Sociology

Sociology’s key principle is that patterned social relationships create opportunities for, and place constraints on, human action. The influence of this idea is widespread. New research agendas in law, literature, economics, and other disciplines reflect the notion that beyond individual motives, goals, values, beliefs and emotions, patterned social relationships help to make us who we are. Our courses and faculty research examine how patterned social relationships shape and are shaped by gender roles and families; health; immigration and ethnic relations; labour markets, work and social inequality; political structures and processes; crime, law and deviance; culture; cities; and networks, and communities.

To test explanations regarding the influence of social relationships on various aspects of human behaviour, sociologists collect and analyze observational, survey, experimental, and historical data. Accordingly, the sociological perspective and the research skills learned by studying sociology prepare students for a wide variety of careers in industry, government, education, politics, health and journalism. Medical, legal, and environmental fields report an increasing need for sociologists. Municipal, provincial and federal governments hire in areas like urban sociology, community relations, policy and planning, and statistical analysis. In private business, sociologists work in management consulting firms and polling organizations, as well as in labour relations and human resources.

A professional career in sociology requires training beyond the undergraduate level. However, the critical, analytical and research skills that undergraduate sociology students learn open many employment opportunities. Over a third of Canadian undergraduates in sociology go on to be employed in business, finance and administrative occupations, and just under a third in government service, social science, and educational fields.

UNDERGRADUATE SOCIOLOGY STUDENT UNION 

The objective of this union is to improve academic life of all undergraduate students in the Department, and to foster a sense of community among them. Especially with the on-going pandemic the union has tried its best to host events that are relevant to the students academic and social life.  

This committee represents the students in both departmental committees and the council of the Arts and Science Students’ Union (ASSU). Any concern students may have can be given to us, and we will act as their representative.  

We organize social events, fitting for the students. We have hosted movie nights, and formals in the past years. Also, we arrange academic, career, and graduate seminars that can help students further their academic career, and help networking.  

The union is also responsible for overseeing the completion and execution of the course evaluation in the Department. We also promote interaction between faculty and the student body of the Department. 

Lastly the union is responsible for overseeing the Union’s academic journal, Undergraduate Sociology Journal, which you can see on our website. We assist in any form we can, especially during these tough times in our community.