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To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.
Sociology
Sociology and anthropology is a joint department where students are offered a solid foundation in each discipline and are invited to engage in innovative interdisciplinary studies. Graduates are equipped with a comprehensive foundation in social theory, substantive courses in specific areas of research interest, and rigorous training in research methodologies, a particular strength of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at SFU. Graduate students and their faculty supervisory committees work collaboratively to tailor programs to meet each student's unique goals.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. How well the applicant's proposed research coincides with the research and teaching interests of the faculty is an important admission consideration.
Program Requirements
This program consists of courses, qualifying examinations, and a thesis for a minimum of 34 units. Course requirements are the same whether the student has completed an MA in this department, or completed a comparable MA program at another university. Students may be required to complete more than these courses at the discretion of the supervisory committees.
Students must complete
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.
and two of*
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.
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.
Examines different historical and contemporary perspectives from the body of social theory. Students from other departments and faculties may enroll with permission of instructor.
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.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Barbara Mitchell |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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.
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.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Barbara Mitchell |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and qualifying examinations
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.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 | TBD |
and a thesis
* Students may also choose a graduate course or graduate directed readings course in another Simon Fraser University academic unit, or from another university that is part of the Western Dean's Agreement. Supervisory committee and departmental graduate program committee approval is required.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in 18 terms.
Other Information
Qualifying Exam
At the conclusion of SA 897, students must complete a written qualifying examination. After successfully completing the qualifying exam, and prior to commencing work on the thesis, students defend a written prospectus that the student has prepared. This oral defence is public. Qualifying exam normally must be completed by the sixth term.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.