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Dec 05, 2025
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Academic Calendar
Sociology, Technology and Innovation
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General information
Broadly speaking, Sociology is the study of society, relationships, and institutions with the goal of understanding how social and cultural structures are shaped by human actions, beliefs, consciousness, and relationships. The Major in Sociology, Technology and Innovation affords students the opportunity to explore a wide range of issues, such as the nature of gender identity, racism and class, conflict, shared beliefs, the social implications of the internet and technology, forms of governance and social control, and their impacts on societies and communities. Studying Sociology, Technology and Innovation will help students to think critically and analytically about human social life, looking beyond views that are often taken for granted in day-to-day interactions. Beginning in second year, students will have the opportunity to continue with the unspecialized program or to choose from two areas of specialization –Applied Sociology, or Society, Technology and Human Values. Applied Sociology specialization
The specialization in applied sociology equips students with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to analyze and address complex social issues in real-world contexts. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students explore sociological concepts and methodologies while gaining insights into the dynamics of human behavior, social structures, and institutions. This specialization prioritizes the practical application of sociological insights across domains such as community development, social work, public policy, and organizational management. The program emphasizes the application of sociological knowledge to fields such as community development, social work, public policy, and organizational management. By engaging in research projects, students develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills essential for driving meaningful societal transformation and advocating for fairness and equity across diverse environments. Training in applied sociology provides excellent preparation for graduate and professional studies as well as administrative, analytical, and conflict resolution work in many business, non-profit, political, and other organizational fields including but not limited to counselling, clinical and social work contexts and careers, public and private organizations involved in social research, social policy, and program development. Society, Technology and Human Values specialization
Students in this specialization explore the intricate interplay between society, technology, and human values, acknowledging humans as both creators and consumers of technology. Learners will examine the historical and current dynamics of these relationships, gaining insights into the significant impact of technology on our everyday lives. They will acquire practical skills and knowledge to navigate the complex intersections of society and technology. Students also learn to critically analyze technological advancements, evaluate their ethical and social consequences, and contribute to informed, ethical, and responsible decision-making regarding technology in various contexts. Throughout the program, students engage with theoretical frameworks and empirical research to develop a comprehensive understanding of how technological advancements shape and are shaped by social structures, cultural norms, and individual values. By examining case studies, historical trends, and current developments, students gain insights into the multifaceted ways in which technology influences social processes, from communication patterns to economic systems to cultural practices. Key themes include technological determinism, digital divides, privacy concerns, labour displacement, environmental sustainability, ethical dimensions of technology use and design, privacy, surveillance, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering. Beyond theoretical exploration, this specialization emphasizes the acquisition of practical skills and knowledge essential for navigating the intricate intersections of society and technology. Through readings, case studies, hands-on projects, collaborative research endeavours, and experiential learning opportunities, students learn to critically analyze technological advancements, assess their ethical and social implications, and contribute to informed, ethical, and responsible decision-making in various contexts. Admission requirements
Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications. Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M courses, including English (ENG4U). Expected average of 70 per cent. All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission. Practicum
A limited number of fourth-year students are granted an opportunity to participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The Practicum course consists of 100 hours of fieldwork, in-class seminars, and a set of academic assignments. As part of the pre-practicum process, students will be required to acquire a Vulnerable Sector check. For additional information, please refer to the course description for SSCI 4098U . Internship
This program offers students who have successfully completed three years of study with a cumulative 2.7 GPA an opportunity to engage in a work-integrated learning partnership with organizations locally and globally. The internship program not only gives students an opportunity to apply classroom concepts to the challenges of organizational life, but also helps them to gain valuable and relevant work experience to promote networking and life-long career success. The internship program placement equates to a minimum of 280 hours of paid or unpaid field experience. The intern’s wages, where applicable, are paid by the sponsoring organization over a contracted period. The faculty may provide links to various internship placement opportunities or a student may secure an internship opportunity that meets the criteria as prescribed by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities. Successful work placement completion and written final project will result in the intern receiving a mark and three credits toward the Honours Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Admission to the internship program is competitive. While students are participating in an internship program, they may enrol in up to two additional courses (six credits) per semester. These courses must not interfere with the internship schedule outlined by the employer. For additional information, please refer to the course description for SSCI 4103W . Double majors
Students registered in a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at the university have the opportunity, in most cases, to combine two majors within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities concurrently as a double major (note - some restrictions apply). Double major program maps have been approved by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities and are available through the Academic Advising Office. Students undertaking a double major within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities will, in most cases, be required to complete more than 120 credit hours. Students wishing to declare a double major must consult with the Academic Advising office. The Faculty of Social Science and Humanities offers a double major in Legal Studies and Political Science and Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology that are 120 credit hours to complete. Degree and major requirements
To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Sociology, Technology and Innovation, students must meet both the degree requirements and requirements of the major as outlined below for a total of 120 credits. Each year prior to course registration, the order and timing of course offerings will be released by the faculty and communicated to students. General and FSSH electives
General electives can be taken at/or adjoining their year level, where permission has been granted and prerequisites have been fulfilled. FSSH electives are any courses offered by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (i.e., ALSU, COMM, CRMN, INDG, FPSY, LBAT, LGLS, POSC, PSYC and SSCI). No more than five 1000-level elective courses can be included. A minimum of three FSSH elective courses must be outside of major at the 2000-level or higher and a minimum of three elective courses must be at the 3000-level or higher. Specializations
Students will have the opportunity to obtain additional specializations within one of two subject areas: Applied Sociology, and Society, Values and Technology. To achieve a specialization, students will be required to take a minimum of five course credits, as described in more detail below. Specialization in Applied Sociology
Specialization in Society, Values and Technology
Program learning outcomes
The following outcomes outline the knowledge and skills students will have achieved upon completion of the program. |
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