In this course we apply the sociologist’s analytical tools and techniques of synthesis to examine contemporary political, economic, and social issues. In this course 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. Sociology 291 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.
Objectives
Sociology 291 provides an introduction to Canadian society in a sociological context. 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 291, you must complete an introductory assignment, three end of unit forum participations, a research proposal, a research essay, and a course end personal assessment, and a final exam. You must achieve a minimum grade of 50 per cent on the final exam 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.
Activity
Weight
Introductory Assignment
5%
Study Questions
15%
Research Proposal and Research Essay
15%
Research Essay
20%
Personal Assessment
20%
Final Exam
25%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Materials
Samuelson, L., Wayne, A. (Eds.). Power and resistance: Critical thinking about Canadian social issues (5th ed.).Halifax: Fernwood, 2012. (Print)
Warry, Wayne. (2007). Ending denial: Understanding aboriginal issues. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. (Print)
Other Materials
The course materials also include a study guide and various online articles.
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 1, July 18, 2017
Updated July 15, 2021, by Student & Academic Services