THE FIELD
Everything we do and say is shaped by the social world in which we live - our cultures, organizations, beliefs and values. In turn, we shape the world. Understanding our social structures and actions is an essential tool for those who wish to strengthen Canadian society or initiate progressive changes.
We are constantly promised ideals contradicted by reality. Why does the media hype youthfulness while social institutions routinely ignore kids? In our so-called leisure society, why are people working harder than ever? Why do we rave about multiculturalism while minority populations suffer higher rates of unemployment, crime and poverty? Why does our culture celebrate happiness and love as the media bombards us with images of violence? If you want to understand our society, this is the program for you.
THE PROGRAM
The degree in Sociology is a four-year program of study, with a focus that is unique to Ryerson University. Students will graduate with practical research skills, in addition to critical analytical skills, communication skills, and a mature, reflective understanding of their social world. Students will learn to critically assess their social world and conduct original research to investigate social issues in this career-oriented degree program in Sociology.
This program helps students to become more analytical and better equipped to address a wide range of social issues. Graduates will better understand Canadian society and its place in the world by exploring the hidden working behind the familiar everyday world – from pop culture to the workplace and from the street to the boardroom. You will learn about structures of power, communication, influence and policy in communities and neighborhoods. Because our campus is in the heart of downtown Toronto, we can take our intellectual inquiries into the real world. The Program focuses on social change and cultural issues, practical research methods, and provides an opportunity for experiential learning and for a professionally-related minor.
CURRICULUM INFORMATION
Semesters One and Two: The first year of the Sociology program is shared with Criminology, English, Environment and Urban Sustainability, Geographic Analysis, History, Philosophy, Politics and Governance, and Psychology. You'll also be introduced to a variety of points of view from other disciplines in the Faculty of Arts and will take courses to strengthen critical thinking and academic writing. Over the four years, students will learn Sociology through courses about large organizations, individuals' socialization, power and class, diversity, gender, and everyday Canadian life.
Semesters Three and Four: Second year students will be invited to focus on city life in Toronto as an environment to explore intellectually, and will be introduced to research and design and applied research methods as well as social theory. Students will also learn more about diversity – how and why we classify people by sex/gender, race/ethnicity, social class, disability and sexuality, why it makes a difference, and how the media portrays these differences.
Semesters Five through Eight: In the final two years, students develop a sharper focus on theoretical ideas that are useful to describe and analyze society and the research methods that social scientists use to test their ideas, including the use of statistics. In these senior years students will be able to explore a broad range of topics such as the global economy, work relationships, the entertainment industry, and the lives of children and youth.
Students will also have the opportunity to put theories and research methods into practice by involvement in research projects seeking to discover something new about the world. Students have the opportunity to take professionally related courses such as human resources, communication, and marketing, and to earn a minor. In your fourth year, students will have the opportunity to consider their studies in relation to future goals and plans.
CAREERS
Sociologists are people who try to make sense of the complexities of the social world in the past, present and future. A degree in Sociology prepares one to work in any field where people, communities, cultures or institutions are important. Upon graduation, students have practical research and analytical skills that are important in many types of employment. Many people with a background in Sociology work in government, business, the non-profit sector, community development, public affairs, human resources, research, teaching, marketing, media research, consulting and the arts.
Our Sociology program is also designed to prepare you for graduate studies. A degree in Sociology can act as a springboard into a professional program in such areas as education, business or law.
Transferability Guidelines
Students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts in any of Criminology, English, Environment and Urban Sustainability, Geographic Analysis, History, Philosophy, Politics and Governance, Psychology, or Sociology may transfer from their current program and plan to any one of the other eight plans for the Fall term of their second year of studies. Applications are available through the Program Office and must be submitted by February 2nd. Transfer applications are considered on a competitive basis subject to program capacity, and therefore program choice cannot be guaranteed.
In order to transfer to Sociology from Criminology, English, Environment and Urban Sustainability, Geographic Analysis, History, Philosophy, Politics and Governance, or Psychology, students must: (1) have a CLEAR Academic Standing at the end of the Winter term of their second semester of studies; and (2) have successfully completed SOC 105. It is strongly recommended that students complete both SOC 105 and SOC 107 in first year.
Liberal Studies
Students require two lower-level liberal studies courses and four upper-level liberal studies courses to graduate.
Minors
Students may pursue any Minor offered by Ryerson with exceptions. Please refer to the Minors Policy section of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and restrictions.
The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Certificates
Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible restrictions. Please refer to the Curriculum Advising website at www.ryerson.ca/curriculumadvising for complete details.
