University of Guelph 2002-2003 Undergraduate Calendar

XII--Course Descriptions, Sociology

Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers three types of courses: sociology courses with the prefix SOC*; anthropology courses with the prefix ANTH*; and departmental courses with the prefix SOAN*. The departmental category of courses recognizes the fact that the disciplines of sociology and sociocultural anthropology have developed in tandem and it is possible to identify large areas of overlap and convergence in the work of practitioners both historically and in the present. Departmental courses include most of the core theory and methods courses as well as many elective courses. They contribute equally to the subject matter of sociology as well as the subject matter of sociocultural anthropology for purposes of the undergraduate programs of study in both disciplines. Please see the course listings for Anthropology and for Sociology and Anthropology in this section.

Note: Sociology credit is also given for FRHD*3060 Principles of Social Gerontology; LING*1000, Introduction to Linguistics; PHIL*2180, Philosophy of Science.

Courses will normally be offered in the semesters designated. For information on other semesters these courses will be offered and the semester those courses without designations will be offered, please check with the department. In addition to regularly scheduled courses, students may elect to do independent study. A student who wishes to do a reading course should first consult the professor with whom he/she wishes to work. Course numbers available for independent study in sociology include: SOC*3840; SOC*4740, SOC*4840, SOC*4880 and SOC*4890.

All Anthropology courses may be used for credit in Sociology except for ANTH*3840 through ANTH*4910 inclusive.

SOC*1100 Sociology S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

An introductory course dealing with the basic concepts and methods of sociology applied to societies, groups and individuals. Students will gain an understanding of basic social processes such as socialization, social exchange, deviance and conformity, social change and basic social institutions such as the economy, the polity, the family, religion, education.

SOC*1500 Crime and Criminal Justice F,W(3-0) [0.50]

The course will introduce students to the study of crime and criminal justice. It will examine the various criminological theories, types of criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system.

SOC*2010 Canadian Society U(3-0) [0.50]

A description of the structure of Canadian society with its social, political and economic tensions.

Prerequisite(s): SOC*1100

SOC*2070 Social Deviance F,W(3-0) [0.50]

An introduction to some of the basic theories of deviance and social control and their application to selected social problems.

Prerequisite(s): SOC*1100 or SOC*1500

SOC*2080 Rural Sociology W(3-0) [0.50]

An introduction to the structure and processes of rural society. This course deals with diverse topics such as agrarian movements, the rise of the agro-industrial complex, the role of the state in agriculture, the question of community, and rural environmental issues. A comparative perspective is cultivated, although the primary emphasis is on Canadian society.

Prerequisite(s): ANTH*1150 or SOC*1100

SOC*2090 Urban Sociology U(3-0) [0.50]

This course examines historical and contemporary dimensions of urban life. Specific topics may include: the geography and ecology of cities, urban cultures and lifestyles, stratification, housing, crime, demographic changes, economic and environmental issues, and global urbanization.

Prerequisite(s): SOC*1100

SOC*2190 Technology and Society W(3-0) [0.50]

This course offers a broad introduction to the social dimensions of science and technology and of emerging information technologies.

Prerequisite(s): SOC*1100

SOC*2280 Society and Environment U(3-0) [0.50]

An introduction to the nature and dimensions of the environmental crisis. The values, interests and social institutions (including government and industry) that promote pollution or environmentalism will be considered. Issues to be examined may include global warming, nuclear energy, environmental toxins, species extinction and population growth pressures.

Prerequisite(s): GEOG*1300 or GEOG*1350

SOC*2390 Class and Stratification U(3-0) [0.50]

An examination of the persistent bases of social inequalities such as wealth, income, power and prestige including class formation, class consciousness, political activity and social mobility.

Prerequisite(s): SOC*1100

SOC*2660 Contemporary Native Peoples of Canada W(3-0) [0.50]

An analysis of the impact of Euro-Canadian society on native culture. Particular emphasis will be given to contemporary issues relating to Canadian native peoples (Indians, Inuit and Metis) such as education, treaties and reserves, land claims, government administration and economic development. (Offered in odd-numbered years.)

Prerequisite(s): ANTH*1150 or SOC*1100

Restriction(s): ANTH*2660

SOC*2700 Criminological Theory W(3-0) [0.50]

The course will examine the development of criminological theory from the late 1700s to contemporary times.

Prerequisite(s): SOC*1500

SOC*2750 Serial Murder W,S(3-0) [0.50]

The course examines the theoretical and empirical literature on serial murder. It reviews the popular image of serial murder and compares this image with that derived from scholarly investigation. Specific topics include the definition of serial murder, the methods used to detect serial murder, including profiling, and the creation of serial murder typologies. The course does not discuss individual serialists. The course examines how to understand and study serial murder in modern societies. (Also offered through distance education format.)

Prerequisite(s): 1 of ANTH*1150, FRHD*1010, PHIL*1010 , POLS*1400, PSYC*1100, PSYC*1200, SOC*1100, SOC*1500

SOC*3040 Sociology of Social Welfare W(3-0) [0.50]

The course examines the major factors that shape the welfare state and considers what impact welfare policies have on people. Central to the discussion is welfare in Canada and what changes are desirable and feasible. (Offered in odd-numbered years.)

Prerequisite(s): SOAN*2111/2, SOAN*2120

SOC*3110 Comparative Religious Systems W(3-0) [0.50]

An analysis of stability and change in patterns of religious beliefs, behaviour and institutions. (Offered in odd-numbered years.)

Prerequisite(s): SOAN*2111/2, SOAN*2120

SOC*3130 Politics and Society U(3-0) [0.50]

An interpretation of the political process and its relationship to other aspects of the social structure, including such topics as political parties, movements, factions, citizen participation, power structures and the process of political exchange.

Prerequisite(s): SOAN*2111/2, SOAN*2120

SOC*3310 Contemporary Theory F(3-0) [0.50]

The course outlines and evaluates the major theories in use today. A central aspect of the course is instruction in the application of these theories.

Prerequisite(s): SOAN*2111/2, SOAN*2120

SOC*3340 Education, Change and Resistance U(3-0) [0.50]

An examination of educational institutions and their relationships to other sectors of society, in particular political and economic. Topics include the nature and objectives of education, equality of opportunity, measures of educational achievement and attainment, manifest and hidden curricula, and public policy.

Prerequisite(s): SOAN*2111/2, SOAN*2120

SOC*3380 Society and Nature U(3-0) [0.50]

Classical to contemporary theories of the relations between society and the environment will be examined. These include Cartesian, Puritan, Utilitarian, laissez-faire liberal, Marxist, "deep ecologist" and eco-feminist approaches. Concepts to be explored are ecology, wilderness, growth, sustainability, species, domination, animal rights and stewardship.

Prerequisite(s): 1 of ANTH*1150, SOC*1100, SOC*2280, PHIL*2070

SOC*3410 Individual and Society U(3-0) [0.50]

Examining social-psychology from the sociological perspective, this course deals with the relation between social and cultural structure, on the one hand, and self or personality on the other. Employing symbolic interactionism and affect control theory, the course shows how social interaction mediated by language is the well-spring of both social cognitions and emotions.

Prerequisite(s): SOAN*2111/2, SOAN*2120

SOC*3490 Law and Society W(3-0) [0.50]

This course examines the social basis of law. Specific topics include the law as an instrument of stability or change, and the role of law makers, law enforcers and interpreters, including the legal profession, the police, judges and courts. (Offered in odd-numbered years.)

Prerequisite(s): (SOAN*2111/2 or SOC*2700), SOAN*2120, (SOC*2070 or SOC*2750)

SOC*3710 Young Offenders W(3-0) [0.50]

This course examines concerns about youth crime in Canada and elsewhere. It examines the history of legislation to control youth crime, criminal justice processing and practices, public reactions and concerns about youth crime and theoretical models used to explain youth crime.

Prerequisite(s): (SOAN*2111/2 or SOC*2700), SOAN*2120, (SOC*2070 or SOC*2750)

SOC*3740 Corrections and Penology F(3-0) [0.50]

The course will examine the current state of knowledge regarding the role of corrections and penology. It will examine such specific issues as public perception and reaction to the criminal justice system's methods of punishment and treatment of criminal offenders, the effectiveness of sentencing options and policies, including fines, probation, prison sentences and parole. It will also examine the various theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of courts, corrections and penology. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Prerequisite(s): (SOAN*2111/2 or SOC*2700), SOAN*2120, (SOC*2070 or SOC*2750)

SOC*3750 Police in Society F(3-0) [0.50]

The course will examine the role of police in society. It will examine theories of policing, the history of policing and such issues as police citizen interaction, relations with visible minorities, methods for controlling police behaviour, and the effectiveness of the police in carrying out specific policy directives. (Offered in odd-numbered years.)

Prerequisite(s): (SOAN*2111/2 or SOC*2700), SOAN*2120, (SOC*2070 or SOC*2750)

SOC*3840 Seminar -- Topics in Sociology S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

This course will be offered as a structured seminar on various topics depending upon the interests of the faculty member teaching the course. Topics will be announced and course outlines will be available at course selection.This course number may also be used for independent study on a topic of the student's choice. In this case, permission of the instructor who will be supervising the study is required.

Prerequisite(s): 15.00 credits

SOC*4030 Advanced Topics in Criminology F(3-0) [0.50]

An in-depth study of selected issues in criminology.

Prerequisite(s): (2 of SOC*3490, SOC*3710, SOC*3740, SOC*3750), (1 of ANTH*3690, SOC*2700, SOC*3310), (SOAN*3120 or POLS*3650)

SOC*4200 Advanced Topics in Criminal Justice W(3-0) [0.50]

An in-depth study of issues in criminal justice.

Prerequisite(s): (2 of SOC*3490, SOC*3710, SOC*3740, SOC*3750), (1 of ANTH*3690, SOC*2700, SOC*3310), (SOAN*3120 or POLS*3650)

SOC*4210 Advanced Topics in Rural Sociology U(3-0) [0.50]

A critical examination of the research literature in rural sociology, both in industrial and industrializing societies.

Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including SOC*2080

SOC*4230 Comparative Sociology W(3-0) [0.50]

Societies and social institutions in cross-cultural perspectives. The focus of this course will vary but in every instance will explicitly involve cross-cultural comparisons. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits

SOC*4290 Applied Sociology U(2-1) [0.50]

The application of sociological knowledge and research techniques to important policy issues in contemporary Canadian society.

Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including (ANTH*3690 or SOC*3310), SOAN*3070, SOAN*3120

SOC*4300 Senior Seminar W(3-0) [0.50]

This course will provide an opportunity for sociology majors to consider in detail the integration of theoretical and methodological issues at an advanced level. It is meant to engage students in the latest developments in a particular area of the discipline. Course topics will be announced and course outlines will be available at course selection time. This course is highly recommended to students who are considering graduate work in sociology.

Prerequisite(s): 15.00 credits including SOAN*3070, SOAN*3120, SOC*3310

SOC*4310 Advanced Topics in Canadian Society U(3-0) [0.50]

A detailed examination of selected topics in Canadian society such as regional tensions, aboriginal issues, implications of free trade, constitutional reform, social programs.

Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including SOC*2010

SOC*4700 Seminar -- Theoretical Issues in Sociology U(3-0) [0.50]

An examination of selected theoretical issues.

Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including (ANTH*3690 or SOC*3310), SOAN*3070, SOAN*3120

SOC*4740 Seminar in Sociology S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

This course will be offered as a structured seminar on various topics depending upon the interests of the faculty member teaching the course. Topics will be announced and course outlines will be available at course selection.This course number may also be used for independent study on a topic of the student's choice. In this case, permission of the instructor who will be supervising the study is required.

Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits

SOC*4840 Seminar in Sociology S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

This course will be offered as a structured seminar on various topics depending upon the interests of the faculty member teaching the course. Topics will be announced and course outlines will be available at course selection.This course number may also be used for independent study on a topic of the student's choice. In this case, permission of the instructor who will be supervising the study is required.

Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits

SOC*4880 Special Projects in Sociology S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

The special study option is designed to provide advanced undergraduates with an opportunity independently to explore the frontiers and foundations of a field of knowledge.The subject matter will normally be study in greater depth of topics related to regular upper-level courses offered in the department which the student has taken or is taking.

Prerequisite(s): consent of the instructor

SOC*4890 Special Projects in Sociology S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

The special study option is designed to provide advanced undergraduates with an opportunity independently to explore the frontiers and foundations of a field of knowledge.The subject matter will normally be study in greater depth of topics related to regular upper-level courses offered in the department which the student has taken or is taking.

Prerequisite(s): consent of the instructor

SOC*4900 Honours Sociology Thesis I S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

Development and design of an honours thesis proposal conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Recommended to Specialized Honours students.

Prerequisite(s): 15.00 credits including (1 of ANTH*3690, SOC*3310, SOC*3690), (SOAN*3070 or SOC*3070), (SOAN*3120 or SOC*3120), a cumulative average of 70% in all Sociology and Anthropology courses

SOC*4910 Honours Sociology Thesis II S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

Completion and presentation of honours thesis.

Prerequisite(s): SOC*4900



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