Sociology | University of Lethbridge

Faculty of Arts & Science

Sociology

Develop ways of looking at the world Is “people watching” one of your favorite pastimes? Are you fascinated by how people relate to each other and to their social surroundings? Do you sometimes find yourself making up theories as to why a group or society behaves the way it does?

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Sociology at ULethbridge Sociology is the study of society, including the interaction between individuals, groups and institutions. Sociological study helps develop original ways of looking at the world and the individual’s place within it.

The application of sociological thinking can lead to a better understanding of social problems and issues and suggestions about how these issues may be overcome in real-world terms.

By studying sociology, you will gain insight into how people interact with one another and how values and beliefs both shape and are shaped by the structures and processes around us. The primary goal of the discipline is to stimulate sociological thinking — applying imagination and critical analysis of the many facets of social life.

As a sociology student, you will be exposed to a wide variety of alternative theories of social behaviour, structure and change through a wide range of courses on topics such as crime, religion, work, gender, age, ethnicity, politics, culture and health.

Sociology Degrees. The Department of Sociology offers a major in sociology for the 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA) or the Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree programs.

You can also opt for a general major in the social sciences and select sociology as one of your three streams. Alternatively, you can declare sociology as your BA major for the Combined BA/BEd or BA/BMgt degree.

The department also participates in the delivery of urban & regional studies and agricultural studies, focusing on the analysis of the physical, social, economic and political factors that shape our urban and rural communities.

Sociology Courses. Sociology classes cover a vast array of topics and issues, including subjects like: • Research Methodology • Crime & Delinquency • Social Statistics • Minority Group Relations • Classical & Contemporary • Political Sociology Sociological Theory • Body & Society • Social Problems • Canadian Society • Deviance, Conformity & • The Individual & Society Social Control • Medical Sociology • Religion, Youth, Aging, Gender, • Rural Society Families or Work • Women & Work • Digital Media • Historical Sociology • Mass Communications

Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs. Learn more at ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors.

Honours Thesis. If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Learn more about Sociology at ULethbridge, visit ulethbridge.ca/sociology

Our Faculty & Their Research Faculty members at the University of Lethbridge are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects. Our faculty members often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers on research projects — giving you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience with renowned professionals.

Current Research & Areas of Interest: • Social Trends in Canada • Canadian Society & Politics • Ethnic & Immigrant Life in Canada • Religion & Society in East Asia • Racism & Anti-Semitism • Classical & Critical Theory • The History of Ideas • Emigration History • History of Agrarian Radicalism • Personal & Cultural Identity • Youth Subculture • The Sociology of the Emotions • Culture & Religion • Material Culture • Sport & Culture • Ethnology & Folklore • Risk Society • Inequality & Poverty • Socio-Economic Development

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Research Methods Parental Experience Developmental Disabilities & Institutions Gender & Sexuality Gender & Work Volunteer Work & Family Care-Giving Problem Gambling Crime & Deviance Theory The Migration Intentions of Rural Alberta Teens Eugenics & Social Control Disability & Society Parenting & Family Issues Sociology of Health & Illness Global Population Life Course

Your Future Prospects Skills Acquired. By studying sociology, you’ll not only broaden your understanding of the world around you, you’ll also develop strong critical, analytical and “big picture” thinking skills, advanced information acquisition and management skills and your ability to apply your knowledge across various disciplines.

Additionally, you will develop written and oral communication skills, as well as increasing your attention to detail. All of these abilities are transferable to virtually any industry or occupation and are highly sought after in the working world.

Related Fields. There are numerous career options open to sociology graduates, like: • Social Work • Market Research • Criminal Justice • Population Demographics • Rehabilitation Counselling • Civil Service • Services for Youth • Community Relations Specialists • Women’s Rights Lobbying • Urban Planners • Family Services • Child Care Workers • Employment Counselling • Corporate Trainers • Human Resources • Public Affairs Officers • Admissions Counselling • Statisticians • Policy Analysis • Instructors

Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the Master and Doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at ULethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Professional Disciplines. Your undergraduate degree in sociology also provides an excellent foundation for law, journalism, management and education.

Develop ways of looking at the world in Sociology.

“As a student of sociology, I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about the complexities of our society, and the different ways through which different individuals view and understand the world. I have met amazing professors and fellow students at various stages of my journey, and am thrilled about the overt and subtle ways through which I am able to identify and engage with what I learn within the confines of the classroom.

It is not just theories for me, but the fact that everything I learn about has real-world implications.”

- Eileen, Sociology (Co-op)

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University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 403-329-2551 sociology@uleth.ca ulethbridge.ca/sociology

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Put Your Knowledge to Work Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.

Applied Studies

Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

ULethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary.

Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kickstart to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop

Participate in Research

In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.

Contact your department to learn more!

Academic Advising Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at ULethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.

To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

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*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.