Why has Canada's crime rate been falling? Do the new information and communication technologies threaten our privacy rights? Why do women still hit a 'glass ceiling' in the corporate and professional worlds? How does social class, gender and racism influence social life and individual life-chances?

Sociologists critically assess 'common sense' answers to all questions about social relationships, and undertake research that contributes to more adequate, thoughtful and systematic understandings of all aspects of the social world.

Our department offers a broad range of courses that equip students theoretically, methodologically and substantively for graduate work, professional programs, and careers in media, management, the non-profit sector including international development and social, health and personal services.

Students will find special emphasis in three major areas that are crucial for understanding contemporary life in Canada and throughout the world: socio-legal studies including criminology, information and communication technologies, feminist studies, and critical sociological theory.