Sociology: Bachelor of Arts Major and Minor
Description
The Bachelor of Arts, Major or Minor in Sociology is unique in the Lower Mainland as it emphasizes practical, applied and community based approaches to learning and makes connections between societies in local, Canadian and global contexts. The curriculum reflects the cultural diversity of our region, presenting course materials from critical and transnational perspectives, a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches, and multiple knowledge bases.
The overall goal of the B.A. in Sociology program is to increase access to high quality education that meets the needs of diverse student populations and communities in both regional and global contexts. The Bachelor of Arts, Major in Sociology program marries unique learning experiences in applied settings with academic rigor and offers a well-rounded education in various sub-fields in the discipline. Graduates from the program will have the option of entering variety of rewarding careers or pursuing graduate studies.
Career Opportunities
The curriculum design for the B.A. Major in Sociology program incorporates a number of skills that are valuable for success in a variety of different occupational fields and/or for the purpose of pursuing graduate studies. Students will develop analytical, written and oral communication and research skills, and a broad understanding of the social, cultural, economic, and political relationships between local, regional, and global communities. These are important and desired qualifications sought by prospective employers in public, private and non-profit organizations. Emphasis on principles of equity, equality, democracy, cultural diversity and active citizenship as important elements of the curricula will prepare students for living, studying, working, conducting research, and participating in a diverse society as informed citizens, and for interpersonal relationships as well as employment within a culturally, socially, economically, and politically heterogeneous and interconnected world. Today, sociologists are working in a broad range of fields including, but not limited to, government, communications, corrections/law, business, community affairs, health, teaching, research, and marketing.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to KPU's General university admission requirements, including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:
Year One Admission:
- English 12 with a 'B' (or equivalent)
- Mathematics:
- Minimum grade of 'C' in Pre-Calculus 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, or Applications of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C+' in Foundations of Mathematics 11 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C-' in Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent)
Year Three Admission:
- 60 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (including all 1100- and 2000-level major/minor program requirements).
- Grade of 'C' in all required 1000-and 2000-level courses, including the English writing requirement (ENGL 1100 and one of either ENGL 1202 or 1204, or equivalent).
- Two Quantitative courses (total of six or more credits).
- 12 credits of breadth courses
- Mathematics:
- Minimum grade of 'C' in Pre-Calculus 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, or Applications of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C+' in Foundations of Mathematics 11 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C-' in Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C+' in the above Two Quantitative courses (three credits of which must be from the Faculty of Science & Horticulture)
- Second language at the Grade 11 level or 6 credits of post-secondary language courses in the same language. Note: Students need only achieve a passing grade to fulfill this requirement. Beginner's or Introductory Language 11 courses are ineligible to meet this requirement. Students who can demonstrate competency in a second language may request an assessment to have this requirement waived.
Qualifying Year
Students who do not qualify upon initial application to KPU may be eligible for entry to the Qualifying Year. Students who possess at least a 'C' in English 12 (or equivalent) and a passing grade in either Pre-Calculus 11, Principles of Math 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Applications of Math 12 (or equivalents) will be able to apply for entry to the BA Qualifying Year. Students will be admitted to the BA program in the second year provided they have successfully completed appropriate qualifying courses. Other applicants who do not qualify are encouraged to consult an Educational Advisor for the appropriate qualifying courses that satisfy the application criteria.
Program Continuance Requirements
Current BA students must meet the following requirements to continue into their 3rd year of study. Registration access to third or fourth year courses is first awarded to students who have completed the following:
- 60 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (including all 1100- and 2000-level major/minor program requirements).
- Grade of 'C' in all required 1000-and 2000-level courses, including the English writing requirement (ENGL 1100 and one of either ENGL 1202 or 1204, or equivalent).
- Two Quantitative courses (total of six or more credits).
- 12 credits of breadth courses
- Second language at the Grade 11 level or 6 credits of post-secondary language courses in the same language. Note: Students need only achieve a passing grade to fulfill this requirement. Beginner's or Introductory Language 11 courses are ineligible to meet this requirement. Students who can demonstrate competency in a second language may request an assessment to have this requirement waived.
Program Requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree must complete all requirements in the Bachelor of Arts framework in addition to their major or minor program requirements.
Sociology Major
Students pursuing a BA Major in Sociology must complete a total of 54 credits from sociology courses, which includes 27 credits from core, required sociology courses, and an additional 27 credits from sociology course electives as follows:
1000 Level
Courses at the 1000 level provide a foundation in core concepts, theories, methodologies and sub-fields in sociology.
Students are required to complete: |
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| SOCI 1125 | Introduction to Society: Processes and Structures | 3 credits | |
Note: Completion of SOCI 1125 with a minimum GPA of 2.0 provides a pre-requisite for all sociology courses at the 2000, 3000 and 4000 levels.
2000 Level
Courses at the 2000 level offer more extensive study in sociological theory and research methods, as well as specialized areas in sociology.
Students will be required to complete 21 credits from 2000 level sociology courses including the following required courses: |
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| SOCI 2225 | Canadian Society | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2235 | The Development of Sociological Thought | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2260 | Research Methods in Sociology | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2365 | Introduction to Social Research Statistics | 3 credits | |
Additional 2000-level Courses |
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| SOCI 2230 | Racialization and Ethnicity in Canada | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2240 | Women in Canada | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2250 | Families in Canada | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2255 | Sociology of Everyday Life and Interaction | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2270 | Sociology of Education: A Critical Perspective | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2275 | Mass Media and Society | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2280 | Sociology of Health and Illness | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2285 | Gods in the Global Village: A Sociological Perspective of World Religions | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2311 | Social Justice in Local and Global Contexts | 3 credits | |
3000 and 4000 Level
Students will be required to complete a total of 30 credits from sociology courses at the 3000 and 4000 levels which must include 12 credits of required 3000- and 4000-level courses as described below.
Courses at the 3000-level continue to provide breadth and build on course content covered the 2000-level courses on sociological theories, research methods and studies in specific focus areas of the discipline. Students must complete 6 credits from required sociology courses as follows:
One of: |
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| SOCI 3235 | Classic Sociological Theories | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3330 | Contemporary Sociological Theories | 3 credits | |
And one of: |
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| SOCI 3260 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3365 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 credits | |
At the 4000 level, students are required to complete 6 credits from courses that include a service learning, applied or experiential learning component, consolidating what they have learned at previous levels, while gaining practical experience. Courses that satisfy this requirement include:
One of: |
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| SOCI 4325 | Sociological Aspects of Community Service | 6 credits | |
| SOCI 4330 | Global Community Services | 6 credits | |
Or both of: |
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| SOCI 4225 | Advanced Topics in Canadian Issues | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 4320 | Advanced Topics in Global Studies | 3 credits | |
It is recommended that students complete at least 60 course credits in total before taking courses at the 4000-level.
Other 3000 Level Courses: |
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| SOCI 3210 | Science, Technology and Society | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3230 | International Migration and Ethnic Communities | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3240 | Gender in a Global Context | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3270 | Education, Nation Building, and Globalization | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3275 | Sociology of Popular Culture | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3280 | Sociological Aspects of Dying and Death | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3300 | Sociology of Work and Occupations | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3310 | Conflict Analysis and Resolution | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3320 | Sociology of Global Inequalities | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3345 | Social Policy in Context | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 3385 | Demography | 3 credits | |
Other 4000 Level Courses: |
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| SOCI 4275 | Lost in Transmission: Diversity and the Media | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 4280 | Sociolegal Aspects of Assisted Death (discontinued) | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 4310 | Terrorism, Globalization, and Social Justice | 3 credits | |
Sociology Minor
1000 Level
Students will be required to complete: |
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| SOCI 1125 | Introduction to Society: Processes and Structures | 3 credits | |
Completion of SOCI 1125 with a minimum grade of 'C' provides a pre-requisite for all sociology courses at the 2000, 3000 and 4000 levels.
2000 Level
Students will be required to complete 15 credits in SOCI courses at the 2000 level sociology courses, as follows: |
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| SOCI 2225 | Canadian Society: Conflict and Consensus | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2235 | The Development of Sociological Thought | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2260 | Research Methods in Sociology | 3 credits | |
| 6 credits of additional SOCI 2000-level courses 3 credits | |||
3000 Level
Students will be required to complete a minimum of 12 credits in SOCI courses at the 3000 level. Note that some courses at the 3000 level require specific course prerequisites in addition to SOCI 1125.
4000 Level
All BA Minor in Sociology students must complete 6 credits chosen from the following:
One of: |
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| SOCI 4325 | Sociological Aspects of Community Service | 6 credits | |
| SOCI 4330 | Global Community Service | 6 credits | |
Or both of: |
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| SOCI 4225 | Advanced Topics in Canadian Issues | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 4320 | Advanced Topics in Global Studies | 3 credits | |
It is recommended that students complete at least 60 course credits in total before taking these courses.
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of the major program students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Arts. Transcripts will indicate a Major in Sociology.
Upon successful completion of the minor as part of a Bachelor of Arts program, transcripts will indicate a Minor in Sociology.
