Program Requirements
The M.A. in Sociology ; Population Dynamics program graduate training in sociology with an emphasis on demographic methods and critical population issues. Students will attend at least five of the seminars given in the Social Statistics and Population seminar series. The thesis must be on a topic related to population dynamics and approved by the Population Dynamics Option (PDO) coordinating committee.
Required Courses (42 credits)
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SOCI 504 Quantitative Methods 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : An introduction to basic regression techniques commonly used in the social sciences. Covers the least squares linear regression model in depth and may introduce models for discrete dependent variables as well as the maximum-likelihood approach to statistical inference. Emphasis on the assumptions behind regression models and correct interpretation of results. Assignments will emphasize practical aspects of quantitative analysis.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Clark, Shelley (Fall)
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SOCI 545 Sociology of Population (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : The classic literature of sociology of population. Drawing reciprocal linkages between social and population processes: Historical, family and labour force demography, demographic and fertility transitions, mortality, ethnic and race relations, gender, macro-structural interaction theory, and the relation of population and the environment.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Torrisi, Orsola (Fall)
Prerequisite: SOCI 234 or equivalent
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SOCI 580 Social Research Design and Practice (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Asking researchable sociological questions and evaluation of different research designs used to answer such questions. Development of cogent research proposals, including data collection procedures. Principles, dynamics, strengths and practical limitations of research designs. Examples from recent publications.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Shor, Eran (Fall)
Restriction: Open to U3 and graduate students
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SOCI 600 Qualitative Research Methods 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Overview of qualitative research design and modes of data collection, particularly observation, interviewing and focus groups. Students are required to design and undertake their own qualitative research project. Introduction to computerized tools for qualitative data management, transcription and analysis.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Pike, Isabel (Winter)
Restrictions: Permission of instructor. Not open to students who have taken SOCI 540.
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SOCI 626 Demographic Methods (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Introduction to demographic measurement and modeling. Course covers direct and indirect estimation, standardization, life table construction, and population projections.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Torrisi, Orsola (Winter)
Specific topics may vary from semester to semester.
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SOCI 652 Current Sociological Theory (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Examination of works in some major areas of Sociology with a focus on: antecedent thought and research in the area; the internal structure and consistency of these works; the validity of the major claims made; and the implications for future theoretical development and research.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: van den Berg, Axel (Winter)
Prerequisite: SOCI 330
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SOCI 692 M.A. Thesis 3 (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Fieldwork and data analysis on the thesis. Progress report to the supervisor.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
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SOCI 693 M.A. Thesis 4 (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Fieldwork and data analysis on the thesis. Progress report to the supervisor.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
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SOCI 694 M.A. Thesis 5 (18 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Completion, submission, and approval of the M.A. Thesis by the committee and the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
Complementary Courses (3 credits)
3 credits at the 500 level or higher related to population dynamics; other courses, at the 500 level or higher, may be approved by the program coordinating committee.
