Department of Sociology and Anthropology


Loeb Building B742
Telephone: 520-2582
Fax: 520-4062

The Department


Chair of the Department:
Jacques Chevalier
Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Sociology:
T.C. Caputo
Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Anthropology:
John Cove

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers programs of advanced study and research leading to the M.A. and the Ph.D. degrees in Sociology, and the M.A. in Anthropology.

The principal focus of the graduate programs in sociology is the organization and development of contemporary societies in comparative context and with particular reference to Canadian society. Specializations in theory and methodology, social stratification and power, cultural and gender studies, and in comparative institutions are offered.

The anthropology program focuses on the social and cultural other, including its popular and scholarly representations, through current emphasis on three program concentrations:

The department strives to achieve a blend of research and formal graduate instruction in its graduate programs.

Qualifying-Year Program

Applicants with general (pass) bachelor’s degrees may be admitted into a qualifying-year program designed to raise their standing to honours status. Students earning at least high honours standing in their qualifying-year courses will be considered for admission into the master’s program.

Refer to the General Regulations section of this Calendar for details of the regulations governing the qualifying year.

Master of Arts in Sociology

Admission Requirements

The requirement for admission into the master’s program is an honours B.A. (or the equivalent) with at least high honours standing. Where relevant, previous professional experience will be taken into account in determining an applicant’s standing on admission.

The deadlines for submitting applications and supporting documents for graduate study in sociology are as follows: February 1 for students requesting financial assistance; July 1 for students not requesting financial assistance but who are seeking admission in September; and November 1 for students who are seeking admission in January.

Program Requirements

Master’s students in sociology are required to select and follow one of the optional program patterns below, chosen in consultation with a graduate adviser:

Thesis Program

Research Essay Program

Course Work Program

Concentration in Quantitative Methodology

Students in either the research essay or thesis program options may pursue a concentration in quantitative methodology. For a concentration in quantitative methodology courses selected must include the following:

A feature of this program may be an internship of one or two academic terms, in which the student will gain practical experience. This is to be arranged with the student’s supervisor and the graduate coordinator.

Transfer from Thesis to Course Work M.A.

Students who choose to change from the thesis to the course work program must normally do so before registering for a third term after initial, full-time registration, or before registering for a fifth term after initial part-time registration.

Academic Standing

A grade of B– or better must normally be obtained in each credit counted toward the master’s degree. With the recommendation of the department, and permission of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, a candidate may be allowed a grade of C+ in 1.0 credit (or the equivalent).

Master of Arts in Anthropology

Admission Requirements

The requirement for admission into the master’s program is an honours B.A. (or the equivalent) with at least high honours standing. Where relevant, previous professional experience will be taken into account in determining an applicant’s standing on admission.

The deadlines for submitting applications and supporting documents for graduate study in anthropology are as follows: February 1 for students requesting financial assistance; July 1 for students not requesting financial assistance but who are seeking admission in September; and November 1 for students who are seeking admission in January.

Program Requirements

Master’s students in anthropology are required to select and follow one of the optional program patterns below, chosen in consultation with a graduate adviser:

Thesis Program
3.0 credits (or the equivalent) to include:

Course Work Program
5.0 credits (or the equivalent) excluding Anthropology 54.595, Course Work Comprehensive in Anthropology, consisting of:

Transfer from Thesis to Course Work M.A.

Students who choose to change from the thesis to the course work program must normally do so before registering for a third term after initial, full-time registration, or before registering for a fifth term after initial part-time registration.

Academic Standing

A grade of B– or better must normally be obtained in each credit counted toward the master’s degree. With the recommendation of the department, and permission of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, a candidate may be allowed a grade of C+ in 1.0 credit or each of two 0.5 credits.

Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

The substantive focus of the Ph.D. program is the organization and development of contemporary societies, both in a comparative context and with particular reference to Canadian society.

The Ph.D. program in sociology normally will be undertaken on a full-time basis; however in exceptional cases the department will consider admission on a part-time basis.

Admission Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission into the Ph.D. program is a master’s degree (or the equivalent) in sociology, normally with a minimum average of B+ in courses (including the thesis where applicable), and with no grade below B.

Applicants who have deficiencies in certain areas may be admitted to the Ph.D. program, but will normally be required to complete additional course work.

The deadlines for submitting applications and supporting documents for admission into the Ph.D. program in sociology are as follows: February 1 for students requesting financial assistance; July 1 for students not requesting financial assistance but who are seeking admission in September; and November 1 for students who are seeking admission in January.

Program Requirements

The specific program requirements of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology are the following:

Comprehensive Examinations

Each Ph.D. candidate is required to write comprehensive examinations in three of the following areas:

At least one but not all three of the examinations must be in the area of stratification and power.

Subjects of instruction and research subsumed under these four areas are:

Theory and Methodology

Stratification and Power

Cultural Studies

Comparative Institutions

Upon petition to the sociology graduate program’s coordinator, an approved field in sociology or a related discipline may be substituted for one of the options above. The subjects of instruction and research subsumed under each of the areas are indicative, and may be subsumed under more than one area, depending on the analytic approach adopted.

The comprehensive examinations are to be completed after course requirements for the Ph.D. have been completed. Normally comprehensive examinations must be completed no later than two years or six terms after initial full-time registration, and four years or twelve terms after initial part-time registration.

The thesis proposal is to be presented after comprehensive requirements have been completed. Normally the thesis proposal must be presented no later than two and one-half years or seven terms after initial full-time registration and five years or fifteen terms after initial part-time registration.

Language Requirement

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology requires each Ph.D. candidate to demonstrate an understanding of a language other than English. Although French is the preferred second language, students may be permitted to substitute another language if it is demonstrably relevant to their professional interests. It is strongly advised, however, that all English-speaking candidates be proficient in French. The language requirements may be satisfied by a demonstration of reasonable understanding, on sight, of material contained in selected samples of sociological literature in that language. Students may find it necessary or advisable to take a course in the required language before undertaking the departmental language examination.

Academic Standing

Candidates must obtain a minimum grade of B–  in each credit, and Satisfactory on the comprehensive examinations, the Ph.D. thesis and its oral defence.

Graduate Courses*

The following is a complete list of all sociology and anthropology graduate courses. Please note that not all courses are offered every year. Students should consult the University and departmental timetables for a list of courses offered in 1997-98 and their scheduling.

  • Sociology 53.500F1 or W1
    Classical Sociological Theory
    The course focuses on crucial sociological concepts and ideas proposed by the founders of sociology. Particular attention will be given to the contributions of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim; plus others such as Pareto, Comte, and Husserl. These will be situated within the philosophical, epistemological and social changes brought about by industrialization.

  • Sociology 53.501F1 or W1
    Selected Topics in Classical Theory
    Topic varies from year to year.
    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Sociology 53.502F1 or W1
    Contemporary Sociological Theory
    The seminar will provide an analysis of major theoretical perspectives in sociology, including social behaviourism; social action theories such as symbolic interactionism, phenomenological sociology, ethnomethodology; and structuralist theories such as structural functionalism, neo-Marxism and critical theory. The seminar will focus on certain methodological and philosophical issues relevant to the analysis of the perspectives.

  • Sociology 53.503F1 or W1
    Selected Topics in Contemporary Theory
    Topic varies from year to year.
    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Anthropology 54.504F1 or W1
    Ecological Anthropology
    This course examines anthropological approaches to the study of human environment relationships and to current problems of ecological degradation affecting native societies around the world. Topics covered include the influence in anthropology of ecological models borrowed from biological evolutionary theory and studies of non-human species. The implications of ecological analyses for the making of environmental policies will also be considered.

  • Sociology 53.505F1
    Recurring Debates in Social Thought
    An opportunity for M.A. students in sociology to consider recurring issues and debates in the discipline. Topics such as the nature of social science; the objective world versus social construction; questions of evidence, meaning and measurement; agency versus structure; the relation between research and praxis; knowledge and power, may be considered. This course is required for all master’s students in sociology. It should normally be taken in the first term of registration in the master’s program. Students entering the program in the winter term should register in the course during the first

    fall term they are in residence. Prerequisite: The course is restricted to M.A. students in sociology. Others may be admitted by permission of the Department.

  • Sociology 53.507F1 or W1
    Social Change and Economic Development
    A critical examination of studies of change and development in historical and contemporary national and transnational systems.

  • Sociology 53.509F1 or W1
    Philosophy of Social Science I
    The seminar considers the philosophy of language and the basic elements of scientific method, such as the classification of the sciences, the concepts of value, cause and probability, induction and deduction, confirmation of hypotheses, and the concept of truth.

  • Sociology 53.511T2
    Research Design and Data Analysis
    An integrated approach to the problems involved in the analysis of quantitative data, research design and procedures. This course covers a comprehensive range of methodological issues from research design to data analysis, including the communication of results, sources of data and an ability to assess scholarly literature. The course includes the formulation of research questions, survey questions, use of archival data and case studies.

  • Sociology 53.512F1 or W1
    Statistical Methods I
    A course on multiple regression analysis, with a review of basic statistical assumptions and techniques, followed by a detailed discussion of multiple regression analysis as a statistical technique. Particular attention will be paid to the practical problems associated with regression analysis of sociological data.

  • Sociology 53.513F1 or W1
    Statistical Methods II
    The focus will be advanced research methods. Topics will include distributions, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, and non-parametric methods. There will be an introduction to multivariate techniques, including regression and loglinear models.

  • Sociology 53.514F1 or W1
    Multivariate Analysis
    This course provides advanced instruction in methods and statistics. Consideration will be given to multiple regression, factor analysis, canonical analysis.

  • Sociology 53.515F1 or W1
    Selected Topics in Social Research
    Topic varies from year to year. Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Anthropology 54.516F1 or W1
    North American Native Studies
    An examination of selected issues in Canadian Indian, Inuit, and Métis history. The course will explore debates over social change, cultural autonomy, native rights, and government policy.

  • Anthropology 54.517F1 or W1
    Problems in North American Ethnohistory
    This seminar will examine methodological and substantive problems in the history of Canadian native peoples. It will explore controversies concerning the impact of European penetration and colonial policies on inter-tribal relations, cultural identity, and other aspects of native life.

  • Anthropology 54.519F1 or W1
    Development, Dependency and Gender
    This course will examine varieties of “development” and “dependency” theories, and feminist critiques of both, in analyzing gender relations in the Third and Fourth Worlds. Emphasis will be on recent socialist feminist analyses which focus on the impact of a changing gendered division of labour in all aspects of life. Case studies from around the world will be examined to illustrate the impact of “development” on gender inequality and women’s lives.

  • Sociology 53.520F1 or W1
    Comparative Social Systems
    The seminar explores both perspectives and research procedures employed by sociologists in the systematic and explicit comparison of data from two or more societies. Major emphasis is placed on the theoretical and methodological issues in comparative research. Included among the topics for discussion are the nature of sociological propositions in comparative research, the problem of conceptual equivalence, research designs, and levels of analysis. Examples are drawn from both classical and contemporary comparative studies.

  • Sociology 53.521F1 or W1
    Comparative Methods in Social Research
    A seminar dealing with current analytical problems and applications of comparative methods in social research. Students are expected to participate in a group research project in which one or more of these methods will be applied.

  • Anthropology 54.522F1 or W1
    The Anthropology of Underdevelopment
    An anthropological analysis of theoretical and historically concrete issues in the study of variable economic systems ranging from domestic subsistence and peasant production to slavery and capital-dominated markets. Special attention is given to non-capitalist modes of production and social formations, theories of economic modernization, and anthropology’s contribution to Marxian explanations of the causes and consequences of hinterland poverty and Third World underdevelopment. Debates over the relationship between the decision making, material provisioning, and cultural symbolling processes are also examined.

  • Sociology 53.524F1 or W1
    Consuming Passions: The Regulation of Consumption, Appearance and Sexuality
    This course examines the rise of consumption and private pleasures and their regulation and self-regulation. It is organized around an examination of the social history of the regulation of two broad fields of consumption: (a) the surfaces of the person: personal appearance, in particular of dress, the body, and of sexuality, and (b) the intakes of the body with particular attention to food, alcohol, and drugs.
    (Also offered as Law 51.508)

  • Sociology 53.525T2
    Canadian Society
    A critical examination of sociological models of modern societies and their relevance to Canada. Special attention is given to current research and its application to contemporary issues.

  • Sociology 53.526F1 or W1
    Sociology of Occupations and Professions
    A consideration of the development of occupational recruitment patterns and manpower problems in developed and developing areas.

  • Sociology 53.527F1 or W1
    Sociology of Formal Organizations
    A consideration of the forms and processes of bureaucracy in modern society, government and industry.

  • Sociology 53.529F1 or W1
    Sociology of Science and Technology
    Study of the interaction among science, technology and change in modern societies.

  • Sociology 53.530F1 or W1
    Social Institutions I
    Topic varies from year to year.
    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Sociology 53.531F1 or W1
    Social Institutions II
    Topic varies from year to year.
    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Sociology 53.532F1 or W1
    The Labour Process
    A consideration of the organization of work and production from feudal times to the present. The purpose of the course is to analyze the labour process in advanced capitalist societies by means of the historical comparative method.

  • Sociology 53.533F1 or W1
    Sociology of Education
    The seminar generally concentrates on a specific topic within the larger field of the sociology of education. Among the topics considered will be the relations between education and other social institutions, the structure of educational opportunity, educational systems and organizations, and the sociology of learning.

  • Sociology 53.536F1 or W1
    Cultural Studies
    The object of the seminar is to enhance our understanding of the relations between cultural practices and other social practices in definite social formations. Discussions are grounded through the choice of specific Canadian research on topics such as media, art, music, education, pedagogy, etc.

  • Sociology 53.537F1 or W1
    Psychoanalysis and Cultural Studies
    This course will examine the relationship between psychoanalytic and sociological theory. A particular focus will be on the work of feminist theorists.

  • Anthropology 54.538F1 or W1/
    Sociology 53.538F1 or W1
    Feminist Analyses
    This course surveys topics of current theory and research in recent feminist analysis. Both anthropological and sociological literature will be used.

  • Sociology 53.539F1 or W1
    Cultural Theory
    A survey of developments in European and North American Marxist and Post-Marxist cultural theories of the past quarter century.

  • Sociology 53.540F1 or W1
    Political Sociology
    An examination of theoretical and empirical work on selected aspects of the state, politics and political behaviour, primarily in North America and Europe.

  • Anthropology 54.541F1
    Proseminar in Anthropology I
    This seminar provides an opportunity for students new to the graduate program to encounter anthropology as it is currently practised at Carleton University, with a special emphasis on the anthropology of signs and symbols, North American native studies, development and underdevelopment. Students participate in faculty discussions of their own current research interests and opportunities for student research. The seminar puts the emphasis on the practice of anthropology and its political and ethical implications. Required of all students entering in fall term, during their first term of residence. Normally students entering at mid-year should register in this course during the first fall they are in residence.

  • Anthropology 54.542W1
    Proseminar in Anthropology II
    This seminar examines  issues in the design and conduct of anthropological inquiry especially concerning the proposed thesis research of students currently enrolled, the analysis of ethnographic material and the development of explanatory frameworks, all against the background of theoretical debates prevailing in the discipline. It gives students undertaking thesis research an opportunity to discuss specific concerns in the conduct of their own thesis research and findings with faculty, students, and invited discussants.
    Prerequisite: Completion of 54.541F1 or permission of the Department.

  • Anthropology 54.543F1 or W1
    The Anthropology of Signs and Symbols
    This course examines various theoretical and methodological approaches to the anthropology of signs and symbols, their internal workings, and their relationship to other aspects of social life. These approaches may include structural and post-structural semiotics, psychoanalysis, feminism, critical anthropology, neuroanthropology, hermeneutics, and phenomenology. Discussions are grounded through illustrative analyses of concrete case-studies and exemplary cases of possible interpretive strategies.

    (Also offered as Religion 34.543)

  • Sociology 53.544F1 or W1
    Race, Ethnicity and Class in Contemporary Societies
    Various theoretical approaches concerning the persistence and re-emergence of ethnic and/or racial groups are examined. Particular emphasis is given to the intersection and overlap of ethnicity and race with social class.

  • Sociology 53.545F1 or W1
    Power and Stratification
    An examination of theories of elite behaviour, social class, and ideology.

  • Anthropology 54.548F1 or W1/
    Sociology 53.548F1 or W1
    Feminism and Materialism
    An examination of recent attempts to develop feminist materialist theory and analyses. Substantive areas may include: the gender division of labour; family and economy; gender and class; gender, race and ethnicity; sexuality; reproduction; theory and politics. Both the anthropological and sociological literature will be utilized.

  • Sociology 53.549F1 or W1
    The Politics of Social Movements and the State
    This course investigates the origins, ideologies, strategies and political implications of social and popular movements in North America and Western Europe which have recently tested the legitimacy of advanced capitalist states and industrial systems. Attention is given to the peace, feminist, gay, ecology, and anti-racist movements, as well as to the emergence of the New Right. Among the issues explored are the status of popular movements as vehicles for social change and state restructuring, the transformation of oppositional movements into alternative political parties, and the challenge posed by contemporary movements —  both progressive and right wing, to western Marxism, left and liberal politics.

  • Sociology 53.550F1 or W1
    Gender Formation and State Formation
    The course examines the role of states in the formation of gender relations, in the context of class and race, and the production of gender as an aspect of state formation. The various levels of the state are conceived as both a site and object of gender politics.

  • Sociology 53.554F1, W1 or S1
    Selected Problems in Political Economy I
    A research seminar which explores a selected topic from current research in political economy, such as: (a) the sociology of the state; (b) developments in the theory of culture and ideology; (c) analysis of the sociology of the labour market; (d) developments in socialist-feminist theory.

    Topic varies from year to year.

    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

    (Also offered as Political Economy 44.551 and Political Science 47.551)

  • Sociology 53.555F1, W1 or S1
    Selected Problems in Political Economy II
    A research seminar which explores a selected topic from current research in political economy, such as: (a) the sociology of the state; (b) developments in the theory of culture and ideology; (c) analysis of the sociology of the labour market; (d) developments in socialist-feminist theory.

    Topic varies from year to year.

    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

    (Also offered as Political Economy 44.552 and Political Science 47.552)

  • Sociology 53.560F1 or W1
    Critical Discourse Analysis
    The discursive organization of power, domination, and resistance form the main focus of this course. The relations between discourse, social semiotics, extradiscursive semiotics and social organization will be examined. The approach will draw on the contributions of diverse disciplines to theorizing topics relevant to the central topics being investigated.

  • Sociology 53.565F1 or W1
    Demographic Analysis
    A seminar devoted to the intensive study of analytical strategies and techniques employed in demographic research. Attention is also given to mathematical and statistical models used in demography, which are relevant to research in other areas of sociology.

  • Sociology 53.566F1 or W1
    Selected Topics in Sociology
    Topic varies from year to year.
    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Sociology 53.567F1 or W1
    Contemporary Theories of Crime and Social Regulation
    The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with recent developments in theories of criminality and social regulation. Particular reference will be made to the regulatory mechanisms of both public and private spheres within legal institutions, corrections, economic institutions, and the family.

  • Sociology 53.568F1 or W1
    Women and Work
    This course examines various approaches and issues concerning women and work. Among the topics which may be considered are housework, occupational segregation in the paid labour force, part-time work, the changing economic structure of work, wage inequality, and state policies with respect to childcare, equal pay and work of equal value, and affirmative action.

  • Sociology 53.577F1 or W1
    Crime, Social Control and Social Change
    An examination of the role of the discourses and ideologies surrounding crime, criminal processes, and social change. Topics will vary from year to year and may include such issues as juvenile justice, victimization, corporate crime, criminalization of indigenous peoples, substance use and abuse.

  • Sociology 53.582F1 or W1
    Departmental Seminar
    Topic varies from year to year.

    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Sociology 53.583F1 or W1
    Critical Theory
    The seminar will focus on recent developments in critical theory based upon its initial formulation by the Frankfurt School, with emphasis upon particular contemporary theories in a given year, e.g., J. Habermas, H. Willems, etc.

  • Sociology 53.584F1 or W1
    Modern Marxist Theory
    An examination of topics of theory and research in modern Marxist literature; the central focus is on problems of class analysis, the state, and politics in advanced capitalist societies.

  • Sociology 53.585F1 or W1
    Selected Topics in Sociology
    Topic varies from year to year.

    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Sociology 53.586F1 or W1
    Selected Topics in Sociology
    Topic varies from year to year.
    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Anthropology 54.587F1 or W1
    Selected Topics in the Anthropology of Signs and Symbols
    Topic varies from year to year.

    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Anthropology 54.588F1 or W1
    Selected Topics in North American Native Studies
    Topic varies from year to year.

    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Sociology 53.589F1 or W1
    The Logic of the Research Process
    An examination of the research process, including the phases of conceptualization, choice of indicators, sampling, data collection, and analysis. Published articles will be studied as exemplars of the range of possible research strategies.

  • Anthropology 54.589F1 or W1
    Selected Topics in the Anthropology of Development and Underdevelopment
    Topic varies from year to year.

    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Sociology 53.590F1, W1, S1
    Tutorial

  • Anthropology 54.590F1, W1, S1
    Tutorial

  • Sociology 53.595F4, W4, S4
    Course Work Comprehensive in Sociology
    Available for students in a course work M.A. who by the third term in their M.A. program have not yet completed their written and oral examinations.

    pletion of this course does not reduce the formal requirement of 5.0 credits.

  • Anthropology 54.595F4, W4, S4
    Course Work Comprehensive in Anthropology
    Available for students in a course work M.A. who by the third term in their M.A. program have not yet completed their written and oral examinations. Completion of this course does not reduce the formal requirement of 5.0 credits.

  • Anthropology 54.596F1, W1, S1
    Field Seminar
    This course is concerned with the conduct of directed field research, by special arrangement (for individuals or groups), to be combined with readings and papers under the supervision of a faculty member. The course may normally be taken only once in a student’s program.

  • Anthropology 54.597F1, W1, S1
    Placement in Anthropology
    This course offers the student an opportunity to earn academic credit by engaging in research activities under the supervision of professional researchers in museums, government departments, non-governmental organizations, or other professional research settings. Grades are assigned in consultation between research placement supervisors and the coordinator of the graduate program in anthropology. Placement research must be related to the preparation of the master’s thesis.

  • Sociology 53.598F2,W2,S2
    M.A. Research Essay
    Students may enrol in this course for a maximum of three consecutive terms of study, including one summer term. Students must enrol in this course not later than the beginning of the second full year of study.

  • Sociology 53.599F4, W4, S4
    M.A. Thesis

  • Anthropology 54.599F4, W4, S4
    M.A. Thesis

  • Sociology 53.600T2
    Doctoral Seminar
    An in-depth study of current research in sociology including an enquiry into research techniques, conceptualization and attendant theoretical issues. This course is required of all first-year doctoral students in sociology.

  • Sociology 53.601F1 or W1
    Selected Topics in Sociology
    Topic varies from year to year.

    Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.

  • Sociology 53.690F1, W1, S1
    Tutorial

  • Sociology 53.699F, W, S
    Ph.D. Thesis