Explore

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

• B.A. Four-year
• B.A. Three-year
• B.A. Honours
• Double Honours

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology (Aboriginal Justice and Criminology (ABJAC))

• B.A. Four-year
• B.A. Three-year
• B.A. Honours

Sociology is the study of human social life, and focuses on the evolutionary changes of societies. Students develop an understanding of changes in social structure and human interaction on individual, societal and global levels.  Our students also learn to analyze social issues and think critically about the world around them. In teaching students to collect and analyze information about social issues, and providing hands-on training in specialized areas, our graduates are well-positioned for a wide array of dynamic career opportunities and further scholarly pursuits. A degree in Sociology prepares students for studies in areas such as criminology, journalism, law, medicine, nursing, planning and social work. Many students go on to do graduate work.

The Aboriginal Justice and Criminology program is intended to prepare Aboriginal students for careers in the criminal justice system. It includes required courses in Sociology, focusing on criminology and related courses. The course work includes two 12-week practicum-based courses, normally held in the summer. These experiences are invaluable, providing students an opportunity to gain work experience at local, national or international justice agencies and organizations. Graduates of the Aboriginal Justice & Criminology program can apply to work in the criminal justice system or use the program as a first step to pursue studies in law or graduate work.

• As a Sociology student, you can participate in a seminar series, pursue postgraduate diploma opportunities and take courses in a wide range of programs.
• The Sociology Department hosts the Sorokin Lecture Series, in honour of Professor Pitirim Sorokin, a famous Russian sociologist whose writings cover the breadth of sociology. The U of S holds part of his personal library, which includes letters, original and revised manuscripts, his works in numerous translations and book reviews. Researchers from around the world come to the University specifically to study the collection of Sorokin lectures that is produced by the U of S.

• SOC 232: Methods of Social Research
  Introduces the language of social research; research design; techniques of data collection; methods of measurement, scaling and sampling, and the interpretation and presentation of research findings.
• SOC 305: Ethnic Stratification
  The study of the ideology and practice of ethnic stratification from a comparative perspective, and a critical review of theories and research in the area, including analyses of social-psychological approach, colonial model, split labour market, reserve army of labour, slavery, and other models.
• SOC 411.3 : Family I Development in Research and Theory
  Selected topics concerning marriage and family behaviour: recent developments in research and theory.

• Community worker
• Counsellor
• Foreign service officer
• Human rights officer
• Probation or parole officer
• Public administrator
• Public policy analyst
• Public relations
• Sociologist
• Social survey researcher
• Social worker
• Volunteer coordinator

• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data
• Communications skills: written and/or oral
• Computer skills
• Critical and analytical skills
• Honesty, integrity, and ethical standards
• Interpreting research findings
• Research skills and methods
• Teamwork/Interpersonal skills