Sociology

What is Sociology?

Sociology is a social and behavioural science concerned with people in groups. Sociology can help you understand yourself and others, and how you fit into society. Sociologists use a scientific approach to develop generalizations about human patterns and groupings, and to gather information about human behaviour. They ask questions like: Why is there so much divorce? What is the relationship between poverty and delinquency? What kinds of people immigrate to Canada? What is the effect of an aging population?  

Requirements for each program are detailed in the Course Calendar. If your major lies in a different area, you may still study Sociology as an elective. Some interdisciplinary majors require certain Sociology courses as part of their programs.

In the University of Winnipeg Sociology program, you will investigate and analyze how various groups and organizations are put together, what their purpose is, and how they work. You will study how they change, and the effects of these changes on society.

We are proud of our history, proud of our faculty and staff, and tremendously proud of the many successful graduates who have majored in Sociology at the University of Winnipeg.

In January of 2005, an external review of our department was conducted by Dr. Roberta Hamilton (former Head of Sociology, Queen’s University) and Dr. Susan McDaniel (former Vice President Research, University of Windsor). Their summary document highlights the strength of our faculty’s commitment to excellence in teaching and research:

“The impressive research and publication records of many members of the Department compare favourably with those in departments that offer masters and doctoral programs. The Department attracts productive and enthusiastic young faculty to tenure-stream positions. Students report very high satisfaction levels with the Sociology program experiences and with their courses, and very much value the high level of support they receive from faculty.”

“The University of Winnipeg’s focus on the quality of undergraduate teaching is well-known, and is well served by the Sociology Department. Students express very high rates of satisfaction with their courses, and with their professors, both inside and outside the classroom. More than most places, professors have an open door policy, and many students consult their professors often. We did not hear a discouraging word.”

“Current students and graduates alike describe their experiences as students in glowing terms. Students feel they are the centre of faculty attention. They noted that they felt pushed to perform at their best and that they received much encouragement to develop excellent writing skills.”