Sociology is the systematic study of human society. Topics covered include culture, socialization, groups and organizations, social processes, community, social stratification, social change, and major institutions such as religious, economic, educational, or health care institutions, and the family. The sociological perspective will be illustrated by analyzing Canadian society in the context of the global community.

Why study Sociology at CMU?
At CMU, students are challenged to think about how their faith and beliefs are shaped by society, and about how their faith and beliefs have the potential to shape society. Knowledge of sociology helps students understand themselves, others, and the systems within which they work and live.

Why complete a minor in Sociology at CMU?
The minor requires 18 credit hours and can fit alongside a major in any field, whether in the three-year or the four-year Bachelor of Arts. The student is given the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of Sociology through the required introductory courses, and then may explore a variety of topics, according to their interest. A student can gain valuable secondary competencies, applicable in almost any vocation, but especially relevant alongside a major in Communications, Business, International Development Studies, or Peace & Conflict Transformation Studies. Careers where these skills may be applied include areas such as social welfare, criminal justice, government, research, industrial relations, and administration.

Minor within the four- or three-year Bachelor of Arts. For a degree audit form click here.

Courses

The following section contains a complete list of courses for its curriculum. For current course listings please see the Course Description section of our website.

SOCI-1010/3 Introduction to Sociology I: Analysis of the general principles that guide human association and of methods used in the study of social behaviour. Topics that may be considered include: culture, ethnic groups, families, communities, population, social stratification, crime, social
change, and institutions including economic, political, religious, and educational.

SOCI-1020/3 Introduction to Sociology II: A continued analysis of the general principles that guide human association and of methods used in the study of social behaviour. Topics that may be considered include: culture, ethnic groups, families, communities, population, social stratification, crime, social change, and institutions including economic, political, religious, and educational. Prerequisite: SOCI-1010/3.

SOCI-2000/3 Social Welfare: Explores how economic, political, and ethical theories on society and human nature are manifested in societal responses to human need in providing social services. Includes a survey of the history of social welfare in Canada and a review of the major social welfare institutions.

SOCI-2020/3 Communities and Organizations: Examines the characteristics and interactions of communities and organizations (e.g., service, advocacy, NGOs, government agencies) in light of sociological theory. Critical attention will be devoted to structural responses to social issues such as childcare, immigration, housing, unemployment, disability, healthcare, aging, and poverty.

SOCI-2030/3 Inter-Cultural Theory and Practice: Introduces the theoretical and methodological issues in inter-cultural study. Attention will be given to cultural translation, cultural encounters between groups, concomitant cultural appropriations, cross-fertilizations, transnational influence,
identity, and resistance.

POLS/SOCI/PHIL-2600/3 Social and Political Philosophy: What is human nature? Should society be organized to reflect this? What is justice? Are states coercive by nature? How does property inform politics? What is ethical citizenship? These questions are explored through a survey of Western political thinkers including Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, de Gouges, Burke, Wollstonecraft, Mill, and Marx,
and by examining their contemporary legacy.

PSYC/SOCI-2700/3 Interpersonal Communication: An examination of the multilevel communication processes that underlie and support social interaction and relationship formation and change. Special attention will be given to the differences and connections between verbal and nonverbal
communication and to the rules and rituals of social interaction in everyday life. Prerequisite: PSYC-1020/3 or SOCI- 1020/3 or PCTS-1020/3.

SOCI-2950/3 Topics in Sociology: The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors.

COMM/POLS/SOCI-3000/3 Politics, Society and Mass Media: This course examines the relationship between the mass communications media and the political and social processes in which they operate, investigating the state of research on mass media, the role of media in creating and
shaping political awareness, and in influencing human behaviour and values. Examples of topics which may be covered are: media ownership and organization patterns, media in the electoral process, the media in developing nations, the media and globalization, propaganda, media
freedom and public opinion. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including six credit hours in social science.

SOCI-3950/3 Topics in Sociology: The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level study, including SOCI-1020/3.

SOCI-4940/3 Independent Study in Sociology: A study in a specific area of Sociology under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: SOCI-1020/3, an additional nine credit hours in Sociology, and a minimum of 60 credit hours of university-level studies.