York Sociology: A Public Sociology

Our department's contribution to the world of sociological thought and research is to offer our students a sociology of engagement; a critical approach to scholarship that challenges assumptions, and in so doing, aims for greater social justice and an appreciation that history – our own and that of others around the world – has a lasting impact on the present.

This commitment is evident in our faculty members' local and international work with communities and organizations,and in the public recognition of our faculty as experts in their respective fields. Our faculty members are passionately involved in innovative and meaningful research that addresses vital social issues of our time.

	Who are we? We are one of the largest, most productive and innovative communities of scholars engaged in interdisciplinary research and undergraduate and graduate teaching with over 80 Full-time Professors, Professors Emeriti, and Part-time Instructors, more than 100 graduate students and 2,500-plus majors. +/- The sheer size and diversity of our undergraduate and graduate programs are a strong draw for bright students and dedicated faculty, as are the wealth of research centres and other programs at York, and the vitality of Toronto as an urban centre. York was founded by a sociologist and opened its doors in 1960, which has left a significant legacy upon our department. The 1960s was the era of the Vietnam War, civil protest and violence, and challenges to the dictates of governments in striving for justice – even at the risk of overturning accepted establishment practices. At that time, many faculty members, Canadian and American, just completed doctoral programs in the United States, and thus the flow of ideas and politics of the 1960s blended into and formed the unique approach of York sociologists.
	What is Sociology? Sociology is an exciting and dynamic field of study that analyzes and accounts for key moments in our personal lives, our communities and our world. The sociological imagination is a unique and socially significant way of understanding society. +/- Specifically, it is a perspective in which we understand ourselves and the groups we are members of by studying how persons and groups are linked with the structure and culture of their society, and that of others in our increasingly global society, in a particular historical period. The contemporary sociological imagination links the quality of mental and material life of individuals with memberships in local social groups and networks, memberships in groups with the culture and structure of their society, and their own society with other societies. Inequality, gender, racism, crime, immigration, health, sexuality, and family relations for example, can all be sociologically studied in this way. Discover what makes us tick as individuals and as a society by exploring social relations, interactions and various power dynamics. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures. Sociology majors learn to study people and the roles they play in society, both as individuals and in groups. The discipline of sociology covers a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to: Race and Racism, Crime and Social Regulation, Social Policy, Family, Work and Labour, Gender, Aging, Canadian Society, Immigration, Education, Health and Health Care, Social Organizations, Culture, Poverty, Social Interaction, Socialization, Social Demography and Criminal Justice Systems.
	Events Feb 13 1-4pm Education in 21st Century Canada +/- Education in 21st Century Canada: The Role of the University Is 'equal' education possible? A conference to explore critical issues surrounding the quality of post-secondary education in Canada. Panelists will address key topics surrounding access to education and possible policy to address the problems. Particular focus will be given to a structural analysis of the barriers in society and the role of the market in shaping education, as well as the practical implications of this system. Students will be given the opportunity to ask questions at the end. Mon. Feb. 13, 2012 1:00-4:00pm Senate Chambers (North Ross 940) Feb 14 12-2pm, Book Launch:Thinking Women and Health Care Reform at VH2 101 Mar 14 10am-2pm SUSA Career Day, Part 2 +/- Career Day Part 2 The format of SUSA's Career Day will be different than in the past. Instead of having it in a presentation style format, we will be hosting employers in an informal setting. Organizations will be tabling and giving the students the opportunity to drop in and speak and network with guests. More information on the organizations and event details will be sent through email in the coming weeks. Look forward to seeing everyone there! Wed. March 14, 2012 10:00am-2:00pm Founders Assembly Hall (Room 152) Mar 21 12pm-2pm Call for Papers - The SUSA Annual Conference +/- Call for Papers - Annual Undergraduate Conference Love writing? Have an interesting class? Want to gain presentation experience? The Sociology Undergraduate Students' Association is cordially inviting all Liberal Arts and Professional Studies students to join us at our annual conference. This conference is looking for students to present their best papers. There is no specific theme this year, just that your paper relates to some social issue. The conference itself will be on Wed. March 21st from 12-2pm in the Senate Chambers (North Ross 940). Participants will receive a certificate of recognition. More details will be given closer to the date. Submissions and questions can be sent to ysusa@yorku.ca
	News & Announcements Remembering Prof. Ted Mann, one of Canada's best-known sociologists Professor Hira Singh appears in a documentary about Shadeism Congratulations to Prof. Pat Armstrong, who was recently elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Our undergraduate students go international 2011 - 2012 Undergraduate Mini-Calendar Available

Undergraduate Program

Graduate Program

Faculty

Our curriculum is comprehensive and diverse, and it falls under 5 main areas:

Students can choose from a range of degree options.

One of the largest sociology graduate programs in the country, the Graduate Program is a center of critical and engaged sociology, and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Graduate students participate in courses, workshops, and colloquia, and draw on faculty from departments across the University.

Our more than 80 distinguished Full-time and Contract Faculty members and Professors Emeriti have won highly competitive research and teaching awards.