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Initiation Course Individual and Society
387-100-VA/387-HAS-03
This course is an exciting introduction to the study of sociology, and
is a prerequisite for all your other sociology courses. If you have ever
wondered why we do the things we do, you will find this course fascinating
and informative. By learning the basic concepts, theories, and methods
of sociology, you will discover how we create, and are created by, the
norms, values, beliefs, and material conditions of our social lives. By
using the "sociological imagination", you will look at topics
and issues such as culture, socialization, inequality, and discrimination
in a new and interesting way.
Analysis Courses Sociology of the Family
387-200-VA/387-HTF-03
Despite many changes, the family remains our basic social group. Using
the sociological approach, you will look at various topics related to
families such as mate-selection, socialization, violence, poverty, and
gender roles. You will also examine many of the new issues confronting
families such as gay and lesbian families, single parents, reproductive
technology, dual-earner families, discrimination, and divorce.
Gender, Class, Race
387-202-VA
Each of us can describe ourselves as an individual according to our gender,
class, and race. Yet these are also important social constructs. In this
course you will examine how these three concepts can determine an individual's
self-image, their relationships with others, and their access to power
and privilege. You will also examine how the social definitions associated
with each of these concepts are created, defended, and perpetuated. Many
of the social issues we now face are based on these three principles,
and a better understanding of them will improve your perception and awareness
of the world around you.
Sociology of Health
387-203-VA/387-HTG-03
You may think of your health as a personal thing, yet a number of social
factors also have an impact on how healthy you are likely to be, what
illnesses you are likely to contract, and what health-care services are
available to you. This course looks at a variety of health-related topics
such as the medicalization of women's health, how work and the environment
affect your health, and the nature of the health care industry. You will
learn how social, political, and economic forces can have a profound impact
on your health.
Sociology of Sexuality
387-204-VA/387-HTF-03
A provocative look at sexuality - from a sociological perspective. Not
even this most intimate of acts is safe from sociological analysis! Students
will be exposed to a variety of sexual attitudes and behaviours such as
sexual orientation, human sexual response, birth control, sexual assault,
and pornography. You will learn that sexuality has had different meanings
in different times and places, and that sexual practices and taboos are
always a reflection of the larger social context.
Sociology of Education
387-205-VA
At the dawn of the 21st century, education has become a primary and influential
feature of our society. In this course, you will look at how education
functions as a social institution and also examine its relationship to
other institutions in society. Topics such as differential achievement,
intelligence testing, and teacher expectations will be discussed. You
will also analyse how these sociological concepts apply to your own educational
decisions and career choices.
Cultural Diversity
387-206-VA
The Canadian government officially declared Canada to be a multicultural
society in 1971. In this course, you will look at the components of this
cultural diversity - language, ethnicity, symbols, customs, subcultures
- as well as cultural change and diffusion. Using a variety of sociological
perspectives, you will look at current issues such as cultural survival,
assimilation, and globalization.
Crime and Punishment
387-207-VA
Criminology is one of the "hottest" and fastest-growing topics
in sociology. Newspapers and TV news cover crime-related stories on a
daily basis. In this course, you will analyse the various theories, causes,
and social impact of criminal behaviour. You will also learn about key
elements in Canadian law and critically examine social inequality in the
Canadian Justice system, the characteristics of offenders and victims,
and the victim-offender relationship. Principles of punishment, social
control mechanisms, and crime prevention measures will complete the course.
Application Courses Technology and Society
387-300-VA/387-HTL-03
We live in a world surrounded by technology, and it touches our lives
in many ways. In this course, you will discuss the social issues pertaining
to the creation, diffusion, ownership, and impact of various technologies.
You will apply what you learn to the investigation of a particular technological
development in a key area - communications, transport, industry, military,
health, household, or arts - and discover the conditions that led to its
development as well as the social consequences.
Social Problems
387-301-VA
Poverty, discrimination, crime - these are all macro-level social issues
that have real and profound effects on each of us. In this course, you
will examine how individuals and groups experience and are affected by
these large social issues. With a deeper understanding of the connection
between society and the individual, you will discuss and debate the merits
of various government policies, social programs, and legal changes.
Sociology of the Mass Media
387-302-VA
You cannot live in this society without being touched by the media. This
course examines how television, radio, newspapers, books, billboards,
magazines, and movies are produced, transmitted, and consumed. You will
learn about the economic, political, and social bases of mass media. You
will also discuss the ideologies and values disseminated in the media
and debate the effects these have on individuals. In particular, you will
apply what you learn to understand the growing globalization of mass media.
Sociology of Sports
387-303-VA
It is significant that most newspapers devote an entire section to sports.
This course looks at sports from a sociological perspective and examines
how various sports events originated and evolved, how they are organized,
and who participates. You will also analyse what impact sports have on
our culture, economy, and personal identity, and how they are often a
reflection of other social issues such as discrimination, inequality,
and cultural ideologies.
Enrichment Course Current Issues in Sociology
387-400-VA
For students with a solid grounding in the issues, theories, and methods
of the social sciences, this unique course offers the opportunity to enrich
your understanding by examining a particular issue in greater depth. You
will choose one such issue and formulate a comprehensive research project
in sociological terms. A number of issues will be discussed and suggested,
but students may, with the approval of the instructor, suggest an issue
of their choice.
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