This Course and Program Catalogue is effective from May 2024 to April 2025.

Not all courses described in the Course and Program Catalogue are offered each year. For a list of course offerings in 2024-2025, please consult the class search website.

The following conventions are used for course numbering:

  • 010-099 represent non-degree level courses
  • 100-699 represent undergraduate degree level courses
  • 700-999 represent graduate degree level courses

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86 Results

SOC 111.3: Foundations in Sociology Society Structure Process

One part of a two-part introduction to the discipline of sociology, the study of society. It examines theories and methods for studying changes to the nature and organization of society from pre-modern, to modern and post-modern. Students will be introduced to core sociological concepts used to understand social inequality, social order, social change, and globalization.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note: Students who have taken SOC 110.6 may not take this course for credit. Costs in addition to tuition may apply to Independent Studies sections of this course.


SOC 112.3: Foundations in Sociology Social Construction of Everyday Life

One part of a two-part introduction to the discipline of sociology, the study of society. It examines how we come to understand and experience ourselves and the world around us and how we create culture. Students will be introduced to the study of culture, socialization, social interaction, identity formation and self-fashioning, the social construction of class, gender and race, age, deviance, and other social phenomena.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note: Students who have taken SOC 110.6 may not take this course for credit. Costs in addition to tuition may apply to Independent Studies sections of this course.


SOC 202.3: Environmental Sociology

Sociological approaches to the study of environmental challenges and societal responses. We are linked to the environment through our bodies as well as through organizational arrangements and social institutions that can increase environmental risks or promote equitable solutions. This course includes analysis of the social dimensions of environmental justice and sustainable development.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100- or higher-level Sociology or permission of instructor.
Note: Students with credit for SOC 298: Special Topics in Environmental Sociology Social Dimensions of Sustainable Development may not take this course for credit.


SOC 203.3: Race and Ethnic Relations in Canada

An introduction to and general overview of the various theoretical perspectives on race and ethnic relations and ethnicity. Addresses such issues as assimilation, racism, ethnic persistence, multiculturalism, and domination.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.


SOC 204.3: Rural Sociology and Rural Development

Analysis of change in rural areas with emphasis on links between the organization of resource-based industries and the characteristics of rural communities. The focus is on contemporary rural development experiences in North America and in selected additional international contexts.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.


SOC 205.3: Comparative Race and Ethnic Relations

A comparative sociological analysis of ethnic relations will include discussion of ethnic stratification, separatism, pluralism, and politicization of ethnic minorities in selected societies.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.


SOC 206.3: Sociology of Communities and Community Development

Sociological perspectives on community as social ideal and human experience, the formation and characteristics of contemporary communities, community organizations and community development in theory and practice.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.


SOC 210.3: Families Social Structure and Social Change

This course examines diverse family patterns, paying particular attention to how economic, political and cultural factors influence families. While the focus of the course is on contemporary Canadian families, we will also consider changing family patterns in a global perspective, and will look at the historical development of family forms in Canada and beyond.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC
Note: Students with credit for SOC 207.6 may not take this course for credit.


SOC 211.3: Families Gender Relations and Social Inequality

This course focuses on everyday life in families and intimate relationships, and exposes students to empirical and theoretical explorations of how micro-level interactions are shaped by and contribute to broader social inequalities.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC
Note: Students with credit for SOC 207.6 may not take this course for credit.


SOC 212.3: Introduction to Criminology

An introduction to the study of crime and criminological theories. In addition to developing an understanding of criminological theories, students examine the rich and diverse nature of Canadian criminological research. Specific topics may include: women and crime; crime prevention; restorative justice; youth justice; the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system; and penology.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition may apply to Independent Studies sections of this course.


SOC 214.3: Social Control

The history of social control with a focus on how social, legal, and political structures constrain individuals and groups by constructing and regulating morality. Topics include state policy, moral panics, the management of risk and public security, and institutions of control including justice, education, medicine, and the media.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition may apply to Independent Studies sections of this course.


SOC 216.3: The Challenges and Promises of the Changing World of Work

This survey course examines both classic and newly emerging perspectives in the sociology of work, with an emphasis on the Canadian context. We will focus on the changes in the organizational structures, meaning, and experience of work, paying special attention to differences and inequalities associated with gender, class, and race. The readings include an introductory text, academic journal articles, and an auto-ethnography from the popular literature. The course is divided into three sections. In the first section, the course will cover the nature, distribution, and experience of work in the new ’knowledge’ globalized economy. The second section focuses on the inside of workplaces. The final section will apply the concepts from the first two sections to contemporary debates about the role of technology, foreign workers, the self-employed, and unions. Throughout the course, students will be invited to draw parallels and contrasts between the course content and their experiences in the workplace.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC; or approval of instructor.
Note: Students with credit for SOC 215.3 may not receive credit for this course.


SOC 219.3: Indigenous Peoples and Justice in Canada

Examines the causes and consequences of the over- and under-representation of Indigenous persons in the Canadian criminal justice system. Topics include prevention, policing, sentencing and courts, incarceration and accommodations. The particular impacts on Indigenous youth and Indigenous women are also considered.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.
Note: Students with credit for INDG 219 may not take this course for credit.


SOC 224.3: Collective Behaviour

The study of social movements, institutional formation, and other collective phenomena such as fads, crazes, manias, panics, rumours, riots and mob outbursts. Collective behaviour theory and related sociological approaches are surveyed and applied.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.


SOC 225.3: An Introduction to Survey Research and Data Analysis in Sociology

The study of research design and data analysis designed to familiarize the student with the logic and the mechanics of conducting survey research and with basic data analysis techniques applied to survey data.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.
Note: Students with credit for COMM 104, ECON 204, EPSE 441, GEOG 301, PSY 233, STAT 244 or equivalent may not take this course for credit. Refer to Statistics Course Regulations in the Arts & Science section of the Catalogue if intending to use for Arts & Science credit..


SOC 227.6: Critical Issues in Canadian Society

Canadian social structure and social change will be examined. The topics discussed will include social class and inequality; elites; poverty; regionalism and separatism; labour; ethnicity; and other relevant social issues.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.


SOC 232.3: Methods of Social Research

This course provides an introduction to sociological research methods. The course will involve consideration of the relationship between social theory and research, as well as various features of both qualitative and quantitative research. Topics include ethical issues, techniques, and tasks associated with research design, data collections, data analysis and evaluation.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition may apply to Independent Studies sections of this course.


SOC 233.3: Introduction to Sociological Theory

An introduction to sociological theory from its early origins to the contributions of its main founders, Marx, Weber and Durkheim, as well as a selection of contemporary developments including feminism.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition may apply to Independent Studies sections of this course.


SOC 234.3: Sociology of Law

An introduction to the sociological study of law. Topics include the organization and processes of law and legal institutions; the legal profession; dispute resolutions; law and social control; law and social change.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.
Note: Students with credit for SOC 330 may not take SOC 234 for credit.


SOC 235.3: Sociology of Aging

Provides an introductory sociological analysis of aging and old age. Issues will include demographic changes; theoretical approaches to old age; changing family systems and old age; work, leisure and retirement; socio-economic aspects and selected social policy issues. Course content will emphasize the Canadian situation.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.


SOC 238.3: Sociology of Health Illness and Health Care

Introduction to sociological perspectives on Canadian health care policy and practice, and an examination of various socio-structural determinants of health and illness.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.


SOC 242.3: Introduction to Sociology of Womens Studies

An introduction to sociological analyses of gender in traditional as well as feminist perspective. Emphasizes gender differentiation and stratification as social processes as well as critical assessment of the assumptions, evidence, and arguments within the various theoretical approaches.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.


SOC 244.3: Sociology of Mass Media in Canada

Introduction to the sociological study of mass media institutions in Canadian society. Primary focus on the theoretical and historical context of print, broadcast and film media. Issues of ownership, regulation and the socialization of media workers will also be discussed.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.


SOC 246.3: Ideology and Mass Communication

Introduction to the study of ways in which doctrines, opinions or ways of thinking of certain individuals or groups come to dominate the content of our mass media. Primary focus on the "manufacture of consent" in our society through an analysis of media messages about work, consumption and leisure in Canadian society.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC.


SOC 260.3: Social Change and Global Solidarity

An examination of global inequality guided by theories of social stratification and social change. Special attention is devoted to the nature, causes, and consequences of socio-cultural changes in the contemporary world.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC or 12 credit units in the social sciences or special permission of the instructor.


SOC 284.3: Surveillance and Society

This course provides an introduction to the sociological study of surveillance, raising questions about security, civil liberties, and privacy. In an increasingly digital world, we are monitored, our data gathered, and our actions analyzed. From national security to consumer targeting, surveillance is playing a growing role in shaping everyday life.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC or equivalent.
Note: Students with credit for SOC 200 will not receive credit for this course.


SOC 298.3: Special Topics

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours


SOC 299.6: Special Topics

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours


SOC 303.6: History of Sociological Theory

The development of sociological thought in Europe and America since the 18th century. Description and criticism of principal historical and contemporary contributions to sociological theory.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC including SOC 233.


SOC 306.3: Contemporary Class Structure

An examination of theoretical models and empirical studies of the structure of social class relations in advanced industrial society. The course will examine patterns of class relations in the western industrialized nations and will also study selected dimensions of global class structure and inequality.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC.


SOC 307.3: Animals in Society

Sociological perspectives on the relationship between human and non-human animals, and the multi-dimensional role of animals in contemporary society.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC courses
Note: Students with credit for SOC 298: Special Topics in Environmental Sociology Social Dimensions of Sustainable Development may not take this course for credit.


SOC 309.3: Theories of Social Change

A study of classical and contemporary sociological approaches to social change and the consequences of rapid change in institutional structures.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC.


SOC 310.3: White Collar and Corporate Crime in the Global Context

This course examines the topic of white-collar and corporate crime in the global context. Through assigned readings, lectures, presentations, class discussion, and written assignments, this course will guide students in studying important international issues that shed light on how and why these offenses occur and how they are dealt with. We will begin with a general introduction to the field, including definitions, conceptual, and theoretical issues from the social sciences, law, and criminology regarding what has become known as white collar and corporate crime. Following this, we will discuss various forms of such crime including unsafe products, unsafe working conditions, environmental crime, financial fraud, governmental crime, official corruption and so forth. Next, we will consider issues regarding globalization, regulation, enforcement, and sanctioning. Finally, we will examine the future of white collar and corporate criminality from both international and comparative perspectives.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): SOC 212


SOC 311.3: Youth Crime Justice and Social Control

Designed to provide students with conceptual and practical knowledge in the study of child and youth crime and deviance. The material focuses not only on issues of social justice, but also treatment by institutions of social control including the justice system.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): SOC 212 or 214.


SOC 312.3: Current Issues in Criminal Justice

Analysis of current developments in theories and research on criminogenesis, and the administration of criminal justice. Topics include inequalities of involvement and treatment in the justice system based upon race, class and gender. Developing a general theoretical structure of justice system operation and reform is a key concern.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): SOC 212 and (234 or 329).


SOC 313.6: Practicum in Criminal Justice I

An applied course that provides students with professional experience and the ability to critique criminal justice processing and services for Indigenous people. Students are placed in a 12-week work program after consultation with the program coordinator.

Weekly hours: 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Restriction(s): Enrolment in the Indigenous Justice and Criminology Program.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 232.3 and SOC 233.3.
Note: Students with credit for SOC 317, SOC 318 or SOC 326 will not receive credit for this course.


SOC 314.6: Practicum in Criminal Justice II

An applied course that provides students with professional experience and the ability to critique criminal justice processing and services for Indigenous people. Students are placed in a 12-week work program after consultation with the program coordinator.

Weekly hours: 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Restriction(s): Enrolment in the Indigenous Justice and Criminology Program.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 313.6
Note: Students with credit for SOC 326 will not receive credit for this course.


SOC 319.3: Indigenous People in Urban Areas

Describes and analyzes the growth, distribution, and integration of the Indigenous population in Canadian urban centres as well as the causes and consequences of the urbanization of Canadian Indigenous people. Issues covered will include education, law, family life, and Indigenous-white relations.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC.


SOC 321.3: Sociology of Religion

An analysis of religion in terms of the processes (e.g., secularization and urbanization), which have affected the religious institutions of the West, and of the social and personality structures which, in interaction, shape religion and are shaped by it.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition may apply to Independent Studies sections of this course.


SOC 324.3: Multiculturalism Theories Debates and Realities

Is multiculturalism dead? Is multiculturalism the right model for addressing increased religious, ethnic and racial pluralism? Multiculturalism is a heavily debated concept. This course discusses the core theories and debates around multiculturalism. In order to properly understand both the claimed ‘successes’ and ‘failures’ of multiculturalism, this course will examine the contours of multiculturalism as a philosophy, policy, and practice.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC


SOC 325.3: Applied Quantitative Research in Sociology

Designed to review the basic analytical techniques in statistics as they are applied to Sociological questions, and to introduce analyses that logically follow from the basic techniques. The students will apply the techniques covered in the class to existing data sets using data analysis software.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): SOC 225 or PSY 233 or STAT 244.
Note: Refer to Statistics Course Regulations in the Arts & Science section of the Catalogue if intending to use for Arts & Science credit.


SOC 326.6: Criminology and Addictions Practicum

An applied course that provides students with professional experience and the opportunity to critique criminal and social justice processing, and addictions services. Students are placed in a 6 week work placement after consultation with the program coordinator.

Prerequisite(s): Two of SOC 212.3, SOC 232.3 or SOC 347.3 and permission of the department. Students must be enrolled in the Certificate in Criminology and Additions program.
Note: Students with credit for SOC 313.3, SOC 317.3 or SOC 318.3 may not take this course for credit.


SOC 328.3: Social Inequality and Health

Explores the inter-relationships between sociological theory, health and illness, and various dimensions of social inequality such as socio-economic security/insecurity, gender, class, race and ethnicity, ability/disability, and access to health care services. Course objectives will be achieved through the integration of theoretical and experiential learning.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units Sociology


SOC 329.3: Penology and Corrections

An overview of the correctional system; from police, through courts and sentencing, incarceration, release and post-release processes; a look at the key positions and principles involved in custody, punishment and rehabilitation, with an emphasis on the Canadian system, but in a comparative context.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC including SOC 212.


SOC 332.6: Principles of Research Design

Examination of a series of issues to be resolved in formulating a comprehensive research design. Topics include formulating the problem; plan of data organization; defining and selecting cases; collection of data; organization, analysis, and interpretation of data. Each student is expected to develop a number of research projects during the year.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC including SOC 232 and 325.


SOC 340.3: Marriage Family and Society

Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of changing patterns of marriage and the family within the contemporary social structure and on consequences and resulting trends from such structural changes.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC including SOC 210 and SOC 211.


SOC 341.3: Institutional Racism and Indigenous People

A sociological analysis of various models of institutional racism will be examined, and their applications to Indigenous experiences will be evaluated. Topics include colonial domination, Indigenous reserves, urban Indigenous, resource development, and welfare services.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC.


SOC 347.3: Studies in Addictions

An introduction to the study of addictions, with a specific focus on problematic alcohol and illicit drug use. It introduces students to basic concepts and debates in the addictions field concerning causes, consequences and interventions. Each is examined from four standpoints: the user, society/culture, service providers, and decision/policy makers. Students are invited to question how we know what we know, with an emphasis on the Canadian context. The addictions field is fraught with controversies. This course is designed to assist students with integrating their existing and acquired knowledge and applying it to current debates in a sociologically informed, public health contextualized, and understanding manner.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level SOC or 18 credit units at the University.


SOC 355.3: Sociology of Friendship Intimacy and Close Ties

Examines friendship, intimacy, and close ties from a sociological perspective. Topics explored include conceptualizations of friendship; the influence of social roles, institutions, and structures on close ties; changes to close ties across the life course; the rise of solo living; technological transformations of intimacy; and the future of intimacy.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC courses including one of SOC 210.3 or SOC 211.3


SOC 360.3: Globalization and Social Justice

Explores the major theories of globalization, global social stratification and social justice through issues of risks, challenges and opportunities of contemporary social life. Central concerns are the following three themes: what is globalization, what is happening; and what are people doing that is shaping the outcome of the process?

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units in sociology, including SOC 110.6 or SOC 111.3 and SOC 112.3 or permission of the instructor.


SOC 398.3: Special Topics

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours


SOC 399.6: Special Topics

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours


SOC 402.3: Sociology of Agriculture and Food

Sociological and related approaches to the study of agrofood systems emphasizing contemporary research on food security and agricultural sustainability, diets and nutrition, agro-industrial restructuring, research networks and the politics of knowledge, globalized commodity chains, land tenure and labour regimes, agricultural development and food aid, farm organizations, food movements, and alternative agrofood networks.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC or permission of instructor.
Note: Students with credit for SOC 802 will not receive credit for this course.


SOC 406.3: The Lived Experience of Workers in the New Economy

The course examines the changing world of work through classical and contemporary sociological texts. Consideration will be given to the real-world application of core theoretical concepts and methodological approaches drawn from the texts. In this course we will explore topics such as work organization in the new ‘gig’ economy, robotics and other forms of technology in the workplace, emotional labour, and collective forms of workers’ resistance.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): 18 credit units SOC including SOC 216.3.
Note: Students with credit for SOC 806.3 may not take this course for credit.


SOC 408.3: Colonialism Gender and Violence

This course draws on decolonial Indigenous feminist scholarship and post-colonial development thought to theorize about colonial gendered violence in context of ongoing settler colonialism. Guided by writings of Indigenous and racialized women and decolonial scholars, the course explores themes such as: post and settler colonialisms; recognition and refusals; law and violence; missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, trans, and two-spirit persons; gendered and sexualized violence; consent; sexual labour; international and Indigenous laws; and decolonial and transformative anti-violence possibilities.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC courses including SOC 212, or permission of the instructor.


SOC 409.3: Sociology of Development

Sociological analysis of historical and contemporary perspectives on development and underdevelopment. Critical assessment of approaches to globalization, industrialization, and regional development across nations with diverse cultures, politics, and social and economic systems. Roles of states and non-state actors, and prospects for degrowth and other transformational changes in the context of inequalities and environmental crises.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC or permission of instructor.
Note: Departmental approval required. Students may receive credit for only one of SOC 409 or 809.


SOC 410.3: Sociology Undergraduate Thesis

This course is designed to develop a student’s capacity for research. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will design, develop and conduct a specific sociological research project. Students will complete Tri-Council Ethics training (TCPS2: CORE), when necessary, produce an ethics application for the University of Saskatchewan Research Ethics Board (REB), develop a data collection tool, conduct original research, and finally, produce a thesis equivalent to the length and scope of an academic journal article. This course is offered at the discretion of the department and supervisor.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units senior SOC including SOC 332 (or its equivalent within another closely related discipline) and admission to the Honours program in Sociology (or a related discipline); or by special permission from the instructor.
Note(s): Students with credit for SOC 498.3 Undergraduate Thesis may not take this course for credit.


SOC 411.3: Family I Development in Research and Theory

Selected topics concerning marriage and family behaviour: recent developments in research and theory.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 18 credit units SOC including SOC 210 and SOC 211.


SOC 412.3: Advanced Seminar in Ethnic Relations

Theoretical aspects of inter-ethnic processes. Comparative analysis of empirical research on ethnic minorities within Canada and other selected societies.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 18 credit units SOC.
Note: Students with credit for SOC 812 will not receive credit for this course.


SOC 415.3: Selected Problems in Social Control

Theoretical analysis of and empirical research on selected problems in social deviancy and social control.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 18 credit units SOC.


SOC 418.3: Advanced Criminology

An analysis and critique of current developments in Canadian criminological discourse, with an emphasis on the specific research issues and their relation to theoretical and policy developments.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 18 credit units SOC including SOC 212, 234 or 329.


SOC 420.3: Medical Sociology

Examines both classic and newly emerging perspectives. Students will engage with the assumptions commonly made about contemporary medical knowledge and practice, as well as its relationship to health and wellness. Drawing on theoretical issues, students will examine social inequalities and health status, alternative healing practices, experience of illness, professions, and new genetics in medicine.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 18 credit units SOC including SOC 238.


SOC 426.3: Social Policy: Issues and Analysis

Examines the formulation, development, management, and impact of social policies. Includes analysis and evaluation of social policies in income security, social services, employment, housing, and other areas.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 18 credit units SOC.


SOC 430.3: Sociology of Science and Knowledge

The social conditions and consequences of the production, distribution and consumption of scientific and other forms of knowledge are examined in this course. Deploying classical and contemporary theories, specific institutional settings and ongoing debates over concepts and issues such as knowledge society, indigenous knowledge, corporatization of the university, gendered knowledge, etc., are examined.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 18 credit units SOC.


SOC 484.3: Surveillance and Power

This course provides an advanced overview of the sociological study of surveillance, raising questions about (in)security, civil liberties, production, and privacy. Starting from the move beyond the explanations of “Big Brother” and the Panopticon, this course looks to contemporary theories and case studies to understand how surveillance is shaping culture and power relations in society.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units SOC courses including SOC 214, or permission of the instructor.
Note: This course has overlapping content with SOC 800. Students may not obtain credit for both courses. Please also note that students with credit for SOC 400 may not receive credit for this course.


SOC 498.3: Special Topics

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours


SOC 499.6: Special Topics

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours


SOC 800.3: Advanced Topics in Surveillance and Power

This course provides an advanced overview of the sociological study of surveillance, raising questions about (in)security, civil liberties, production and privacy. Starting from the move beyond the explanations of “Big Brother” and the “Panopticon”, this course looks to contemporary theories and cases studies to understand how surveillance is shaping culture and power relations in society.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Note: This course has overlapping content with SOC 400 and SOC 484. Students with credit for either of these courses may not obtain credit for this course.


SOC 802.3: Advanced Seminar in Sociology of Agriculture and Food

Sociological and related approaches to the study of agro-food systems including contemporary research on food security, diets, agro-industrial restructuring, science and knowledge politics, land tenure, labour regimes, agricultural development and sustainability, farm organizations, and food movements. Attention is given to diverse research methodologies and analytical frameworks.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Note: Students with credit for SOC 402 will not receive credit for this course.


SOC 806.3: Advanced Readings in the Sociology of Work Workers Lived Experience in the New Economy

The course examines the changing world of work through classical and contemporary sociological texts. Consideration will be given to the real-world application of core theoretical concepts and methodological approaches drawn from the texts. In this course we will explore topics such as work organization in the new ‘gig’ economy, robotics and other forms of technology in the workplace, emotional labour, and collective forms of workers’ resistance.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note: Students with credit for SOC 406.3 may not take this course for credit.


SOC 808.3: Colonialism Gender and Violence

This course draws on decolonial Indigenous feminist scholarship and post-colonial development thought to theorize about colonial gendered violence in contexts of ongoing settler colonialism. The course centers writings of Indigenous and racialized women and decolonial scholars.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): Registration as a graduate student in Sociology or by permission of the instructor.


SOC 809.3: Advanced Seminar in the Sociology of Development

Sociological analysis of historical and contemporary perspectives on development and underdevelopment. Critical assessment of approaches to globalization, industrialization, and regional development across nations with diverse cultures, politics, and social and economic systems. Roles of states and non-state actors, and prospects for degrowth and other transformational changes in the context of inequalities and environmental crises.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Note: This course is a hybrid course with SOC 409, and this course cannot be taken for credit after previously taking SOC 409.


SOC 811.3: Family II Marriage

Study and discussion of the recent developments in research and theory in selected aspects of the area of marriage and the family behaviour.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours


SOC 812.3: Advanced Seminar in Ethnic Relations

Theoretical aspects of interethnic processes; comparative analysis of empirical research on ethnic minorities within Canada and selected other societies.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Note: Students with credit for SOC 412 will not receive credit for this course.


SOC 815.3: Selected Problems in Social Control

Classical and contemporary theoretical debates on issues of social control with a specific focus in judicial and therapeutic forms of control.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours


SOC 818.3: Advanced Seminar in Criminology

An in-depth examination of historical developments leading to contemporary criminological discourse in Western societies. An analysis and critique of theory and method which characterizes different schools of criminological inquiry and their relationship to research in an international context.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours


SOC 826.3: Advanced Seminar in Social Policy

The formulation, development, management and impact of social policies. Includes analysis and evaluation of social policies in income security, social services, employment, housing and other areas concerned.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours


SOC 840.6: Advanced Theory

Recent developments, current trends, and future prospects in sociological theory. Also introduction to formalization of theory; survey of evaluative criteria in Theory Building and methodological problems involved in this process.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours


SOC 841.6: Advanced Methodology

An advanced review of the logic, concepts and components of scientific research designs and methods and to quantitative statistical methods for the analysis and interpretation of sociological data.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours


SOC 891.3: Advanced Seminar in Sociological Research

The seminar will focus on professional skill development to prepare students to independently conduct theoretically informed and methodologically sophisticated sociological research. Students will develop understanding of, and skills in, all the stages of the research process. Students will be expected to engage in theoretically informed debates about sociological analysis and apply the knowledge acquired from this advanced seminar to their own research.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours


SOC 898.3: Special Topics

Concentrated reading in special areas of sociology culminating in a written report. Area of concentration must be different from regularly scheduled courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours


SOC 899.6: Special Topics

Concentrated reading in special areas of sociology culminating in a written report. Area of concentration must be different from regularly scheduled courses.


SOC 990.0: Seminar

The seminar involves presentations of papers and discussion by graduate students, department and cognate faculty, and visiting scholars. Each graduate student must register in and attend the seminar on a continuous basis, receiving credit when they have successfully presented a seminar.


SOC 992.0: Research – Project

A research paper on a topic approved by the candidate's Advisory Committee is required. The paper should be concerned with discussing a meaningful sociological question and may be empirical in nature, a critical review of the literature or a critical analysis of a substantive problem. The paper will be supervised and evaluated by the Advisory Committee.

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students registered in the project option.


SOC 994.0: Research – Thesis

Students writing a Master's thesis must register for this course.


SOC 996.0: Research – Dissertation

Students writing a Ph.D. thesis must register for this course.