Courses Sociology

Course Descriptions - Undergraduate Calendar 2012-2013

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Notes

  1. Not all the courses listed in this section are available in the current year. Please consult the Schedule of Classes online at the Registrar's web page for current course information.
  2. Sociology courses with an "R" designation are administered by Renison University College and are primarily for Social Development Studies Majors. Courses with a "J" designation are administered by St. Jerome's University.

SOC 100s


SOC 101 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008580
Introduction to Sociology
An introduction to the basic concepts and frames of reference of sociological investigation and interpretation. Topics for analysis will include communities, associations and institutions, classes and status groups, crowds and publics, social processes, and social change. Special attention is given to Canadian society.
Antireq: SOC 120R
Also offered at Conrad Grebel University College
Also offered at St. Jerome's University
Also offered Online

SOC 102 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008581
Social Problems
The specific social problems discussed will vary but will include problems of well-being, problems of inequality and power, and problems related to modernization.

SOC 120R LEC 0.50Course ID: 008582
Fundamentals of Sociology
An examination of the fundamental concepts of Sociology and their application in seeking to understand the changing patterns and life-styles taking place specifically in Canada, and in general, within North American society.
Antireq: SOC 101

SOC 200s


SOC 200 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008583
An Introduction to the Sociology of Marriage and the Family
An introduction to the sociological perspectives on marriage and the family in urban-industrial societies. Special attention is given to marriage and the family in Canada. Comparisons with U.S. and Britain will be undertaken.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
Also offered at St. Jerome's University

SOC 201 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008584
Victims and Society
The course will examine the substance of victimization: the scientific study of victims, the process, etiology and consequences of victimization. Topics will include victims and politics, the victims' movement, "victim-precipitation", the victimization of women and family violence.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 202 LEC 0.50Course ID: 009512
Introduction to Classical Theory
An examination of the nature and function of sociological theory and the types of theory that founded the discipline in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R.
Antireq: SOC 305

SOC 204 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008587
Sociology of Adolescence
The social definitions of adolescence in cross-cultural and historical perspective. Social roles of adolescents in the institutional structures of urban-industrial societies with special emphasis on the family, education, and the economy. The relationship of adolescents' social roles to processes of social change and stability.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
Also offered at Renison University College

SOC 206 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008588
Gender Relations
An examination of gender relations in Canadian society, including historical changes and the contemporary situation. Emphasis is placed on a consideration of the social construction of gender, the gender structure of institutions and gender inequality. The course also examines selected issues in contemporary gender relations.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
(Cross-listed with WS 209)

SOC 207 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008590
Sociology of Education
Attention will be focused on the concepts and theories of sociology as they apply especially to the educational system. This course is designed for Co-op and Regular students who plan to enter the teaching field.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
Offered at Conrad Grebel University College
Also offered at Renison University College

SOC 209 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008593
Ancestry, History and Personal Identity
In this course each student analyses his or her own family history in light of social, cultural, and economic trends over the past century as a means of understanding the basis of his or her own identity. The analysis is reported in an essay of about 25 pages.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 210 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008112
Sociology of Sport
This course examines sport in modern societies and the distinctive features of Canadian sport. Attention is directed to the relationship between sport and other institutions, including the economy and political system. Contemporary issues, including racial and gender inequality and controversies over violence and drugs are also considered.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
(Cross-listed with REC 203)

SOC 222 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008602
Juvenile Delinquency
A systematic analysis and criticism is presented of biological, psychological, psychoanalytical and sociological theories of juvenile delinquency. Attention is given to statistics and contemporary research with special emphasis on the distribution and types of delinquent subcultures.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 223 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008603
Deviance: Perspectives and Processes
The deviance-making process is examined in a variety of social contexts. Examines the emergence of rules and control agencies, the processes by which people become involved in deviant activities, and the contingencies affecting their careers as deviants.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
Also offered at Renison University College

SOC 224R LEC 0.50Course ID: 008605
Poverty in Canada and its Social Consequences
A sociological analysis of poverty in contemporary Canada as it underlies a multiplicity of interlocking social problems.
[Note: SWREN 224R is only available to students who have been granted conditional admission to the BSW program.]
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
(Cross-listed with SWREN 224R)
Also offered Online

SOC 226 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008608
Juvenile Justice
An examination of theories of juvenile justice, juvenile law, and the structure and operations of juvenile systems, especially in Canada.
Prereq: SOC 222

SOC 227 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008609
Criminology
An examination of the major theories of crime causation and their implications for the development of social policy. Both historical and contemporary theories will be discussed.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 228 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008610
Sociology of Criminal Justice
Decisions to process offenders and the role of social factors in the Canadian criminal justice system are critically examined. Focal issues include police discretion, the legal profession and prison systems.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
Also offered Online

SOC 229 LEC 0.50Course ID: 010101
Selected Topics in Criminology
Sociological analysis of research and theory on selected criminal activities. Motivation, modus operandi, and the social characteristics of offenders will be examined in relation to such specific crimes as drug and sexual offenses, theft, robbery, murder, organized crime and/or other criminal activities.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R.
Antireq: SOC 227 from the terms Fall 1998, Winter 1999, Fall 1999, Winter 2000, Fall 2000, Winter 2001
Offered at St. Jerome's University

SOC 232 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008612
Technology and Social Change
The course examines how forms of society influence technological developments and, reciprocally, how society is influenced by technology. It covers such topics as the de-skilling of work, technocracy, communications technology, and cyberspace, from an historical perspective, looking for the unifying features of technologies ranging from Stone Age tools to the microprocessor.
Prereq: (SOC 101 or 120R) or (Level at least 2A for students not in the Faculty of Arts)
Also offered Online

SOC 234 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008616
Social Psychology and Everyday Life
Introducing students to symbolic interaction, a sociological social psychology, this course examines: the impact of culture on socialization experiences; the development of self-identities and social reputations; and interaction patterns in a variety of casual, occupational and deviance contexts.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 237 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008621
Collective Behaviour
The sociological analysis of the behaviour of crowds, mobs, publics and related phenomena and their relationships to social organization and social change.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 241 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008623
Introduction to the Sociology of Work
A survey of the changing nature and ideology of work, as well as the impact of different kinds of work organizations on other institutions and on individual works. Canadian emphasis but some comparative material included. Examines the relationship between formal and domestic economies. Some discussion of alternative forms of work (co-ops, industrial democracy).
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 243 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008625
Occupational Sociology
An introduction to the study of work and occupations; the problems of occupational choice, occupational socialization and identification; the concepts of career and career mobility; the professionalization process, the nature of professions; the impact of occupation on life styles, leisure and retirement.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 246 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008628
Mass Communication
This course provides an introduction to the social processes and functions of mass media communication -- with particular reference to the Canadian context. Emphasis is focused on the relationship between mass communication and the ongoing reconstruction of social reality.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 248 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008630
Health, Illness and Society
This course discusses health, illness and the distribution of disease in society. It introduces concepts such as social determinants of health, population health and culturally competent care. The strength and the limitations of the Canadian health care system will be examined through a sociological lens.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 249 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008631
Sociology of Mental Disorder
An examination of sociological research and theory in the field of mental disorder particularly as they apply to issues of law and social control. Topics include mental health legislation; the medical model of mental "illness"; the epidemiology of mental disorder; family processes and psychiatric hospitalization; public attitudes and social stigma; and specific forms of mental disorder.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
Offered at St. Jerome's University

SOC 250 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008632
Contemporary Japanese Society
An introduction to the basic institutions and cultural values in contemporary Japanese society. Topics will include family, community, religion, education, work, social stratification, ethos, and the economic behaviour of Japan overseas.

SOC 253 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008634
Demographic Change in Canada
An introduction to the study of human population, with a focus on mortality, fertility, migration and spatial distribution in Canada. Methods and measures used in demographic research, sources of demographic data, and the health and social implications of the major demographic trends are discussed.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with HLTH 253)

SOC 256 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008636
Ethnic and Racial Relations
Relations between different racial and cultural groups, analysis of majority-minority group status with special reference to Canada.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 258 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008311
Millennialism & Violence
An examination of the nature and causes of episodes of mass violence inspired by apocalyptic beliefs. The course will use historical and contemporary case studies and theoretical discussions of the social and psychological factors precipitating violence.
[Note: This course fulfills an Area 3C requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Prereq: SOC 262 or RS 221/280
(Cross-listed with RS 281)

SOC 260 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008309
Religion in Sociological Perspective
An examination of the nature of religious experience, the elements of religious group life, the ways in which religions are a source of social stability and peace as well as of social change and conflict.
[Note: This course fulfills an Area 3A requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R.
Antireq: RS 218
(Cross-listed with RS 262)

SOC 261 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008310
Religion in America
The course examines religion in the American context regarding issues like secularization, the nature and the influence of sects (e.g., Mormonism, Pentecostalism), Protestant revivalism and televangelism, and the impact of non-Christian traditions (e.g., Buddhism, Islam).
[Note: This course fulfills an Area 1B requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
(Cross-listed with RS 219)

SOC 262 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008312
Cults and New Religious Movements
This course examines various cults and new religious movements (e.g., Scientology, Krishna Consciousness, Neo-paganism) and places them within the context of our sociological knowledge of their emergence, who joins and why, and other issues.
[Note: This course fulfills an Area 3C requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A.
Antireq: RS 221 taken prior to Fall 2008
(Cross-listed with RS 280)
Also offered Online

SOC 275 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008644
Mennonites as a Sociological Community
An analysis of the Mennonites as a social movement, their transition to a sectarian community, transformation to a religious-ethnic society, and present pluralistic profile. Case studies of/and field visits to area Mennonites included.
Offered at Conrad Grebel University College

SOC 280 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008645
Social Statistics
A basic course in statistics used in social science research including sampling, central tendency, probability, covariance, as illustrated in specifically sociological and criminological data.
Prereq: One of SOC 101, 120R, LS 101; Not open to Math students.
Antireq: ARTS 280, ECON 221, ENVS 278, ISS/ 250A/B, ISS/SDS 250R, KIN 222, PSCI 214/314, PSYCH 292, REC 371, SMF 230, STAT 202, 206, 211, 221, 231, 241, SWREN 250A/B, 250R
(Cross-listed with LS 280)

SOC 286 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008649
Environment and Behaviour
A study of the interaction between social organization and ecological factors such as pollution, energy and land resources.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 300s


SOC 302 LEC 0.50Course ID: 009513
Introduction to Contemporary Theory
An examination of the nature and functioning of sociological theory in the 20th and 21st centuries, with a focus on selected types of theory that have been influential in shaping the discipline.
Prereq: SOC 202 or 305

SOC 307 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008653
Problems in Contemporary Education
A study of problems arising from the interplay between institutionalized education and the forces of rapid social change in the contemporary society. It emphasizes the changing roles of the learners and instructors and social dimensions of newer learning theories and programs.
Prereq: SOC 207

SOC 312 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008658
Sociology of Science
An examination of the social character of the development of science and the production of scientific knowledge. Specific topics will include defining science, cultural influences on the rise of science, the social nature of scientific institutions, selective bias in scientific procedures, and the social construction of scientific facts.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R.
Antireq: SOC 231

SOC 315 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008659
Class, Status and Power
Analysis of social classes in society including their basis for development, composition and consequences for society. Special attention is given to social stratification in Canada.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R.
Antireq: SOC 214

SOC 321 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008661
Introduction to Research Methods
An introductory survey of the research techniques commonly employed by sociologists, criminologists, and legal studies researchers. The formulation of research designs appropriate to various kinds of intellectual problems in social science is stressed.
[Note: Refer to Overlapping Content Table under the Faculty of Arts Grading System.]
Prereq: SOC 101, 120R; Not open to students in the Faculty of Mathematics.
Antireq: ISS/SDS 251R, KIN 330, PSYCH 291, REC 270, SMF 220, SWREN 251R
(Cross-listed with LS 321)
Also offered Online

SOC 322 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008664
Introduction to Field Research Methods
This course provides a critical evaluation of research techniques in sociology, criminology, and legal studies with an emphasis on learning and applying qualitative fieldwork approaches.
Prereq: SOC 321 or LS 321; Not open to Mathematics students
(Cross-listed with LS 322)

SOC 325 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008667
Sexuality and the Law
Despite the commonly held belief that sexuality is nothing more than "doing what comes naturally," cultural definitions, including prohibitions against specific forms of conduct, impinge upon the most private or intimate of acts. This course examines the social construction and control of sexuality through law.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 326 LEC 0.50Course ID: 014130
Punishment and Society
A critical criminological and sociological examination of theories and practices of punishment. The course will examine transformations in penal theory, penal management, and penal institutions and their social and policy implications.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 327 LEC 0.50Course ID: 009873
Policing in a Democratic Society
A critical examination of the police as social control agents in contemporary democratic societies. Topics include: the historical evolution of policing; police recruitment, training, and education; police/community relations; the occupational subculture of the police; police authority and discretion; private policing; and police deviance and criminality.
[Note: Formerly SOC 327J]
Prereq: SOC 227, 228, or 229
Offered at St. Jerome's University

SOC 336 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008676
Sociology of Professions
An examination of the distinctive nature of professions; professional recruitment, socialization and identification; professional careers; the professionalization of occupations; relationship to government; professional specialization; status, power and mobility of professionals.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 339 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012613
The Knowledge Society and Waterloo Region
Examines the theory and the practice of the "knowledge society", the form of social and economic organization which has largely replaced industrial society. Along with examining sociological works on the knowledge society, the Region of Waterloo is used as a case study. This is both to better understand the concept of knowledge society from the case study, and to assess the ambitions of Waterloo Region to become a "knowledge capital."
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 340 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008679
Sociology of Organizations
This course examines the evolution and characteristics of the modern organization, focusing on changing approaches to corporate strategy and management in the context of the new economy. Using case studies, we will examine how networks, gender, technological innovations and environmental pressures shape organizational practices.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 342 LEC 0.50Course ID: 014132
Mobility and Regulation
The course introduces students to key concepts and case study research on the regulation of human migration and other forms of mobilities across the globe. It examines how state policies and international institutions attempt to regulate certain groups, such as refugees, in their movements across regions and borders.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 345 LEC 0.50Course ID: 011157
Cyberspace and Social Life
A critical investigation of the new theoretical and empirical research into the nature and social significance of computer-mediated communication. The Internet will be examined as a multi-mediated arena of performance for the negotiation, expression, and transformation of our conceptions of identity, community, spirituality, power and authority.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R and SOC 202 or 305

SOC 346 LEC 0.50Course ID: 010098
Social Movements
The analysis of varieties of social movements and their relationships to social organization and social change.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 347 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008130
Sociology of Leisure
This seminar style course focuses on recent research on relationships between leisure and the social, cultural, political, and technological aspects of society. The course will use sociological literature to examine leisure in the lives of individuals, groups, and society. Topics will include leisure and multiculturalism, social stratification, gender, popular culture, consumption, tourism, religion, and the family.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
(Cross-listed with REC 301)

SOC 349 LEC 0.50Course ID: 014133
Sociology of Development
The course explores theoretical perspectives and empirical studies on contemporary development, and emphasizes key transformations in the world economy, society, and politics, such as poverty alleviation and social change in "the South". It focuses on the involvement of diverse actors in development processes and the social and political implications of their initiatives.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 352 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006438
Sociology of Aging
An introduction to individual and population aging. Topics discussed include: aging from a historical and comparative perspective; aging in subcultures; aging and the social structure; aging and social processes; aging and the environment; work and retirement; and aging and leisure patterns.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
(Cross-listed with HLTH 352, GERON 352, REC 362, KIN 352)

SOC 354 SEM 0.50Course ID: 011845
Comparative Health Care Systems
This course discusses health care systems around the world with sociological perspectives and introduces health care system evaluation criteria to examine different nations' health care models, including health care delivery and financing. Some basic research methods for health care systems studies will be introduced.
[Note: Formerly SOC 254]
Prereq: SOC 248

SOC 355J LEC 0.50Course ID: 009517
Power and Parenting
An examination of contemporary parent-child relations in terms of a reconceptualization of power. Special attention will be given to contemporary interpretive (e.g. hermeneutic) approaches to a reformulation of the relation between power and action.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
Offered at St. Jerome's University

SOC 362 LEC 0.50Course ID: 010096
Canadian Society: Special Topics
A critical examination of special issues and topics bearing on the nature of Canadian society and/or the interrelationship of Canada with other aspects of the international community. Topics will vary according to the instructor's interests, but may include such issues as multiculturalism, immigration, national unity, globalization, poverty, and industrial development and policy.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 365 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008689
Urban Life and Culture
Using a symbolic interactionist approach, this course examines central features of urban community life. Particular attention is given to the corporate, commercial, consumptive and communications aspects of urban society as well as residential practices and street life.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 366 LEC 0.50Course ID: 011186
Entertainment Motifs: An Interactionist Analysis
Approaching entertainment from a symbolic interactionist perspective, this course examines entertainment as a set of socially constituted and engaged processes. Building primarily on analytical and ethnographic materials from the classic Greek era to the present time, this course considers the roles (viewpoints, activities, and interchanges) of people involved in producing, promoting, accessing, experiencing, and critiquing, an assortment of commercial and noncommercial entertainment venues.
[Note: SOC 234 is recommended]
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 368 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008693
Custodial and Rehabilitative Institutions
Total institutions are concerned with resocialization of inmates. This course considers the structure of maximum security prisons, mental hospitals, isolated work environments and concentration camps, emphasizing their philosophies, their organization, their goals, and their effectiveness in modifying and controlling behaviour.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R.
Antireq: SOC 369/369R

SOC 369J LEC 0.50Course ID: 009876
The Sociology of Community
This course examines how our contemporary concern with community is connected with the rise of modern society and the development of the urban-rural debate. Our anxieties about community will be shown to be connected to our anxieties about family. Special attention will be given to the interpretive approach to these issues.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
Offered at St. Jerome's University

SOC 370 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008694
Sociology of Law
Examines the social construction of law and its administration as a social process. Topics will include: law as an instrument of social control and social change; legal culture; the identification and evaluation of criminal suspects; the trial process and the rights of special groups. The specific laws highlighted will vary.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R; Level at least 3A

SOC 372 LEC 0.50Course ID: 009874
Good and Evil in Social Relations
In the tradition of sociology as a moral science, this course asks how, if at all, good and evil can be empirically distinguished and accounted for. Both current and historical issues are addressed, with particular attention to the Holocaust.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R; Level at least 3A

SOC 375R LEC 0.50Course ID: 012193
Studies in Sociology
This course will deal with selected topics in Sociology. 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.]
Department Consent Required

SOC 378 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008696
Sociology of Women
An examination of the growing sociological literature on women's roles, experiences, realities, problems and challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on critiques of traditional sociological theory and methodology and the emergence of new theories and methodologies which better reflect women's experiences.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R, 206/WS 209

SOC 382 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008699
Survey Methodology
The design of sample surveys. Survey procedures from the conceptual level through sampling, measurement, questionnaire design, administration and analysis of responses are illustrated within the context of practical examples and student projects.
Prereq: SOC/LS 321; Not open to students in the Faculty of Mathematics

SOC 398R RDG 0.50Course ID: 008701
Independent Study
An independent in-depth study of a selected area of concern to the student within the discipline of Sociology. Available to individuals or small groups of third- or fourth-year Social Development Studies majors and arranged with one of the faculty members from the program.
[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.]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Social Development Studies students

SOC 399R RDG 0.50Course ID: 009900
Independent Study
An independent in-depth study of a selected area of concern to the student within the discipline of Sociology. Available to individuals or small groups of third or fourth-year Social Development Studies majors and arranged with one of the faculty members from the program.
[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.]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Social Development Studies students

SOC 400s


SOC 401 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008702
Theoretical Perspectives on Gender
An examination of sociological theories of gender and gender relations. Emphasis is placed on tracing historical changes in interpretations of gender, with a particular consideration of contemporary theoretical debates. Approaches to be considered include feminist theories as well as political economy and cultural studies.
Prereq: SOC 206/WS 209
(Cross-listed with WS 409)

SOC 402 SEM 0.50Course ID: 010232
Sociology of Religion
The course examines key substantive, theoretical, and methodological issues of the sociology of religion through the detailed study of important classical and contemporary works in the field.
[Note: This course fulfills an Area 3A requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Antireq: RS 402
(Cross-listed with RS 462)

SOC 404 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008703
Sociology of Knowledge
The seminar undertakes to develop a general theory of the relation of social thought to social action, comparative value systems and the role of the scientist, artist and intellectual in society.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 405 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008704
Seminar in Classical Sociological Theory
An analysis of selected original writings by the major figures in the classical sociological tradition of the 19th and early 20th centuries and selected critical literature.
Prereq: SOC 202 or 305

SOC 406 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008705
Seminar in Contemporary Sociological Theory
An analysis of selected original writings by influential figures in contemporary theory (i.e., mid-20th century onwards) and selected critical literature.
Prereq: SOC 302

SOC 407 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008706
Canadian Social Thought
We examine the development of sociological theory in Canada by focusing on major historical and contemporary figures and theories representative of English-language sociology. We examine, in addition, sociologically important scholars and schools of thought in history and political economy as well as selected developments in French-language Canadian sociology.
Prereq: SOC 202 or 305

SOC 408 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008707
Contemporary Debates in Sociological Theory
Deals with recent controversies in sociological theory; e.g., Giddens' theories of structuration and the state; critical theory, including the works of Habermas on communicative action; postmodernist theory; the positivist/interpretive debate and varieties of psychoanalytic theory.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R and SOC 202 or 305

SOC 409 SEM 0.50Course ID: 009878
Knowing and Acting: Social Theory from the Early Greeks to the Present
Using a symbolic interactionist frame, this course examines the enduring problem of connecting social theory and human activity. Building on some of the works of the early Greeks and others (hermeneutic scholars, pragmatists) who addressed matters of intersubjectivity and human accomplishment, the emphasis is on developing theory that is informed centrally by an ethnographic examination of community life in the making.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 410 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008708
Symbolic Interaction and Ethnographic Research
An application of symbolic interactionist theory, this course examines the contingencies affecting data collection and analysis of ongoing group life. While doing field work, students have an opportunity to examine basic features of interactionist thought.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 414 SEM 0.50Course ID: 011614
Power, Persuasion, and Management
This course studies influence work (and resistance) from a symbolic interactionist perspective. Building on materials that focus on tactical interchange from classical, interim, and contemporary sources, this course considers the ways that people attempt to shape one another's activities and experiences in various social situations. The material introduced covers the fuller range of persuasive interchange in community life from dyadic encounters to international relations.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 415 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008710
Social Networks
A survey of applications of the concept of the network in studying social structures. Examples will be drawn from diverse areas, such as interpersonal relations, community studies, social support, interorganizational relations, elites, deviant groups, etc.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 416 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012405
Educational Theory and Practice
An examination of the major theoretical explanations and practices in education. Topics include an analysis of the various social processes that have been developed to define and transmit knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and power relations from one generation to the next. The role of state-sponsored formal education systems in the context of world economic systems will be explored.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R; Level at least 3A

SOC 417 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012617
Liberal Arts Education and Knowledge Society
Examines the place of liberal arts education within university faculties of arts. What do humanities and social science BA's learn that those in technical specialities do not? What is the career and life success of arts versus science-technology graduates? How is a faculty of arts best divided into academic units? How viable is cross-disciplinary research? Such questions are addressed in this seminar.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 418 SEM 0.50Course ID: 014135
Social Theory and Popular Culture
This course will critically assess contemporary approaches to the study of culture and media in sociology and related fields. The course will examine the production, mediation, and consumption of cultural artifacts, images, and spaces, and the problems of culture as ideology, reproduction, and resistance.
Prereq: SOC 202

SOC 420 SEM 0.50Course ID: 009879
Seminar in Social Inequality
Analysis of social stratification and inequality in industrial societies, with emphasis on Canada. Issues of class, power, wealth and occupational structure will be examined.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R

SOC 421 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008711
Quantitative Methods
Design and data analysis in contemporary sociological research, with an emphasis on the analysis of secondary data and computer applications.
Prereq: At least 75% in SOC/LS 280, 321; Not open to students in the Faculty of Mathematics

SOC 424 SEM 0.50Course ID: 011846
Seminar in Sociology of Health
Current issues and debates within health care, including the social organization of the health care system and the socio-cultural determinants of health and illness, are examined from a sociological perspective.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R and SOC 248 or 254

SOC 428 SEM 0.50Course ID: 010152
Sentencing as a Social Process
Examines in depth the process and results of criminal sentencing. Topics include types of sentences for criminal and quasi-criminal offences; objectives of sentences; factors affecting sentences; the process of sentencing; the administration and effectiveness of sentences; and unresolved debates in sentencing.
Prereq: SOC 228

SOC 435 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008713
Environmental Sociology
Inquiry into the relationship between the natural environment and society. Review of issues relating to technology, social change, politics of environmental reform, factors that contribute to environmental-resource conflict and policy.
Prereq: SOC 286; Level at least 3A

SOC 450R SEM 0.50Course ID: 013097
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.
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Honours Social Development Studies students only

SOC 451 SEM 0.50Course ID: 014134
Global Development
The course explores theoretical perspectives on development through an examination of the social and cultural consequences of development efforts across the globe. It offers an approach through cases and themes that may include: conflict and inequalities, cultural constructions of peoples and places, global aid governance, and alternative approaches to development.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R; Level at least 3A

SOC 452 SEM 0.50Course ID: 014136
Humanitarianism
The course explores the theoretical and historical background of humanitarianism, and offers an approach to this field through specific cases and themes that may include: the paradoxes of humanitarian intervention, war and humanitarianism, genocide and refugees, gendered bodies, and social justice activism.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R; Level at least 3A

SOC 459 SEM 0.50Course ID: 008731
Sociology of Work and Occupations
This seminar examines major theoretical perspectives and issues in the sociology of work.
Prereq: One of SOC 241, 242, 243, 336

SOC 490R ESS 0.50Course ID: 013101
Special Studies
An independent, in-depth study, based on empirical research and/or extensive reading in sociology under the direction of individual instructors in Sociology. 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, IS 490R, ISS 499A and ISS 499B.]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Honours Social Development Studies students only

SOC 497 PRJ 0.50Course ID: 011348
Honours Research Practicum
Denoting a preprofessionalization experience, this course provides selected students with an opportunity to work [to a maximum of 8 hours per week over one term] as an apprentice with a specific instructor on a research project in which the instructor is currently engaged.
[Note: This is a nonpaid position and may not be combined with sponsored research positions. Earlier or outside research involvements will not meet the criteria for this course. This course cannot be substituted for other 400-level course requirements (as in seminars, theory courses). This course is offered on a credit/noncredit basis only.]
Instructor Consent Required
Prereq: Level at least 3A Honours Sociology

SOC 498 RDG 0.50Course ID: 010021
Directed Studies
Selected study and assignments under the direction of a faculty member.
Instructor Consent Required

SOC 499A RDG 0.50Course ID: 008744
Senior Honours Essay
Directed reading and research in a selected area of sociology inquiry.
[Note: A numeric grade for SOC 499A will be submitted only after the completion of SOC 499B.]
Prereq: Level at least 4A Sociology

SOC 499B RDG 0.50Course ID: 008745
Senior Honours Essay
Directed reading and research in a selected area of sociology inquiry.
Prereq: Level at least 4A Sociology