Sociology (SOCI) 445
Selected Topics in Canadian Society (Revision 2)
Revision 2 closed, replaced by current version.
Delivery Mode:Individualized study with a video component.
Credits:3
Area of Study:Reading course - Social Science
Prerequisite:This course is open to all fourth year students with three credits of intermediate sociology.
Centre:Centre for Global and Social Analysis
SOCI 445 is not available for challenge.
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Overview
In this course we apply the sociologist's analytical tools and techniques of synthesis to examine contemporary political, economic, and social issues. You will learn how social class, power, gender, race, ethnicity, the state, and other social phenomena shape Canadian life, and why not all members of society experience Canada in the same way. Selected Topics in Canadian Society highlights how certain social groups enjoy more of the fruits of Canada's advanced industrial economy while others are not so fortunate. In this course you will develop a critical understanding of the social structures that have shaped Canada historically and that shape Canada today.
Course evaluation, in the form of a mid-term examination and final research paper, requires you to engage the contemporary social issues discussed in your local paper or, for those of you who have access to the Internet, presented on Web sites of various social groups and institutions.
Objectives
As a senior reading course, Sociology 445: Special Topics in Canadian Society provides you with an advanced introduction to the critical sociology and political economy of Canadian society. When you have completed this course, you will be able to:
identify the contributions of various approaches to the critical sociology of Canada
apply a critical sociological perspective to a range of Canadian social issues
read and assess both essay-length and book-length sociological arguments
prepare an accomplished research essay proposal
conduct library research and develop a competent senior-level sociology research essay.
Evaluation
To receive credit for SOCI 445, you must complete a learning plan, a take-home mid-term examination based on the course texts, and a research proposal and essay. You must achieve a minimum grade of 50 percent on each and a composite course grade of at least “D” (50 percent). The following chart summarizes the evaluation activities and the credit weight associated with each evaluation.
| Learning Plan | Mid-term Exam | Research Proposal and Research Essay | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| no grade | 50% | 50% | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
Textbooks
Antony, Wayne, and Les Samuelson. 2007. Power and Resistance: Critical Thinking about Canadian Social Issues. 4th ed. Halifax: Fernwood.
Brodie, Janine. 1995 Politics on the Margins: Restructuring and the Canadian Women's Movement. Halifax: Fernwood.
McBride, Stephen, and John Shields. 1997. Dismantling a Nation: The Transition to Corporate Rule in Canada. 2d ed. Halifax: Fernwood.
McQuaig, Linda. 1995. Shooting the Hippo: Death by Deficit and Other Canadian Myths. Toronto: Penguin.
Winson, Anthony. 1993. The Intimate Commodity: Food and the Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex in Canada. Toronto: Garamond Press.
Note: In addition to the reading assignments, this course requires students to view the film Affluenza, produced by John de Graff and Vivia Boe (Seattle: CTS/Seattle and Oregon Public Broadcasting, 1997). Copies of this film are available, on request, from Athabasca University Library.
Other Materials
The course materials include a study guide and a student manual.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 2.
Last updated by SAS 02/04/2016 08:34:07
