work, the organization of science, the drawing of boundaries between science and non-science, gender and science, the social relations of technology, and the epistemological and political authority of science.

SOC 841

Sociology of Knowledge

This course examines issues in the production, transmission, and use of knowledge. Topics may include debates in the sociology of knowledge, the evolution of knowledge institutions and/or knowledge work, case studies of knowledge production, and the implications of various regimes governing knowledge production and dissemination and their alternatives.

SOC 850

Gender, Race, and Ethnicity

This course analyses social justice issues in gender, race and ethnicity. It provides an advanced perspective on such topics as construction of difference, discrimination, racialization, assimilation, and the interplay of gender, ethnicity, race, and other social factors.

SOC 851

Crime, Deviance, Normalization

This course examines explanation, theory construction, measurement procedures, and techniques for data collection and analysis within the sociology of crime and deviance.

SOC 880AK

Mental & Concurrent Disorders, & Homelessness & Housing

This course explores the convergence of concurrent mental disorders and substance use with homelessness and housing. The student will be asked to develop an annotated bibliography and prepare an exploratory research paper. Key elements will include: best practices, psycho-social & housing first models and socio-economic realities.

SOC 880AL

Advanced Qualitative Research Methods

This course introduces graduate students to applied methods of qualitative research. Students will learn to conduct interviews and focus groups, use visual research methods, and carry out qualitative data analysis. Emphasis is placed on the connection between methods and key philosophies of science and methodological paradigms. The course includes data analysis training in NVivo software.
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SOC 880AL or SOST 307.*

SOC 880AM

Political Economy of Psychopathology

Based on a critical examination of biological, sociobiological, and psychological approaches, an assessment of the usefulness of a political economy approach to psychopathology.

SOC 880BB

Directed Readings in Environmental Sociology and Environmental Education

This course examines advanced theoretical dimensions that relate to the link between environment and society, environment and education, in a context of high modernity.

SOC 890AP

Advanced Social Data and Policy Analysis

Application of advanced quantitative data analysis techniques to sociological research problems. Emphasis is on multivariate analysis of secondary social data using SPSS.

SOC 890AQ

Critical Issues in Environmental Sociology

This course provides a critical examination of the human exemptionalism and new ecological paradigms. A survey instrument will be developed to assess pro-environmental attitudes and behavior.

SOC 890AR

Critical Perspectives on the Environment in the Global South

This course covers critical readings related to the sociology and political economy of environmental issues in the Global South, including how these problems are a product of contemporary development processes. Readings will include social theory and history of the environment, as well as cover particular problems, such as those related to climate change, agriculture, water, natural resources, land rights and conflicts, and oil.

SOC 890AS

Issues on Sociology of Disasters

The course focuses on the sociological explanation of disasters and on the different ways in which societies define and manage their exposure to risk

SOC 890AT

Food, Agriculture, and Environment in the Global Economy

This course examines the political economy of agriculture and food at the global scale. Topics will include the theoretical foundations of agri-food studies, the agrarian question, the ecology of agri-food systems, and agrarian and food movements.

SOC 890AU

The Sociology of Immigration, Ethnicity, and Community Development

This course examines the settlement experiences of immigrants in Canada, and the social, cultural and political processes of their integration and/or marginalization. In this context, it also explores immigrant-based institutions and social movements, and equitable approaches to service provision and community development.

SOC 890AV

The Sociology of Alternative Food Networks

This course examines alternative food networks (AFNs) as sites of economic and social exchange, identity formation, and social practice. A particular emphasis is placed on AFNs as sites of ‘green’ or ‘ethical’ production-consumption, and the motivations of actors participating in these networks.

SOC 890AW

Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Immigration & Settlement

This course offers an opportunity to customize learning on a variety of methods and tools to qualitative research with the intent of (i) undertaking a qualitative research project, (ii) analyzing the results of the study, and (iii) writing up qualitative research for the sociological study of immigration and settlement.

SOC 890AX

Advanced Quantitative Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation

This course covers advanced topics related to the development and testing of relevant sociological research questions using rigorous quantitative data analysis of primary survey data. Data organization, management and analysis methods will be examined. There is a strong emphasis on the use of statistical tools in data analysis and interpretation using computer packages (e.g., SPSS) as well as reporting and presenting of research findings.

SOC 890AY

Philosophical and Methodological Foundations of Social Science Research

This course will provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of various influential social science paradigmatic traditions through a critical examination of their philosophical foundations, their conceptual and methodological implications, and their application to the research process.

SOC 890AZ

Advanced Topics in the Political Economy of Canadian Agriculture

This course explores advanced topics in the political economy and ecology of Canadian agriculture. Topics include theory, agricultural restructuring and consolidation; the financialization of agriculture; agtech and digital technologies.

SOC 890BA

Political Economy of Non-Profit Organizations

This course explores political economic theories of the state, market and civil society. It covers major schools of thought in critical political economy, as well as topics in contemporary Canadian political economy, neoliberalism, and non-profit organizations.

SOC 901

Research

Thesis research.

SOST 110

Introduction to Mass Media

This course introduces students to analyses of the mass media of communication in modern societies.

SOST 201

Statistics and Software for the Social Sciences

This course introduces students to the basic methods of statistics with applications in the social sciences and the use of computer software for data management, manipulation and (univariate and bivariate) statistical analysis.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of the Department Head***
*Note: It is recommended that sociology majors take SOST 201 and 203 concurrently in the Fall semester.*

SOST 203

Introduction to Social Research Methods

An introduction to the social research process and the ethical dilemmas faced by social scientists. A survey of the essential procedures for investigating social research problems, including writing literature reviews, stating testable hypotheses, specifying conceptual and operational definitions for relevant concepts, sampling, and selecting appropriate methods for data collection.
*** Prerequisite: 12 credit hours or permission of the Department Head ***
*Note: It is recommended that sociology majors take SOST 201 and 203 in the Fall semester.*

SOST 306

Applied Methods: Quantitative Approaches

In this course, students will produce and analyze quantitative data, using a survey and other methods. Students will be introduced to computer programs and use these to assist in writing reports and papers that analyze the data. This class is intended for sociology majors.
***Prerequisite: SOST 201 and SOST 203, or permission of department head***
*Note: This class is intended for sociology majors*

SOST 307

Applied Methods: Qualitative Approaches

This course is a practical exploration of the principles and methods of qualitative analysis, including interviews, focus groups, participant observation, content analysis, and discourse and media analysis. Students will design and conduct a research project.
*** Prerequisite: One 200- or 300-level sociology course and SOST 203, or permission of Department Head. ***

SOST 800

Graduate Seminar

A weekly seminar devoted to a discussion of special issues in interdisciplinary social sciences, reports of research projects, and presentations by students and faculty. Students are expected to register in the graduate seminar in two semesters.

SOST 801

Interdisciplinary Issues in the Social Sciences

A framework for interdisciplinary studies in the social sciences, examining the roles of complexity, uncertainty, and change in areas of social reality not normally covered by established disciplines. An emphasis on conceptual and methodological integration, developing alternative forms of conceptualization, constructing interdisciplinary research questions, and devising unique research strategies.

SOST 811

Social Research Projects

A research project to be supervised by faculty. The project could involve research within the University or be done in cooperation with government agencies or other groups outside the University.

SOST 880AE

Qualitative Methodology

A practical exploration of the principles and methods of qualitative analysis, including interviews, focus groups, participant observation, content analysis, and discourse and media analysis. Students will design and conduct a research project.

SOST 880AM

Community-Based Research: Approaches and Methodologies

This course is an in-depth examination of theoretical, methodological, and practical issues in the design and implementation of participatory community-based research for diverse contexts. It also investigates the role of community-based research in citizen-led social change.

SOST 880AN

Community Engaged Scholarship and Outreach

Community engaged scholarship (CES) is about research, learning, and methods for working in partnership with communities. It builds on learning from community development, the commons, community-based research and social movements. It brings students, organizations and communities together to produce research and action, synthesize existing work and mobilize knowledge creatively.

SOST 880AO

Advanced Qualitative Research Methodology

This course introduces graduate students to the practice of social research using qualitative methods. Emphasis is placed on both theory and application. Students will learn about several major methodological frameworks (e.g., ethnography, case study, participatory research) as well as concrete methods to collect and analyze qualitative data.
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SOST 880AO or SOST 890AY.*

SOST 890AG

Animals & Society

This course critically examines social relations between human and other animals. Key theoretical perspectives, including animal rights, animal welfare, and political economy approaches, will provide an interdisciplinary framework for understanding the complex role of animals in human society, including humans' use of animals for pets, food, clothing, research, entertainment, and other uses.

SOST 890AH

Applied Social Research in Gender and Food Security

This course is an exploration of the intersection of food (in)security and gender. Operating at three levels of inquiry (macro, meso, micro), the course examines international trade and other policy determinants of food (in)security with links to gender dimensions at the household level. The course involves an applied research component focused on food and gender issues in the province of Saskatchewan.

SOST 890AI

Gender, Media, and Representation

This course examines issues of gender and representation in contemporary media. The course begins with an overview of major theoretical approaches to gender/sex in the context of social inequality. Content analysis and discourse analysis methods will be used to examine gendered representation in contemporary media.

SOST 890AJ

Social Dimensions of Climate Change

This course examines the social dimensions of climate change vulnerability and adaptation from a sociological perspective. Key topics include: conceptual frameworks for understanding social dimensions of climate change; social differentiation (e.g., gender, race, class, geopolitical location) and climate vulnerability; vulnerability assessment methods; and policies for sustainable adaptation.

SOST 890AK

Sociology of Terrorism

A critical examination of the major theoretical perspectives on terrorism and an exploration of societal responses to terrorist attacks.

SOST 890AL

Gender, Culture, and Intersectionality

This course will examine the origins and development of intersectionality as a theoretical framework for feminist research. With particular attention to the intersection of gender and culture, the course will explore both the theoretical implications and methodological applications of the intersectionality framework. Course readings will focus on two connected questions: how has intersectionality been applied in empirical research to date, and what methodological possibilities does it hold for future research?

SOST 890AN

Ethics in Social Science Research

his course examines ethical issues in social science research with human participants. Assigned readings will cover the historical development of ethical review and the importance of ethical research. Contemporary ethical dilemmas, including those related to participatory action research and feminist research, will also be discussed. Course assignments include research project design and completing an application for research ethics review.

SOST 890AY

Advanced Qualitative Research Methodology

This course introduces graduate students to the practice of social research using qualitative methods. Emphasis is placed on both theory and application. Students will learn about several major methodological frameworks (e.g., ethnography, case study, participatory research) as well as concrete methods to collect and analyze qualitative data.
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SOST 880AO or SOST 890AY.*

SOST 890BA

Interdisciplinary Issues in Veteran’s Programming

This course examines issues confronting Canadian veterans from an interdisciplinary prespective. Areas for focus will include government programming, employment, homelessness and PTSD. Readings will draw upon disciplinary insights from public policy, psychology and sociology.

SOST 890BB

The Sociology of Exclusion

A directed readings and research course that engages students in in-depth analysis of a historical or contemporary case project involving racialization, and gender discrimination, making use of theory and concepts from the social sciences related to the issues of systemic and institutionalized discrimination.

SOST 890BC

Advanced Criminology: Indigenous Peoples and Criminal Justice

This course critically (a) examines the historical and contemporary issues concerning Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian criminal justice system (CJS) and (b) analyzes how factors such as racism and colonialism have contributed to inequalities and discrimination experienced by the Indigenous Peoples and in turn shaped their interactions with the CJS.

SOST 890BD

Indigenous Community Engagement for Climate Change

This course explores the intersection of climate change and Indigenous knowledge, policies, and community engagement strategies. It involves critical analysis of case studies, current policies, and active engagement practices. The course also addresses the importance of respecting Indigenous knowledge and traditions in creating effective climate action plans.

SOST 901

Research

Thesis Research