Course Descriptions - Undergraduate Calendar 2012-2013

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SDS 100s


SDS 131R LEC 0.50Course ID: 006501
Social Ideas, Social Policy and Political Practice
An introduction to some of the major social and political ideas of Western civilization. Attention is given to the influence and applicability of these ideas to social policy and political practice in contemporary Canada.
[Note: Formerly ISS 131R]
Also offered Online

SDS 150R LEC 0.50Course ID: 006502
Lifespan Processes: The Normal Events
An examination of the significant psychosocial events during the lifespan with consideration of the impact of crises. Topics may include attachment, loss, stress, identity crisis, role change, mid-life transition.
[Note: Formerly ISS 150R]
Also offered Online

SDS 200s


SDS 205R LEC 0.50Course ID: 013734
History of Education in Canada
This course considers the development of education as an institution within Canadian society and provides an understanding of significant educational issues and policies from a historical perspective.
Prereq: SDS/ISS 131R.
Antireq: ISS 205R
(Cross-listed with HIST 225)

SDS 210R LEC 0.50Course ID: 014137
Children's Rights in Canada
This course examines children's rights from a moral and comparative legal perspective. Students explore the welfare and developmental interests of children, the corresponding duties of parents, custodians, educators and social workers, and the nature and scope of public educational authority in the common law jurisdictions of Canada.

SDS 215R LEC 0.50Course ID: 013735
Education and Social Development from a Global Perspective
This course explores education and social development from a critical global perspective. Students learn the connections between educational practices and global conditions by focusing on themes such as citizenship, human rights, peace, and environment.
[Note: Formerly ISS 215R]
Prereq: SDS/ISS 131R

SDS 220R LEC 0.50Course ID: 006503
Changing Concepts of Childhood
Childhood has changed as a social and cultural concept. This course will trace these changes, examining sociological, psychological, cross-cultural, historical and political factors. Art and literature will also be used to reflect attitudes about childhood.
[Note: Formerly ISS 220R]
Also offered Online

SDS 231R LEC 0.50Course ID: 013893
Introduction to Social Policy Processes
This course examines the policy-making process in Canada at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels to give students a sense of the players and their roles. It examines how policy agendas are set and the role of power and interest groups in the policy-making process; it also examines the various types of policies and the implementation process.
[Note: Formerly ISS 231R]

SDS 240R LEC 0.50Course ID: 006504
Art and Society
Social issues and themes explored through the arts. Topics include art and social change, war and peace, propaganda, art of conscience, and the response of artists to poverty, hunger and catastrophic events. Specific applications include art as cross-cultural awareness and art as therapy.
[Note: Formerly ISS 240R]
Prereq: Minimum 1.0 unit from PSYCH, SOC, SDS/ISS, SOCWK, ANTH

SDS 250R LEC 0.50Course ID: 006507
Social Statistics
This introductory level statistics course will emphasize the collection, manipulation, descriptive presentation and statistical analysis of social research data.
[Note: SWREN 250R is available only to students who have been granted conditional admission to the BSW program.]
Prereq: Min. 1 unit from ANTH, SDS/ISS, PSYCH, SOC, SOCWK; Level at least 2A; Not open to Math.
Antireq: ARTS 280, ECON 221, ENVS 278, ISS 250A/B, ISS 250R, KIN 222, LS/SOC 280, PSYCH 292, REC 371, SMF 230, STAT 202, 206, 231.
(Cross-listed with SWREN 250R)
Also offered Online

SDS 251R LEC 0.50Course ID: 006508
Social Research
Introduction to the philosophy and methodology of applied social science research including treatment of the problems and strategies of research design and execution.
[Note: SWREN 251R is available only to students who have been granted conditional admission to the BSW program.]
Prereq: SDS/ISS 250R; Not open to students in the Faculty of Mathematics.
Antireq: ISS 251R; (for Arts and Environment students only) KIN 330, LS 321, PSYCH 291, REC 270, 270A, SOC 321
(Cross-listed with SWREN 251R)
Also offered Online

SDS 300s


SDS 311R LEC 0.50Course ID: 011378
Public Policy and Native Peoples in Canada
This course examines the evolution, logic, processes, and impacts of government policies developed specifically for Native peoples, with particular attention to government policy as both a cause of and a response to social problems within Native communities.
[Note: SWREN 311R is available only to students who have been granted conditional admission to the BSW program.]
Prereq: Level at least 2B.
Antireq: ISS 311R
(Cross-listed with SWREN 311R)

SDS 312R LEC 0.50Course ID: 011979
Homelessness & Public Policy
This course provides students with a basic overview of homelessness in modern society. Its goal is to familiarize students with the human, social, political and economic aspects of homelessness. Throughout, the emphasis will be on understanding homelessness from a public policy framework - its incidence and prevalence, etiology, consequences and strategies for its prevention and amelioration.
[Note: SWREN 312R is available only to students who have been granted conditional admission to the BSW program.]
Prereq: Level at least 2B.
Antireq: ISS 312R
(Cross-listed with SWREN 312R)

SDS 331R LEC 0.50Course ID: 013894
Social Inequality, Social Justice, and Public Policy
This course examines the hidden causes of inequality and associated social injustices. It provides a snapshot of main issues associated with modern society and the evidence that ties them to persistent inequality and injustice. The course reviews not only the major types of inequality but also social and public policy responses to them.
[Note: Formerly ISS 331R]
Prereq: SDS/ISS 131R, 231R
Offered at Renison University College

SDS 350R LEC 0.50Course ID: 006510
Adult Life Crises and Events
A study of normal events occurring during the adult years, why they happen and how we cope with them. Relying on research, popular literature, and life experiences, students examine social change, the future, adult development and adjustment.
[Note: Formerly ISS 350D]
Prereq: SDS/ISS 150R

SDS 351R SEM 0.50Course ID: 013736
Qualitative Research in Social Development Studies
This course introduces students to a variety of qualitative approaches to social development studies, including ethnography, narrative inquiry, participatory action research, and case study research. While undertaking short research projects, students will engage in scholarly debates regarding knowledge, ethics, power, and rigour in the analysis and production of qualitative evidence.
[Note: Formerly ISS 351R]
Prereq: SDS/ISS 251R.
Antireq: LS/SOC 322

SDS 353R LEC 0.50Course ID: 011390
The Evolution of Family Law in Canadian Society
This course examines the evolution of family law in aboriginal, francophone, anglophone, and other communities in Canada to the end of the twentieth century. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the course not only explores the demographic, economic, social, and political contexts in which family law developed but also assesses its significance for Canadian society.
[Note: Formerly ISS 350G]

SDS 354R LEC 0.50Course ID: 006513
Values and the Contemporary Family
An exploration of how religious, economic, political and other social institutions shape values in our society, and what impact society's changing values are having upon marriage and the family.
[Note: Formerly ISS 350H]
Prereq: Minimum 1.0 unit from PSYCH, SOC, SDS/ISS, SOCWK, ANTH

SDS 355R LEC 0.50Course ID: 013891
Resilience and Social Support
This course is a survey of resilience and social support grounded in interdisciplinary study. Students explore how factors such as gender, age, culture, physical and mental health, personality, cognition, severity, and social/interpersonal systems of support affect stress, coping, and resilience.
[Note: Formerly ISS 355R]

SDS 370R FLD,LEC 0.50Course ID: 012746
International Learning Experience
This course examines sociocultural realities of a country other than Canada through on site experience and academic study.
[Note: Field trip fee will be required. Formerly ISS 370R]
Prereq: Level at least 2A; Minimum of 1.0 unit from PSYCH, SOC, SDS/ISS, SOCWK, ANTH, PSCI

SDS 375R LEC 0.50Course ID: 012191
Studies in Interdisciplinary Social Science
This course will deal with selected topics in Interdisciplinary Social Science. Subjects will be dependent upon the research and/or instructional interests of faculty.
[Note: Students wishing to take such courses should consult with the Social Development Studies undergraduate advisor. Formerly ISS 375R]
Department Consent Required

SDS 388R LEC 0.50Course ID: 014138
Globalization and Social Development
This course explores the rise of globalization, its impact on economics, politics, society and culture, and its implications for national development and social policies.
Prereq: Level at least 2A

SDS 398R RDG 0.50Course ID: 006514
Independent Study
Interdisciplinary focus, in greater depth than is available in other courses, on a selected area of concern to the student. Available to individuals or small groups of third- or fourth-year Social Development Studies students and arranged with one of the program's faculty members.
[Note: Normally, a student may take only two of the Independent Studies courses, SDS 398R, 399R; PSYCH 398R, 399R; SOCWK 398R, 399R; SOC 398R, 399R. Formerly ISS 398R]
Department Consent Required

SDS 399R RDG 0.50Course ID: 006515
Independent Study
Interdisciplinary focus, in greater depth than is available in other courses, on a selected area of concern to the student. Available to individuals or small groups of third- or fourth-year Social Development Studies students and arranged with one of the program's faculty members.
[Note: Normally, a student may take only two of the Independent Studies courses, SDS 398R, 399R; PSYCH 398R, 399R; SOCWK 398R, 399R; SOC 398R, 399R. Formerly ISS 399R]
Department Consent Required

SDS 400s


SDS 400R LEC 0.50Course ID: 013331
Comparative Social Policy
This course introduces students to the main methodological approaches in comparative policy analysis. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of key issues involved in comparative social policy research, and develops their analytical skills in systematic comparison. It explores the implications of globalization on social policy development; considers the impact of transnational policy making bodies; and considers international variation in policy challenges as well as variation in policy responses to those challenges.
[Note: Formerly ISS 400R]

SDS 415R SEM 0.50Course ID: 013737
Gender Relations within Educational Institutions
This course focuses on gender in education as both an analytical category and a teaching/learning tool. The course introduces students to the study of gender, intersected with class, race, sexuality, and disability, by focusing on pedagogy, curriculum, and identity development.
[Note: Formerly ISS 415R]
Prereq: SDS/ISS 205R

SDS 420R LEC 0.50Course ID: 006509
Critical Encounter with Human Nature
This course explores human nature, issues fundamental to human life, and theories which have developed around these issues. The approach is interdisciplinary with emphasis on such themes as self knowledge, community, loneliness and anxiety, free will and purpose in human life, and the nature of human happiness.
Department Consent Required
Prereq: At least one course from ANTH, SDS/ISS, PHIL, PSYCH, SOC, SOCWK.
Antireq: ISS 320R/420R

SDS 425R SEM 0.50Course ID: 013738
Educational Equity in Canada
This course examines the social foundations of education (traditionally philosophy, sociology, and history of education, but also cultural and equity studies). Through an interdisciplinary framework, this course considers the roles that schooling systems, teachers, and students play in both reproducing and challenging social inequalities and injustices.
[Note: Formerly ISS 425R]
Prereq: SDS/ISS 205R

SDS 440R SEM 0.50Course ID: 013892
Optimal Living
This course takes an interdisciplinary perspective to consider what conditions foster optimal living. Topics may include the mind-body connection, spirituality, simplicity, healthy relationships, work-life balance, community engagement, leadership, generativity, and meaning.
[Note: Formerly ISS 440R]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Level at least 4A Honours Social Development Studies students
Offered at Renison University College

SDS 450R SEM 0.50Course ID: 013099
Honours Seminar in Special Topics
Honours seminars may include weekly readings, individual and/or group projects, class presentations and discussions, research proposals, essay/literature reviews, assignments, midterms, and final exams. Consult departmental listings for topics and prerequisites for the current year.
[Note: Formerly ISS 450R]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Honours Social Development Studies students only

SDS 490R ESS 0.50Course ID: 013103
Special Studies
An independent, in-depth study, based on empirical research and/or extensive reading from multiple disciplines on a contemporary social issue under the direction of individual instructors in Social Development Studies. Available to individuals or small groups of fourth-year Social Development Studies Majors and arranged with one of the faculty members from the plan. The project must be approved by the academic supervisor of the course prior to registration.
[Note: Normally, a student may take only two of the following: PSYCH 490R, SOC 490R, SOCWK 490R, SDS 490R, SDS 499A and SDS 499B. Formerly ISS 490R]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Honours Social Development Studies students only

SDS 495R PRJ 0.50Course ID: 011389
Research Apprenticeship
This course invites students to work with a professor on the latter's research project. During this unpaid apprenticeship (six to eight hours per week throughout the term), students will do agreed-upon tasks to help them acquire skills and gain understanding of the research process and of the discipline itself. The faculty member and the student will determine the exact duties together. A document outlining these duties must be approved by the Social Development Studies Chair and kept on file. The course is offered on a credit/non-credit basis only. Paid or volunteer positions outside this course are not eligible for credit.
[Note: Formerly ISS 495R]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: SDS/ISS 250R and 251R; Social Development Studies majors only

SDS 496R PRA,SEM 0.50Course ID: 013220
Applied Apprenticeship in Social Development Studies
This course provides third- and fourth-year Social Development Studies students with an opportunity for an unpaid apprenticeship in an applied setting. The course consists of two components. The apprenticeship component normally requires a commitment of 6-8 hours per week for 10 weeks. The seminar component requires students to meet bi-weekly, as a group, with a course coordinator to set learning goals, to discuss issues arising from their apprenticeship, and to present their apprenticeship experiences and outcomes.
[Note: This course is offered on a credit/non-credit basis only. Formerly ISS 496R]
Department Consent Required

SDS 499A ESS 0.50Course ID: 006516
Senior Honours Essay/Thesis
Under the supervision of a faculty member, students focus on an area of Social Development Studies and either complete an essay involving in-depth literature research and analysis or complete a scholarly report on their own study involving literature review, research design, data collection, and analysis.
[Note: A numeric grade for SDS 499A will be submitted only after completion of SDS 499B. Formerly ISS 499A]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Level at least 3A Honours Social Development Studies

SDS 499B ESS 0.50Course ID: 006517
Senior Honours Essay/Thesis
Under the supervision of a faculty member, students focus on an area of Social Development Studies and either complete an essay involving in-depth literature research and analysis or complete a scholarly report on their own study involving literature review, research design, data collection, and analysis.
[Note: Formerly ISS 499B]
Prereq: SDS/ISS 499A