About the Department
The SOAN department offers a joint undergraduate program in Sociology and Anthropology with five degree and certificate options. The programs offerings are diverse and well-balanced, with a cross-cultural, comparative focus and special strengths in the areas of justice, equality, community and change. The department's program provides students with a solid grounding in and broad exposure to the allied disciplines of Sociology and Anthropology through a sequence of required courses. Building on a full-year course that introduces students to the general scope of sociological and anthropological theory and practice, the program exposes students to both qualitative and quantitative methods including practical instruction in approaches to research and data analysis. SOAN majors also take courses in sociological and anthropological theory, giving them a chance to explore core ideas of the disciplines, and to develop and exercise their critical thinking skills. Beyond the core courses, majors have significant freedom to concentrate on various substantive areas through the selection of appropriate electives.
The Sociology/Anthropology department also plays a significant role in providing required and/or elective courses to students in other academic programs at the University, including Child and Youth Study, Cultural Studies,Education, Family Studies and Gerontology, Political and Canadian Studies, Public Relations, Public Policy and Women's Studies.
The Sociology/Anthropology curriculum is designed to provide students with analytical, writing, research and presentation skills and to prepare majors for a variety of careers in social service, social policy and social research professions, and for graduate studies and other professional programs. Our program prepares students to be informed, active, and responsible participants in the increasingly complex social life of the modern world.