An introduction to the concepts, theories and methods of sociological enquiry, and their application to the analysis of Canadian society.
Student will be able to:
Topics covered in this course include:
Term 1
Term 2
In the first half of the course, students will be introduced to the sociological perspective as a way of seeing the world, as well as to the importance of critical sociological thinking. The course then turns to key early sociological theorists whose works constitute the classical tradition – these are essentially the contributions of Karl Marx, Émile Durkheim and Max Weber. Instead of confining such classical contributions to the past, students are exposed to their contemporary significance. The remainder of the term examines key sociological concepts that provide students with the foundations for thematic explorations in the second half of the course.
In the second half, students are introduced to the importance of sociological research design and research methods, which are needed in the preparation of the Research Essay. The course goes on to examine core topics (such as difference, inequality, and deviance) and new topics and new directions (such as surveillance, big data, and social networking).
In addition to introducing students to sociology as a discipline and some of its various sub-fields, students are given the opportunity to develop skills in information literacy and communication. Basic library research skills and critical thinking skills are emphasized in association with sociological analysis. At the end of this course, students should have a solid background in the discipline and be well on the way of transforming themselves from passive information consumers to a critical, knowledge producers.
5% - Encyclopedia Assignment
5% - Library Assignment
15% - Annotated Bibliography Assignment (Anatomy of a Research Paper)
12% - Group Activities
8% - Forum Discussions
10% - Online Midterm Exam
25% - Research Essay
20% - Proctored Final Exam
*Evaluation Subject to Change*
This course has required and optional live sessions (e.g. webinars, synchronous activities). Please consult the Timeline in the first week of class.
Students must write their exams on the day and time scheduled by the University. The start time may vary slightly depending on the off-campus exam centre. Do not schedule vacations, appointments, etc., during the exam period.
CDS reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
The following materials are available from the Campus Bookstore:
To complete the readings, assignments, and course activities, students can expect to spend, on average, about 10 hours per week (240 hours total) on the course.
SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
See also Getting Started.
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
| A+ | 4.30 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D- | 0.70 |
| F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.
Call us at 613.533.3322 or email us.
