Overview
Welcome to Sociology 291: Canadian Society.
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 requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
Samuelson, L., Wayne, A. (Eds.). Power and resistance: Critical thinking about Canadian social issues (5th ed.).Halifax: Fernwood, 2012.
Warry, Wayne. (2007). Ending denial: Understanding aboriginal issues. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
Other Materials
The course materials also include a study guide and various online articles.