Sociology and Anthropology Courses

SA 101 - Introduction to Anthropology (A) (4)

Anthropology asks fundamental questions about how people live and interact in different contexts. Engages with contemporary social life around the world, including the relations among people, ideas, and things. Provides analytical tools to help understand the role of culture and society in our lives. Breadth-Social Sciences.

SA 150 - Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Explores how sociologists study, describe, and explain social life. Introduces the sociological perspective and applies it to fundamental social process and everyday issues. As we consider phenomena ranging from interactions among individuals to societal and global inequalities, students critically examine social issues to build their understanding of the world. Breadth-Social Sciences.

SA 200W - Power, Conflict and Change in Canadian Society (SA) (4)

Examines Canadian society from the perspective of the social sciences. Students apply sociological and anthropological concepts to analyze issues in modern societies, focusing on Canada as a case. Topics include class structure, the nature of Canada's population, regional variation, gender relations, multiculturalism, and colonialism. Students with credit for SA 100W are not eligible to take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

SA 201W - Anthropology and Contemporary Life (A) (4)

An introduction to the anthropological perspective as applied to the organization of everyday life in contemporary settings. Introduces positivist, interpretive, and critical interpretive approaches to the analysis of social actions, identities, and values as enacted in space and time. Prerequisite: Recommended: SA 101. Writing.

SA 216 - Sociology of Indigenous-Settler Relations (S) (4)

Examines the social, political and legal forces that structure contemporary relationships between Indigenous peoples, settlers, and the state. Topics include anti-Indigenous racism; colonialism and knowledge production; sovereignty and nationhood; law and property; fiscal and economic relations; gender and race; and decolonization and solidarity. Students who have taken SA 442 under the title "Sociology of Indigenous-Settler Relations" in Fall 2021, Fall 2022, or Fall 2023 may not take this course for further credit.

SA 218 - Illness, Culture and Society (A) (4)

Health and well-being are social experiences. How do assumptions about the body, the self, and social relations operate in medical spheres? Introduces anthropological perspectives on illness and healing as a means of exploring the social existence of the body. Students with credit for SA 460 when offered as Medical Anthropology are not eligible to take this course for further credit.

SA 219 - Culture, Mental Health, and Therapeutic Governance (A) (4)

Explores social, cultural, economic and political underpinnings of mental distress and medical practices. Topics include somatization, medicalization, psychologization, global inequities, local desires, and the use of mental illness and psychology by states and institutions as technologies of governing. Attention given to how Indigenous psychology challenges universal claims of Euro-American psychology. Students who have taken SA 359 under the title "Culture, Mental Health, and Therapeutic Governance" in Fall 2017, Fall 2019, or Fall 2020 may not take this course further credit.

SA 231 - Sociology of Families (S) (4)

An examination of families and households in social, cultural, political and economic context. This course focuses on the diversity of family forms in contemporary societies (particularly Canada) in relation to various social institutions and processes, including demographic trends, ideology, gender inequality, the economy, the state and social policies.

SA 250 - Introduction to Sociological Theory (S) (4)

An account of sociological theory, outlining the main ideas and concepts of the principal schools of thought. Prerequisite: SA 150.

SA 255 - Introduction to Social Research (SA) (4)

Explores how sociologists and anthropologists investigate social relations and contexts. Students learn to develop research questions and turn them into research projects. Introduces data collection techniques and related ethical issues, the relationship between theory and research, and other fundamental concepts and issues involved in conducting qualitative and quantitative research. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150. Quantitative.

SA 257 - Understanding Quantitative Research in Sociology and Anthropology (SA) (4)

Takes the mystery, but not the magic, out of quantitative research in anthropology and sociology by introducing analytical skills necessary for reading, understanding, and critiquing quantitative research. Students evaluate popular coverage of social research; learn concepts related to statistical significance; conduct basic statistical analysis, including designing graphs and tables. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150. Quantitative.

SA 260 - Individual and Society (S) (4)

An examination of how self and identity (e.g. race, class, gender, sexual orientation) are socially derived within contemporary western culture, and of the ways that individuals shape their social environment.

SA 275 - China in Transition (SA) (4)

An introduction to culture, social structure and the processes of social, economic, and political transformation in contemporary China. Topics may include recent development of Marxism, feminism and neoliberalism in China; Western debates on China's rise and images of China as threat; human rights.

SA 300 - Canadian Social Structure (S) (4)

An analysis of the social institutions and structure of Canadian society. The focus of the course will vary from semester to semester, but typically it will examine different theoretical approaches to the study of Canada and, from these, develop a framework for the analysis of Canadian social institutions and class structure. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 301 - Contemporary Ethnography (A) (4)

A consideration of key themes in contemporary anthropology. Addresses theoretical and methodological questions by examining the work of contemporary anthropologists conducting research in diverse locations around the world. Prerequisite: SA 101.

SA 302W - Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (SA) (4)

An introduction to the political economy and culture of capitalism in relation to global problems. Case studies may focus on issues of population, famine, disease, poverty, environmental destruction, social inequality, and nation-state violence. Resistance, rebellion and social movements in response to these problems also will be addressed. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

SA 304 - Social Control (S) (4)

This course examines how the organization of control (formal and informal) affects both individuals and society. It will investigate how control takes form, how it functions, the ideologies supporting it, and the resistance it produces. We will ask the following questions: who are the agents of social control; who or what do they control; and how do they control? Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 315 - New Information Technology and Society (SA) (4)

Explores the new social spaces and social practices fostered by new information technology. Special attention will be paid to who is making decisions about what technologies to adopt and how, what social changes are resulting, and who benefits and who loses. A significant portion of activity in this course will involve direct engagement with new information technology.

SA 316 - Tourism and Social Policy (S) (4)

An examination of tourism from the perspectives of sociology and anthropology, focusing primarily upon the social and cultural impacts of tourism and the social policy implications of tourism development in different societies. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201w.

SA 317 - Sociology of Art Forms (S) (4)

This course may focus variously on one or all of the following: the social origins and functions of art, sociological theories of aesthetics, and contemporary issues in art, such as the fate of art in modern society, popular culture, mass media, ideology in art. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W. Students with credit for SA 416 are not eligible to take this course for further credit.

SA 318 - Technologies of Health and Expectation (A) (4)

Investigates how medical technologies are altering ways we perceive our bodies, frame moral questions about health, and imagine human possibilities. Case studies from around the world are used to examine the social, ethical, and political dilemmas that surface when people interact with biomedical objects under different conditions. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 321 - Social Movements (S) (4)

A study of the sources, development and effects of social movements in transitional and modernized societies. Specific types of movements will be analysed. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 322 - Religion and Society (A) (4)

An examination of the relations between religion and the social environment. Consideration will be given to classical theoretical debates in the anthropology and sociology of religion. Specific topics vary from year to year, and may include: religion in personhood and communities; religion, gender, ethnicity and social class; secularization and secularism; the role of religion in political mobilizations; interreligious relations; religious freedom and citizenship. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 325 - Political Sociology (S) (4)

An examination of the relations of power and authority. This course will analyze the interrelations of family, church, class, interest groups, etc., particularly as they influence and are influenced by the state. The relations of law and ideology to the structures of government will form the context for this analysis. The course may also focus on broad theoretical questions of contemporary political interest. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 326 - Food, Ecology and Social Thought (S) (4)

Modernization narratives have placed food and agriculture on the margins of social thought. The current ecological crisis requires us to take a new look at the global agrifood system and its social, political and ecological relations. This course develops analytical perspectives on contemporary issues concerning food, ecology and agrarian change. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 327 - Sociology of Knowledge (S) (4)

An examination of sociological theories concerning the interaction of social structures, and meaning and belief systems. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 331 - Politics of the Family (S) (4)

A sociological examination of the contested nature of contemporary domestic and intimate relations. The course will focus on debates arising from equality movement politics (e.g. gender, sexuality, race). Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 335 - Gender Relations and Social Issues (S) (4)

Together we will think about how gender influences and suffuses social interaction, in both historical and contemporary contexts: consider how assumptions and expectations about gender shape identity, the things people do, and how they do them; and discuss gender inequality and equality across society. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 337 - Sexuality and Society (S) (4)

The categories that organize our understandings of sex, gender and sexuality have powerful histories and roles in organizing social relations in western society. Social activists and academics contest the naturalness of these categories, particularly that of the binary opposition between male and female, and related assumptions about sexuality and sexual orientation. This course encompasses a range of perspectives on sex/gender identity, sexuality, and the relationship between the two. These perspectives include feminist, lesbian and gay, and queer and transgender challenges to traditional understandings of sex/gender identity and sexuality. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 340 - Social Issues and Social Policy Analysis (SA) (4)

How do environmental challenges, the contradictions of capitalism, and histories of violence shape contemporary life? How do social issues affect our identities, communities, and sense of belonging? Students learn how to wield sociological and anthropological concepts and theories through clear and analytical communication and writing. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 345 - Race, Immigration and the Canadian State (S) (4)

An introduction to critical perspectives on the social construction of race, nation building and transnational migration, with an emphasis on state policies and the experiences of immigrants. The course will cover a review of colonialism and the construction of racialized labour market. Core topics may include: racialization of space, anti-racist feminist thought, immigration policy, settlement services, multiculturalism, citizenship, racial profiling, diasporas, and refugees. Comparative material will be used to complement the Canadian focus. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 350 - Classical Sociological Thought (S) (4)

An examination of aspects of the work of one or more of the nineteenth or early twentieth century sociological theorists. Prerequisite: SA 250.

SA 351 - Crisis, Critique, and Marx's Capital (S) (4)

Marx’s Capital is a central reference point across the social sciences. It has been maligned and criticized by many, but it has also inspired and guided the activities of numerous political parties, trade unions, social and revolutionary movements, and scholarly fields. Prerequisite: SA 150.

SA 352 - Games, Sports, and Practices (S) (4)

An exploration of games, sports, and practices and their social, cultural, and political meanings. Particular attention will be given to the poetics and aesthetics of athletic pursuits and disciplines grounded in the body, while keeping in mind the variety of individual bodies and personalities competing and practicing. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150.

SA 353 - Sociology of Sport (S) (4)

A sociological examination of sport focuses on the role of this important set of institutions and activities in shaping social relations and understandings about difference and identity. Sport has a long history of naturalizing racial and gender differences in such a way as to reinforce and reflect social inequality more broadly. Racial segregation in sport (at least in formal legal terms) is no longer considered acceptable in western societies or in the Olympic movement at the global level. But the power of sport in reinforcing and naturalizing racial inequality continues while the naturalness and inevitability of sex segregation in sport remains largely unchallenged. This course will explore the relationships between sport and social inequality, sport and nationalism, and sport and the economy. Prerequisite: Minimum of 30 units including SA 150.

SA 355 - Quantitative Methods (S) (4)

Examines the methods, concepts and statistical procedures central to quantitative sociological research. Emphasizing the meaningful application of statistical analysis to social issues, the course provides intermediate quantitative research skills. Students use statistics software to conduct applicable statistical analyses and interpret results. Prerequisite: SA 255 and SA 257. Quantitative.

SA 356W - Ethnography and Qualitative Methods (SA) (4)

An examination of qualitative field methods, including participant observation, interviewing, archival research, cross-cultural research, life histories, network analysis, mapping, and ethical problems of fieldwork. Prerequisite: SA 255. Writing.

SA 358 - The Philosophy of the Social Sciences (S) (4)

An analysis of the nature of explanation in the social sciences: 'mind' and action, positivist and interpretive modes of explanation, sociological and historical explanation, objectivity, forms of relativism, the concept of rationality. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 359 - Special Topics in Anthropology (A) (4)

Explores a topic in Anthropology not regularly offered by the department. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 360 - Special Topics in Sociology and Anthropology (SA) (4)

A seminar exploring a topic not regularly offered by the department. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 362 - The Commodification of Everything: Colonialism, Capitalism, and Sustainability (S) (4)

Addresses the historical, global dimensions of the social and ecological by examining hegemonies of capitalism from the colonial to the neoliberal era. Explores deepening commodification in the neoliberal "sustainability by algorithms" approach, animated by powerful discourses of crisis, climate change, food security, and development. Considers resistance possibilities. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 363 - Racial Capitalism, Settler Colonialism, and Uneven Development (S) (4)

An examination of uneven development arising from the intersection of European colonialism and capitalism since 1492. This process embodies power relations including commodification, dispossession, capital accumulation, organization of states and cultures, restructuring of social classes and gender relations, and deepening racialization. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 364 - Urban Communities and Cultures (A) (4)

Anthropological approaches to urbanization, the nature of the city as a social system, and urban cultures and lifestyles. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W. Students with credit for SA 464 are not eligible to take SA 364 for further credit.

SA 365 - Selected Regional Areas (A) (4)

An examination of selected aspects of the social structure, culture and the processes of social change in varying regional areas. The focus will vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 366 - Special Topics in Sociology (S) (4)

Explores a topic in Sociology not regularly offered by the department. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 368 - Language, Ideology, and Power (A) (4)

Examines how language shapes and is shaped by culture, power, and social relations and introduces the major concepts, approaches, and theories used by anthropologists in the investigation of relations between language and cultural forms. Prerequisite: SA 101, 201W, or 150.

SA 371 - The Environment and Society (SA) (4)

An examination of environmental issues in their social context. Environmental issues are on the leading edge of contemporary public concern and public policy debates. This course will examine such issues as the relationship between social organization and mode of subsistence, the politics of hunger, and the way in which human societies in their particular social, historical, and cultural contexts view and interact with the natural world. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 375 - Labour and the Arts of Living (A) (4)

Introduces sociocultural approaches to labour by examining the relationship between work and life in different parts of the world. Students will be given opportunities to reflect on their own working lives and aspirations for future employment. Topics include precarity, informality, unemployment, wageless life, work and citizenship, and post-work politics. Prerequisite: SA 101 or SA 150 or SA 201W. Students who have taken SA 360 in Spring 2016 are not eligible to take this course for further credit.

SA 386 - The Ethnography of Politics (SA) (4)

An examination of the ways in which ethnographers seek to understand a world experiencing profound changes in the relationships between governments and the societies they govern. Topics to be considered may include: relations between indigenous peoples and governments; the social and cultural dynamics of public policy making; the articulation of human rights issues. The focus of the course will vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 388 - Indigenous Social Movements Across the Globe (A) (4)

In this intensive seminar, we compare political actions and social movements of indigenous peoples across several countries: analyze development of these movements over time; and discuss factors affecting the timing, reception, intensity and nature of these politics. Students write research papers on topics they develop. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 396 - Selected Regional Areas (SA) (4)

An examination of selected aspects of social structure, culture and processes of social change in a specific regional area. The focus will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 410 - Sociology of Dangerous Classes (S) (4)

Offers specialized instruction on advanced topics pertaining to the social and moral regulation of human subjects in both historical and contemporary contexts. It explores the ideologies, policies and practices of regulation and governance in application to selected social contexts and subjects including, but not confined to, welfare, justice, medicine, the 'psy' sciences, immigration, labour, sexuality, pornography, racialization, gender and family. Students will acquire specialized knowledge about the profound impact of civil and state regulation projects on societies past and present, and about the rich diversity of institutional, cultural and human experience that these social ordering ideologies, policies and practices encompass. Prerequisite: Minimum of 72 units including either SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 418 - Global Health: Humanitarian Encounters (A) (4)

An investigation of the social, cultural, and political issues that contribute to problems of ill-health in resource-poor countries and the major efforts in international public health to address these problems. It explores the application of knowledge about social, and especially gender relations in international health, with particular attention to local perspectives and grassroots initiatives. Institutional frameworks intended to promote health development are examined in historical and contemporary perspective through case studies on topics such as: malaria, population control, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Prerequisite: 72 units, which must include SA 101 or 150 or 201W. Breadth-Social Sciences.

SA 442 - Applying the Sociological Imagination (S) (4)

Selected Topics in Sociology. Seminar exploring the topic through discussion, and developing original ideas that engage with sociological theory and methods. Course topic varies with the instructor and section. See detailed course outline for more information. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: Minimum of 72 units including either SA 101 or SA 150.

SA 443 - Ethnographic Sensibility in Action (A) (4)

Selected Topics in Anthropology. Seminar exploring the topic through discussion, and developing original ideas that engage with anthropological theory and methods. Course topic varies with the instructor and section. See detailed course outline for more information. SA 443 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: Minimum of 72 units including either SA 101 or SA 150.

SA 450 - Advanced Sociological Theory (S) (4)

A senior seminar on current perspectives in sociological theory. Emphasis will differ from term to term. Prerequisite: Minimum of 72 units including SA 350, and consent of the instructor.

SA 451 - Theory in Anthropology for the 21st Century (A) (4)

A senior seminar on current perspectives in anthropological theory. Emphasis will differ from term to term. Prerequisite: Minimum of 72 units including SA 301, and consent of the instructor.

SA 459 - Special Topics in Anthropology (A) (4)

An advanced seminar devoted to an in-depth examination of a topic in Anthropology not regularly offered by the department. Prerequisite: Minimum 72 units including SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 460 - Special Topics in Sociology and Anthropology I (SA) (4)

An advanced seminar devoted to an in-depth examination of a topic not regularly offered by the department. Prerequisite: Minimum 72 units including SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 461 - Special Topics in Sociology (S) (4)

An advanced seminar devoted to an in-depth examination of a topic in Sociology not regularly offered by the department. Prerequisite: Minimum 72 units including SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 474 - Cultures, Politics and Performances (A) (4)

From intimate dramas of everyday life to multi-media staging of political events, performances of various kinds infuse social/cultural/political relations among people(s), shape understandings of pasts, and evoke visions of futures. We explore contemporary work that engages questions generated by anthropologists, performance studies scholars, and artists. Prerequisite: Minimum 72 units including SA 101 or SA 201W.

SA 493 - Directed Readings in Anthropology (A) (2)

Directed readings in a selected field of study under the direction of a single faculty member for BA majors in anthropology. Variable units: 1, 2. Prerequisite: Minimum of 100 units including SA 101 or 201W.

SA 494 - Directed Readings in Sociology (S) (2)

Directed readings in a selected field of study under the direction of a single faculty member for BA majors in sociology. Variable units: 1, 2. Prerequisite: Minimum of 100 units including SA 150.

SA 495 - Developing an Honours Research Project (SA) (4)

Students completing an honours thesis design their projects, read literature relevant to their topic, and complete research ethics if necessary, under the direction of a single faculty member. Prerequisite: 72 units, SA 355 or SA 356W, permission from the SA department, and prior agreement from an SA faculty member who has agreed to supervise the honours project.

SA 496 - Directed Readings in Anthropology (A) (4)

Directed readings in a selected field of study under the direction of a single faculty member. A paper will be required. Prerequisite: Minimum of 72 units including SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 497 - Directed Readings in Sociology (S) (4)

Directed readings in a selected field of study under the direction of a single faculty member. A paper will be required. Prerequisite: Minimum of 72 units including SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 498 - Field Study in Sociology and/or Anthropology (SA) (8)

Advanced field project in a research setting. Admission dependent on availability of appropriate field placements and departmental supervisory capacity. Prerequisite: Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

SA 499 - Honours Essay (SA) (4)

An honours essay to be written under the direction of a member of faculty, a copy of which is to be permanently lodged with the department. Students should submit confirmation of faculty supervisor. Prerequisite: SA 495, permission from the SA department, and prior agreement from an SA faculty member who has agreed to supervise the honours essay.

SA 815 - Theories of Latin American Development (4)

A synthetic introduction to historical and contemporary theories of development in Latin America. Topics include political economy of development, sociological theories of development, an introduction to neoliberalism, and the contemporary experience of globalization and development in Latin America. Students who have taken IS 815 or LAS 815 for credit may not take this course for further credit.

SA 835 - Social and Political Change in Latin America (4)

A general overview of social and political change in Latin America, including revolutions, independence, transition to democracy, and contemporary social movements. Theoretical approaches may include social-movement theory, democratic theory, etc. Students who have taken IS 835 or LAS 835 for credit may not take this course for further credit.

SA 840 - Graduate Seminar (2)

Orientation to university, professional development, and cohort building. Required course for the first year MA and PhD students in Sociology and Anthropology. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

SA 850 - Selected Topics in Social Theory (5)

Examines different historical and contemporary perspectives from the body of social theory. Students from other departments and faculties may enroll with permission of instructor.

SA 853 - Readings in Sociology I (5)

SA 854 - Readings in Sociology II (5)

SA 856 - Qualitative Sociological Research Methods (5)

Examines approaches to qualitative methodology and research design in Sociology and Anthropology including epistemological and ethical debates surrounding the practice of qualitative methodology and research design in diverse contexts. Students will investigate research methods applicable to their graduate research projects. Students from other departments and faculties may enroll with permission of instructor.

SA 870 - Theories in Anthropology (5)

Examines the dynamic relationship among conceptual aims, social relations in research, and the socio-political contexts of anthropological work through close study of selected classical and contemporary works in anthropology. Students from other departments and faculties may enrol with permission of instructor.

SA 871 - Readings in Anthropology I (5)

SA 872 - Readings in Anthropology II (5)

SA 875 - Ethnographic Methodology: Social/Cultural Anthropology (5)

In depth study of ethnographic methodology as practiced, theorized and debated by social and cultural anthropologists. Course will include anthropological analyses of multi- and interdisciplinary approaches to, and adaptations of, ethnographic methodology and methods. Elective course for MA and PhD students in Sociology and Anthropology. Students from other departments and faculties may enrol with permission of instructor. Course will be offered in response to student demand, dependent on availability of departmental resources.

SA 887 - Special Topics in Sociology/Anthropology (5)

An advanced seminar devoted to an in-depth examination of a topic not regularly offered by the department.

SA 897 - PhD Qualifying Examinations (6)

Course objective is to provide a framework and process for students and supervisors to work within to facilitate students' satisfactory preparation for qualifying examinations; and to complete qualifying examinations required for admission to doctoral candidate standing. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: All PhD course requirements, with the exception of SA 857 must be completed before student may enroll in SA 897.

SA 898 - MA Thesis (18)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

SA 899 - PhD Thesis (18)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.