Sociology

SO 121 Principles of Sociology (3) A

This course examines the foundations of sociology, social inequality, social institutions, and social change. It introduces students to the major concepts, theories and procedures of sociological inquiry.

 

SO 200 Sociology of Families (3) B

A study of the function and structure of the family and its place in society. The emphasis is on the family as a social institution and its cultural foundations.

Prerequisite: SO 121

 

SO 203 Introduction to Criminology (3) B

This course provides an introduction to the discipline of criminology: crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system. By engaging with criminological theories, we will examine the social processes leading to criminal behaviour, the changing definitions of deviance and criminality, the formulation of law, various ways of counting and measuring crime behaviour, and social responses to crime, including the operation of the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite: SO 121

 

SO 205 Sociology of Sport (3) B

This course examines sport in modern societies, with special emphasis on sport in Canada. Emphasis will be given to how sport is socially constructed and the diverse meanings that different groups associate with sport. Attention will also be given to the relationship between sport and social problems and inequality.

Prerequisite: SO 121

Note: This course is cross-listed as KIN 205

 

SO 206 Sociology of Gender (3) B

A look at how gender is socially constructed within society. By studying gender constructions, the course will identify how masculinity and femininity are defined in our culture, and the expected behaviours that are associated with these terms. We will examine how biological differences between the sexes have become linked to expected ways of being in society, and the impact this has on the lived experiences of men and women. We will also look at the issues around gender identity and how these issues have been constructed and presented in our society.

Prerequisite: SO 121

 

SO 220 Social Problems (3) A

This course examines a range of conditions in Canada and abroad which are generally perceived as social problems, including the consequences of these social problems for society and the social reaction to these problems.

Prerequisite: SO 121

 

SO 240 Sociology of Education (3) B

An examination of structures and processes of education and teaching, and the relationship of education to other social institutions. The course also examines issues in education from the sociological perspective.

Prerequisite: SO 121

 

SO 299 Special Topics in Sociology (3) O

Selected themes in Sociology, as announced. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different.

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Sociology

 

SO 300 Sociology of Racialization and Ethnicity (3) B

This course examines the formation and dynamics of racialized and ethnic groups in Canada and around the world. Attention is given to the construction of racialized and ethnic groups, the roles of race and ethnicity in society, and current debates involving racialization and ethnic relations.

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Sociology at the 200-level or ICS 202

 

SO 301 Sociology of Youth (3) O

This course is an examination of youth culture in Canadian society. Drawing on various theoretical and historical perspectives, topics in this course include the shifting relationship between Canadian teenagers and social institutions such as the family, religion, education, state, and market. In addition, this course addresses the social construction and prolongation of adolescence, 21st century youth marginalization, emerging adulthood, positive youth development, and possible models of social justice for youth.

Prerequisite: SO 121

 

SO 307 Sociology of Health (3) O

An introduction to the theoretical and empirical approaches commonly used by sociologists to study health and illness. The content reflects two broad themes pursued by medical sociologists: social inequalities in health and illness, and the social processes that shape the experience of health and illness.

Prerequisite: SO 121

Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: SO 307 or SO 207.

 

SO 310 Classical Social Theory (3) A

This course is a survey of classical theories and theorists of the late 18th Century to the early 20th Century. It will involve examining the role of classical theorists and social theory in the social sciences in their application to social research, contemporary issues, and topics of concern.

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Sociology at the 200-level

 

SO 311 Contemporary Social Theory (3) O

Building on Classical Social Theory, this course examines the contributions of contemporary social theorists to social theory since about 1940. Among other theories, this course emphasizes development in functionalist, conflict, social interactionist, social exchange, and post-modernism thought.

Prerequisite: SO 310

 

SO 320 Sociology of Religion (3) B

This course is an introduction to the theories and concepts utilized by sociologists to interpret religious behaviour and the organization of religion. The intent is not to judge truth claims made concerning religion, but to investigate how religion contributes to social life.

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Sociology at the 200-level

 

SO 325 Sociology of Deviance (3) B

This course examines how society regulates behaviour, how individual groups are labeled as deviant, and the consequences of such a social behaviour. Topics to be explored include crime, risky delinquent behaviour, appearance issues, sexual deviance, mental illness, and substance abuse.

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Sociology at the 200-level

 

SO 395a Preparation for Independent Research in Sociology I (1.5) O

Research project under the direction of a faculty member. Consists of conducting a literature review on a topic not treated extensively in a regular course, in preparation for a subsequent research project. Weekly seminar with instructor.

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Sociology at the 300-level. Restricted to Behavioural Science majors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and the permission of the instructor.

 

SO 395b Preparation for Independent Research in Sociology II (1.5) O

Research project under the direction of a faculty member. Building on the SO 395a literature review, consists of completing a research project proposal, and if applicable, a submission for ethical review for research. Weekly seminar with instructor.

Prerequisite: SO 395a and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and the permission of the instructor.

 

SO 399 Special Topics in Sociology (3) O

Selected themes in Sociology, as announced. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different.

Prerequisite: SO 121 and 3 credits in Sociology at the 200-level

 

SO 402 Human Trafficking (3) B

Human trafficking gained considerable attention in the early 21st century when it was cast alongside terrorism, arms dealing, and the drug trade as one of the most prevalent crimes in the world and the second most profitable form of organized criminal activity. Yet understandings of human trafficking remain highly contested and explanations are frequently polarized by debates concerning morality, justice, citizenship, and sexuality. Using a sociological lens, this course is designed to help students critically examine and contextualize conflicting understandings of human trafficking and to consider effective modes of prevention and response.

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Sociology or Development Studies at the 200-level

Note: This course is cross-listed as DVST 402

 

SO 403 Global Criminology (3) O

This course examines global criminal activities by considering crimes such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms dealing, international terrorism, piracy, and resource conflicts. The course will also analyze justice mechanisms and the organizations of global governance that seek to control or respond to such global crimes, such the International Criminal Courts and the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA).

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Sociology at the 300-level

 

SO 404 The Canadian Criminal Justice System (3) O

An introduction to the Canadian criminal justice system, looking at its structure, guiding philosophy and function. This course will highlight elements within the Canadian criminal justice system, including the police, courts and corrections. Students will also explore the ways that certain groups (e.g. women, racialized Canadians, people living in poverty) have negative experiences in the Canadian criminal justice system.

Prerequisite: SO 203 and 3 credits in Sociology at the 300-level

 

SO 405 Special Topics in Sociology (3) O

Selected themes in Sociology, as announced. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different.

Prerequisite: SO 121 and 3 credits in Sociology at the 300-level

 

SO 410 Religious Diversity in North America (3) O

This course examines the growing prevalence of religious diversity in North America, including similarities and differences between the Canadian and American approaches and responses to religious diversity. Emphasis is given to how non-Christian groups adapt and negotiate their religious beliefs and practices, how Christian groups respond to religious diversity, and how the larger society responds to religious diversity in North America.

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Sociology at the 300-level

 

SO 413 The Sociology of Youth Crime and Deviance (3) B

An investigation of youth deviance and crime in Canada. The course will explore the history, correlates, and theories of youth crime. We will also consider various legislations around and responses to youth crime, including an observation of the youth court process and discussion of restorative justice.

Prerequisite: 6 credits in Sociology

Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: SO 413 or SO 303.

 

SO 440 Religion and Culture in Canada (3) B

This course explores the relationship between religion and culture in Canada from a sociological perspective. This examination will include a look at the past, present, and potential future relationship between religion and culture in Canada.

Prerequisite: 6 credits in Sociology

Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: SO 440 or SO 340.

Note: This course is cross-leveled as CST 620.

 

SO 480 Flourishing Congregations Field Placement (3) O

Students complete 200 hours in a supervised field placement with the Flourishing Congregations Institute. This course includes a range of hands-on research training and application experiences, such as conducting literature reviews, designing testing instruments, gathering empirical data, analyzing empirical data, and communicating research data and analyses.

Prerequisite: BHS 310, nine credits in Sociology, with a CGPA of not less than 3.0. Permission of the Director of the Flourishing Congregations Institute required.

Note: PASS/FAIL – not included in GPA

 

SO 495a Independent Research in Sociology I (1.5) O

Research project under the direction of a faculty member. Building on the SO 395b research project proposal, consists of gathering, and if applicable, analyzing data. Weekly seminar with instructor.

Prerequisite: SO 395b and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and the permission of the instructor.

 

SO 495b Independent Research in Sociology II (1.5) O

Research project under the direction of a faculty member. Building on SO 495a data collection, consists of analyzing and disseminating (written and oral) research findings. Weekly seminar with instructor.

Prerequisite: SO 495a and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and the permission of the instructor.