SOAN 1101
Introduction to Sociology and Anthropology
1.0 unit
An introduction to the study of social and cultural life that includes an examination of the basic concepts and terminology of sociology and anthropology. Sociological and anthropological theory and methodology will also be introduced, as will social organization, socialization, social control, and social development in a cross-cultural framework. Note: Students who have received credit for SOAN 1100 or 2100 may not take this course for credit.
SOAN 1102
Introduction to Anthropology0.5 unit
An introduction to the cross-cultural study of peoples. Human diversity will be explored across geographical space and over time through socio-cultural, physical, archaeological, and linguistic perspectives. Topics include culture, biological evolution, language, the fossil record, identity, economic and political systems, social inequality and social justice, and power and resistance. Note: Students who have received credit for SOAN 1101 or SOAN 2100 or SOAN 1100 may not take this course for credit. SOAN 1102 together with SOAN 1103 count as the equivalent of SOAN 1101.
SOAN 1103
Introduction to Sociology0.5 unit
An examination of the basic concepts and subject matter of sociology focusing on social relationships, group behaviour, social roles across the life cycle, and introduction to the various subfields of sociology. Processes such as urbanization, social movements, deviance, and socialization will be studied. Note: Students who have received credit for SOAN 1101, SOAN 2100, or SOAN 1100 may not take this course for credit. SOAN 1102 together with SOAN 1103 count as the equivalent of SOAN 1101.
SOAN 2101
Human Evolution 0.5 unit
An introduction to the study of human evolution from its primate beginnings to the emergence of modern Homo sapiens. Topics may include the fossil evidence of our evolutionary lineage, connections between biological evolution and the development of human behavioural and mental capacities, gender and division of labour, and variation among historic and living populations.
SOAN 2102
Prehistoric Societies0.5 unit
An introduction to the evolution of human society from earliest palaeolithic times to the rise of agrarian civilizations. Topics may include archaeological evidence and explanation of the development of technology and society, environmental change, demographic trends, and global migration.
SOAN 2202
Work in Society and Culture0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An exploration of the meanings of work in human societies, and of the ways work is organized. Topics may include the nature and experience of work in industrial societies, changes resulting from technological developments and globalization, changing occupational structure, collective action on the part of workers, and gender and work.
SOAN 2203
Global Human Issues0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of major problems currently confronting societies around the world. Issues may include environmental degradation, population growth, large-scale migration, and war. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)
SOAN 2208/FSGN 2208
Cross-Cultural Study of Aging0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
A study of aging and later adulthood as interpreted and experienced in various cultural settings. The course focuses on practices of production, reproduction, and consumption structuring the lives of older people and their attempts to interpret, find meaning and shape their lives within those structures. Note: Students who have received credit for GNTG 2208 may not take this course for credit.
SOAN 2218
Canadian Social Policy0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or 1.0 unit of political studies or permission of the instructor
An examination of various Canadian social policies, the consequences of their implementation, and the process of policy-making. (Also listed under Canadian Studies and Public Policy Studies)
SOAN 2219/FSGN 2219
Sociology of Aging0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An introduction to the sociological study of aging, including a study of the social process of aging and the institutions, norms and values relevant to the aged. Topics to be discussed include: aging and the family, the politics of aging, aging and Canadian social policy. Note: Students who have received credit for GNTG 2219 may not take this course for credit. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
SOAN 2221
The Family in Comparative Perspective0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of families in various cultural settings. Topics include children and the Third World; modernization and social change; gender roles and family relationships.
SOAN 2222
The Family Life Cycle0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the various stages of the family life cycle from courtship to marital breakup. The dynamics of family life are explored from a variety of perspectives.
SOAN 2230
Canadian Society0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of factors contributing to the nature of Canadian society, including sociohistorical development, social inequality, the power elite, regional differences, ideology, nationalism and identity. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
SOAN 2231
Society and Culture in Atlantic Canada0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the ways in which Atlantic Canada has been studied by sociologists and anthropologists. Topics include the nature of the local cultures and communities, structured inequalities, and regional identity. Note: Students who have received credit for SOAN 3366 may not take this course for credit. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
SOAN 2265
Sociology of Women0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or WOMS 1112 or permission of the instructor
A critical examination of the position of women in modern societies based on the empirical findings and theories of sociologists. Issues to be covered include the evidence of discrimination, theories dealing with the position of women, e.g. Marxism, feminism, and the recent resurgence of feminism as a social movement. (Also listed under Women's Studies)
SOAN 2266
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Women0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or WOMS 1110 or permission of the instructor
The comparative study of women in society and culture. Topics include the inter-relationships of women’s status, the division of labour, and world view, and the effects of modernization on women in developing nations. (Also listed under Women's Studies)
SOAN 2281/LING 2281
Language and Culture0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103 or a linguistics course or permission of the instructor
An introduction to the anthropological study of language. Topics include the interrelationships of language and culture; language and social life; the nature of linguistic analysis.
SOAN 2300
Deviance0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the ways in which deviance is defined; the process by which people become involved in deviant behaviour; and the consequences for persons who are defined as deviant. Non-criminal forms of deviance, such as mental illness and alcoholism, will be considered. Note: Students who have received credit for SOAN 3330 may not take this course for credit.
SOAN 2400
Introduction to Social Theory0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103
An introduction to the key figures and major ideas in the allied disciplines of sociology and anthropology. Students will examine the historical development of theorizing in these disciplines and survey themes from their beginnings to the present.
SOAN 3302
Global Transformations0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the major social and cultural changes in the contemporary world. Topics explored may include the nature of the emerging “global village”, new forms of inequalities and imperialisms, the homogenization of culture, the impact of information technology and cyberspace, and the emerging forms of resistance against these. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)
SOAN 3303
Race & Ethnic Relations: Basic Concepts0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the biological, historical and socio-cultural foundations of race and ethnicity, and of how racial and ethnic distinctions influence patterns of everyday social life. Emphasis is given to Canadian case studies which illustrate the role of race and ethnicity in modern society. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
SOAN 3306
Race & Ethnic Relations: Minority Groups and Social Structure0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the ways ethnic and racial groups are formed, how they persist over time, and how they change in response to changing conditions in society. Case studies from Canada and other societies are examined to demonstrate these processes of persistence and change. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
SOAN 3307/POLS 3307
Politics and Society0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or 1.0 unit of political studies or permission of the instructor
An examination of the social basis of political institutions and practices and of the impact of these institutions and practices on society. Topics normally covered will include grass-roots and social movement activism, political participation, and the roots of power and authority. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)
SOAN 3308
Inequality and Social Protest in Contemporary Societies0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of inequalities with a focus on major structural changes of a global nature. Topics may include the implications of free market “reforms,” the crisis in the welfare state and socialist societies, the decline of the left and emerging strategies and forms of social protest.
SOAN 3311
Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples: Traditional Cultures0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the traditional societies and cultures of the Inuit, Métis, and Indian First Nations of Canada and of the consequences of their historic relations with Europeans. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
SOAN 3312
Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples: Contemporary Issues0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the current issues in aboriginal affairs. Topics include aboriginal rights, self-government; economic and social conditions; and relations with other Canadians. (Also listed under Canadian Studies and Public Policy Studies)
SOAN 3313
Research Methods I: Introduction to Social Research0.5 unit
Prerequisites: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, and MATH 2208 (MATH 2208 may be taken concurrently with SOAN 3313)
An overview of the methods of sociological and anthropological inquiry including the relationship of theory to research, ethics, research design and sampling. A range of methodologies will be examined. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)
SOAN 3314
Research Methods II: Quantitative Approaches0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 3313 and MATH 2209 (MATH 2209 may be taken concurrently with SOAN 3314)
An introduction to the processes involved in quantitative social survey research. Students will learn to apply basic statistical skills (using a computer-based statistical program like SPSS), and how to undertake and critically assess quantitative analyses.(Also listed under Public Policy Studies)
SOAN 3320/FSGN 3320
Community and Change0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
A selective examination of territorial communities, both rural and urban. Topics such as the relevance of the community, sustainable development, citizen participation, community conflict, the ecological community, and the local impacts of globalization may be covered. Note: Students who have received credit for SOAN 3321 may not take this course for credit.
SOAN 3325
Religion in Contemporary Societies0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the varieties of religion in contemporary societies. Topics covered may include current changes in such world religions as Christianity, Islam and Hinduism, the processes of secularization and de-secularization, the emergence of new religious movements and the role of religion in the quest for cultural and national identity.
SOAN 3326
Religion in Comparative Perspective0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the religious imagination, experience and creativity of humans from a historical and cross-cultural perspective. Topics may include religious communities, ritual, myth, ideology, transcendence and the emergence and growth of world religions.
SOAN 3332
Sociology of Crime0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of social theories of the genesis of crime and patterns of selected crimes such as rape, prostitution, and murder. The definition, measurement and extent of crime in Canada will also be discussed. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
SOAN 3333
Criminal Justice in Canada0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the structure and function of the criminal justice system. The police, the courts and the correctional subsystem are examined, and major issues and substantive research findings associated with each will be covered. The course focuses on the Canadian situation, though some material is drawn from American sources. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
SOAN 3340
Socialization in Early Life0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An analysis of the social processes through which infants and young children become part of their societies. Cultural differences in childhood and socialization are discussed, and implications of these for socialization theories considered.
SOAN 3341
Socialization in Adulthood0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An analysis of the processes of socialization for the later stages of the life cycle such as adolescence, occupation, marriage, parenthood, and old age will be discussed.
SOAN 3350/EDUC 5425
School and Society0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
A theoretical and empirical examination of the relationships between educational institutions and the other institutions in society. Topics normally covered will include the selection and allocation functions of education, the meaning and impact of IQ tests, ethnic and sex differences in educational attainment, and education and social change.
SOAN 3351/EDUC 5426
The School As A Social System0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
A theoretical and empirical examination of the social organization of the school. Topics that may be considered are socialization and learning, the formal organization of the school, the teacher and teaching, student social structure, teacher-student relationships, and the changing school.
SOAN 3360
Organizations in Society0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An investigation and analysis of the changing nature and role of organizations in society, focusing on the ways different types of organizations affect our lives and our communities. Topics may include organizational decision-making, authority and power, interactions with social and physical environments, organizational culture, volunteerism, corporate social responsibility and accountability.
SOAN 3370
The Anthropology of War and Aggression0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An introduction to the anthropological study of war and aggression among tribal peoples. A number of theoretical viewpoints explaining the origins, causes, and consequences of conflict in non-state societies are examined, and some suggestions about their relevance to war and conflict in industrialized states are made.
SOAN 3371/WOMS 3371
Women, Resistance and Empowerment0.5 unit
Prerequisites: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or WOMS 1112, or permission of the instructor
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to discuss and evaluate women’s experiences of resistance and empowerment in their everyday lives. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interrelationships among work, family and community, and the extent to which they are sites of resistance and empowerment for women.
SOAN 3376
Representing Culture in Text, Photography, and Film0.5 unit
Prerequisites: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An examination of cultural representation in text, photography, and film. Topics include the changing styles and forms of cultural representation in anthropology and sociology, their relation to the cultural and historical context in which the representation is made, and ethical dilemmas of representation. Note: Students who have received credit for SOAN 3300 may not take this course for credit.
SOAN 3380
Selected Topics in Sociology/Anthropology0.5 unit
SOAN 3381
Selected Topics in Sociology/Anthropology0.5 unit
Prerequisites: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, and 1.0 unit of SOAN
An in-depth examination of a specific topic in sociology/anthropology either building on a lower-level course or focussing on a topic not currently covered in other course offerings.
SOAN 3382
Area Studies0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101, or SOAN 1102 and 1103, or permission of the instructor
An analysis of a specific culture area and the inter-relationship of history and environment in the development of that area.
SOAN 4405
Reading Course in Sociology/Anthropology0.5 unit
Prerequisites: advanced standing and permission of the department
Students enroled in this course will do readings in a chosen area of sociology, under the supervision of one of the members of the department. The area chosen is to be worked out between the students and faculty member concerned. (Also listed under Women's Studies)
SOAN 4411
Directed Study0.5 unit
SOAN 4412
Directed Study 0.5 unit
Prerequisites: advanced standing and permission of the department
An open content course permitting the student to do sociological and/or anthropological research on a substantive area of interest. Research proposals require approval of the instructor. (Also listed under Women's Studies
SOAN 4416
Contemporary Social Theory0.5 unit
Prerequisites: SOAN 2400
A seminar course that examines some of the major contemporary theoretical perspectives in sociology and anthropology.
SOAN 4490
Senior Seminar
0.5 unit
Prerequisites: SOAN 3313/3314 and 4416 (SOAN 4416 may be taken concurrently with 4490)
A seminar for advanced students. Students will examine topics in theory and methodology focusing on the ways empirical research is informed by theory, and on the challenges facing empirical researchers in both academic and applied settings.
SOAN 4499
Honours Thesis1.0 unit
Prerequisite: advanced standing in the honours program
Students will complete a research project under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The outcome of this work will normally be an oral presentation and a written thesis.