Course Descriptions

387-101-HR      2-1-3      2 cr.
Introduction to Sociology
This initiation course is designed to introduce students to the social processes and social institutions in contemporary society that are used as tools to understand social life.  Although primacy is given to the macro-level approach of analysis used in Sociology, micro-level research and methods are also included.  Topics in this course include family, education, the state, social inequality and health.

387-203-HR      2-1-3      2 cr.
Sex, Race, Class – Diversity and Inequality
(Pre-requisite: 387-101-HR, only for Social Science program)
Diversity is a major feature of Canadian society which is multi-faceted. Each of us is “situated” in the social ranking order by virtue of our sex, ethnicity and social class background. In this analysis course, focus is placed on theorizing social stratification and understanding different explanations for the problems of inequality.

387-301-HR      2-1-3       2 cr.
Deviance and Social Control
(Prerequisite: 387-101-HR, only for Social Science program)
The study of deviance and crime is a specialized area of sociology. As such, fundamental concepts and theories used in sociological analysis are explored, as well as more specialized theories of violence and crime. Students will be encouraged to apply existing theoretical frameworks to topics such as violence, serial murders and corporate crime. Contemporary research is used to reveal ongoing patterns of deviant and criminal behaviour.

387-302-HR      2-1-3      2 cr.
Media and Popular Culture
(Prerequisite: 387-101-HR, only for Social Science program)
The explosion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) available to Canadians has meant that sources of information can be “muddied” waters. In this Sociology course, students will apply the tools of cultural analysis to explore all the ways that we communicate – including television, radio, and internet-based social networking sites. Furthermore, an analysis of how culture becomes “popular” and “unpopular” over time is included.

387-H01-HR      3-0-3      2 cr.
Sociology of Health
Nursing students examine the social dimensions of health and disease in order to understand the social construction of the health care system. The course focuses on social issues as they impact on Canadian Society and the health care profession. Gender, social class, ethnicity and age receive particular attention.

387-H02-HR / 387-H04-HR       3-0-3      2 cr.
Sociology of the Family
The course is designed for students in care provider occupations to enhance their understanding of the social issues concerning families using the tools of Sociological inquiry. We examine social relations within the family, relationships between the family and other social institutions, and changes at the societal and global level that have an impact on families. The institution of family is explored using both Canadian and cross-cultural materials.