48-500. Sociological Theory
A seminar on current and emerging trends in social theory from social constructionism to world systems theory, including contemporary debates on impacts of globalization, modernity and postmodernity, and the recovery of neglected voices in sociological theory.
48-505. Research Methodology
A review of the epistemological and procedural challenges and responses, problems and solutions, encountered in both 'qualitative' and 'quantitative' methodologies of sociological research.
48-520. Social Movements and Popular Mobilization
Seminar on the theory and research of large-scale transformations through historical and cross-cultural examinations of such topics as the development and impact of social movements, states and social revolutions, and the mobilization of people around issues concerning human rights, working conditions, racism, gender, sexuality, environment, peace, poverty, and globalization.
48-521. Social Inequality and the State
Seminar on the theory and research of structured inequality in the national and international context. The focus will be on the role of the state in creating, sustaining and altering different aspects of inequality in terms of resource attainment, political ideology and behaviour. Policy related issues may include globalization, family, sexuality, multiculturalism, immigration, employment, crime, education, health and welfare.
48-525. International Development and its Discontents
Seminar on the central theoretical and empirical issues raised in understanding the ways in which national and global processes of socio-economic development are experienced locally.
48-530. Work and Social Change
This course examines current research and theoretical approaches in the sociology of work with an emphasis on understanding the relationship between the transformation of work and broader social change in class, gender and ethnic relations. Areas of concentration may include the organization of production, worker control and resistance, state labour policies and legislation, unemployment, labour market segregation, and globalization.
48-540. Race and Ethnic Relations
A comparative analysis of race and ethnic relations focussing on such issues as ethnic stratification and mobility patterns, assimilation and cultural pluralism, and policies and legislation governing multiculturalism, employment equity and collective rights.
48-550. Family Relations and Gender Politics
An examination of historical and contemporary debates on gender politics within the context of family formation and social change in Canada. Special attention will be given to the gender division of labour, sexuality, economy and class, and to related social justice issues such as state regulation of marriage, divorce, child care and procreation, reproductive engineering and rights, and ideological power structures and practices that construct family members in particular social and cultural contexts.
48-555. Sexualities and Social Justice
This course will investigate the relationship between sexuality, power inequalities and social change. This may include an examination of the impact of globalization processes on sexualities, the development of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identities and movements, the racialization and gendering of sexual identity (and the sexualization of racial, ethnic and gender relations), the criminalization of sexualities, and the construction of sexual 'health'.
48-561. Crime and Exclusion
An exploration of research and theory on the conception, construction, and production of crime and other exclusionary processes. Substantive topics may include violence, victimization and the impact of culture, borders, inequalities, and regulatory agencies on crime and deviance.
48-562. Security and Regulation
An examination of research and theory on the regulatory agencies of criminal law and social policy (e.g. courts, police, corrections, social service agencies), modes of regulation (e.g. discipline, surveillance, detention) and their application (e.g. to bodies, spaces, borders and subjectivities).
48-565. Law and Governance
This course examines perspectives on moral regulation, the social construction of law and law as governance. The focus will be the analysis of various forms of law, policy and regulation. Substantive issues to be covered may include sexuality, immigration and exclusion, labour and economic policies, drug policies and communication, or cultural policies.
48-569. Culture and Globalization
This seminar course uses cultural perspectives to explore processes of globalization. Topics may include migration, mass mediated practices, transnational organizations, work and employment, and human rights.
48-574. Health and Social Justice
Examines the social construction, production, and subjectivities of health and illness with reference to a variety of social justice developments and policy issues.
48-580. Subordination, Identity and Empowerment
A micro level examination of the effects of subordination on everyday life in the generation of acquiescence and resistance, including the use of discourse in identity formation and popular ideologies.
48-590. Directed Readings: Development of the Thesis Proposal
Students will register for this course with a faculty advisor in their declared area of specialization with the purpose of developing a thesis proposal.
48-600. Theories of Social Justice
An examination of critical readings on social justice theory focusing on such areas as a comparative analysis of the structural and ideological bases of inequality and various processes which contribute to social change. The objective will be to compare the experiences of various subordinated and marginalised groups in Canada and elsewhere in order to outline some common and unique theoretical frameworks for the analysis of social justice. Special attention will be given to analysing policy implications and formulating recommendations for action strategies.
48-605. Methodology: Quantitative Analysis
This course will focus on advanced multivariate statistical analysis as applied to theory testing.
48-606. Methodology: Qualitative Analysis
A critical exploration of the epistemological assumptions and analytical tools associated with qualitative methodologies. The course will focus on sociological field work, select ethnographic techniques, and the analysis of documents.
48-797. Thesis