Course Description
This course will provide an opportunity to apply sociological perspectives and methods in an experiential, field-based setting. The course may include site visits, observation, seminars, in-field data collection, and presentations and discussion with site-based experts. The setting may be local, elsewhere in Canada, or international.
Course Content
- Review of sociological perspectives and methods and application of these to the field setting
- Historical and socio-cultural context of the field setting
- Ethical considerations of the field setting
- Reflective sociological analysis of field experiences
Learning Activities
The learning activites for this course will include some or all of the following:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Site visits
- Observation
- In-field data collection
- Discussion with site-based experts
Means of Assessment
Assessment will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. Assessment will be based on the course objectives. The specific evaluation criteria will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
Students may conduct research with human participants as part of their coursework in this class. Instructors for the course are responsible for ensuring that student research projects comply with College policies on ethical conduct for research involving humans.
An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:
- Reading quizzes 10%
- Exam 20%
- Bibliography assignment 20%
- Field notes/reflections 20%
- Reflective paper 20%
- Participation/Contribution 10%
- TOTAL 100%
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, successful students will be able to:
- Identify and demonstrate an understanding of key sociological concepts, theories, and perspectives;
- Apply sociological concepts, theories, and perspectives to a field setting;
- Analyze the relevance of sociological perspectives and methods for making, applying, or advocating for, public policy;
- Locate peer-reviewed sociological research and apply it to the understanding of a field setting and;
- Demonstrate cross-cultural awareness informed by sociological perspectives.
Textbook Materials
Reading materials will include some or all of the following: site specific readings from peer-reviewed Sociology journals; other materials from sociologists, social scientists and lay people including, but not limited to, memoirs, policy reports, etc.