Sociology

The Department provides students with theoretical and methodological tools and substantive insights which can assist them in understanding social life, social organization, and action. Our programmes are designed to provide students with a broad intellectual and sociological background which will help prepare them for a variety of careers and for advanced study at graduate school. The small size of our programme and the dedication of our faculty, allow us to provide personal attention to students and extensive access to faculty. Having relatively few requirements (seven courses in the Major), we allow students substantial flexibility in meeting individual intellectual pursuits.

Sociology

Why study Sociology at Bishop’s?

The subject matter of our courses ranges widely from theoretical to applied study and our professors employ diverse pedagogies to facilitate student learning. The department has particular expertise in five main areas:

  • Global Studies and Empire
  • Criminology, Law, and Social Policy
  • Media, Technology and Contemporary Studies
  • Gender, Diversity and Equity Studies
  • Family, Health and Community

Message from the Chair

Sociology asks one central question: why do we live the way we do? While our lives often appear somehow natural or inevitable, sociology allows us to critically analyze and reflect upon the social forces which effect the way we live. Why do we work as we do, date according to certain rules, and understand ourselves as women and men in certain ways? Why are some people poor, some people powerful, while others are deemed deviants? Your initial answers to these questions will become fundamentally changed as you begin to understand the world sociologically. There are a host of external forces and hidden powers lying behind our everyday lives. Would you like to discover and understand them?

Sociology is a very broad range of study that allows you to focus on the specific topics or themes that capture your interest. Sociology also develops the skills that employers repeatedly rank as most important: critical thinking, oral and written communication, problem solving, and data analysis lie at the heart of our discipline. These skills explain why our graduates go on to diverse careers in (to name only a few) government, business, administration, law, education, and media, in addition to furthering their education in graduate school.

Courses & Programs

  • Honours in Sociology (with or without concentration)
  • Major in Sociology (with or without concentration)
  • Minor in Sociology
  • Minor in Criminology
  • Minor in Gerontology
  • Certificate in Gerontology
  • Minor in Gender, Diversity & Equity Studies
  • Certificate in Gender, Diversity & Equity Studies

For complete details, view the Sociology section of the academic calendar.

Timetable

Academic Calendar

Admission Process