Sociology

Introduction to problems in the analysis of social structures and processes. Basic sociological concepts will be introduced and their application demonstrated in various areas of sociology.

Introduction to problems in the analysis of social structures and processes. Basic sociological concepts will be introduced and their application demonstrated in various areas of sociology.

The objective of this course is to make students aware of local poverty issues related to the recent increase in the levels of homelessness in Vancouver and across the country. The largest focus will be an examination of the social and political forces that have resulted in the Downtown Eastside becoming one of the most impoverished neighbourhoods in Canada.

This is an experiential learning course that studies poverty, its causes and dimensions, with a focus on its connection with substance abuse. It explores sociological theories on the causes of poverty, its effects on marginalized peoples, as well as the social causes of addiction. Addiction treatment theories are given philosophical consideration alongside literary texts, offering insight into the psycho-spiritual trauma often underlying substance-abuse. The course emphasizes a ‘virtuous circle’ of practice and theory, in which theory-based instruction and an experiential learning component cultivate an atmosphere of creative reflection and engaged learning. Classes are held offsite. Experiential learning component includes (at the discretion of instructor): attending classes in a neighborhood with poverty and addiction challenges; volunteer experience; guest lectures from neighborhood leaders and those with experience of poverty and addiction; trips to various local institutions that serve the neighborhood.

Through this course, students will sociologically examine selected global social issues and how they are communicated in a religious and moral context: religious freedom and plurality, the divide between the secular and religion, women’s issues, abortion and euthanasia, just war doctrine, and globalization. Students will start by examining different sociological accounts on these matters, and will enter in dialogue with the teachings of the Catholic Church as well as that from other religious perspectives including Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam.

This course provides a comparative analysis of homelessness and urban marginalization through the lenses of racial and cultural inequality. It addresses issues such as homelessness, ghettos, mental health and access to resources. Students learn how racial inequality creates a narrative of marginalization within urban centers.

A historical and sociological introduction to religious behaviour and the organization of religion in Canada.

This course introduces students to a number of socioeconomic factors that influence the performance of educational institutions. The social factors to be studied will be family economic issues, educational policies, crime, and allocation of resources. The assumption of this course is that before considering a career in education one needs to examine the social issues which inform educational practices. One of the goals of this course is to provide an opportunity for students to make comparisons between different societies and how they respond to various social challenges. This course is intended to engage students by providing a direct immersion experience where they are forced to examine the social issues which influence how schools can function.