SOCI 3991 - Sociology of Diversity: Issues for Canadians

Course Description

Students engage in in-depth study of topics in the sociology of diversity. They explore the tensions and challenges that arise from multiculturalism, the presence of multiple nations within Canada, and the varied social identities found among communities and groups in Canada's pluralistic society.

Learning outcomes

• Discuss the political dimensions of belonging to specific groups with respect to identity formation and recognition.
• Define the concepts of identity and identity formation related to the many dimensions of Canadian social life.
• Describe the language of rights that the Canadian legal system uses to govern diversity and to assess its value.
• Critically assess the Canadian policy of multiculturalism and recognize its various social and political roles.
• Provide an overview of the vast diversity that exists among people in Canadian society, the complexity of that diversity, and the various ways that it influences life in Canada.
• Identify and assess the impact of the structures of inequality related to diversity and difference in Canada.
• Describe the historical evolution of the rights and accommodations for people who belong to disadvantaged groups in Canada.
• Research information relevant to Canadian issues of diversity.
• Discuss contemporary issues in Canadian society.

Course topics

• Unit 1: Colonialism in Canada and the World
• Unit 2: Managing Diversity
• Unit 3: Nationalism(s) and Globalization
• Unit 4: Equity Work, Intersectionality, and Human Rights

Required text and materials

Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:

• Choudhury, S. (2022). Deep Diversity: A Compassionate, Scientific Approach to Achieving Racial Justice. Greystone Books.
  Type: Textbook. ISBN:  9781771649018 / 9781771649025

Note: This item can be purchased directly from the following link. 

Assessments

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory project exam.

Prerequisites

• The completion of 60 credits is the prerequisite for taking this course. This course meets the upper-level requirement for the Bachelor of Arts, sociology major.