Medical Sociology (Thesis) (M.A.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
This program is given jointly by the Sociology Department and the Department of Social Studies of Medicine.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis Courses (27 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 690 | M.A. Thesis 1. | 3 |
M.A. Thesis 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Exploratory thesis research for the selection of a thesis topic. | ||
| SOCI 691 | M.A. Thesis 2. | 6 |
M.A. Thesis 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Preparation, submission and approval of the thesis proposal by the student to his/her committee. | ||
| SOCI 693 | M.A. Thesis 4. | 3 |
M.A. Thesis 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fieldwork and data analysis on the thesis. Progress report to the supervisor. | ||
| SOCI 695 | M.A. Thesis 6. | 15 |
M.A. Thesis 6. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Completion, submission, and approval of the M.A. Thesis by the committee and the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office. | ||
Required Courses (12 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 504 | Quantitative Methods 1. 1 | 3 |
Quantitative Methods 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An introduction to basic regression techniques commonly used in the social sciences. Covers the least squares linear regression model in depth and may introduce models for discrete dependent variables as well as the maximum-likelihood approach to statistical inference. Emphasis on the assumptions behind regression models and correct interpretation of results. Assignments will emphasize practical aspects of quantitative analysis. | ||
| SOCI 580 | Social Research Design and Practice. 1 | 3 |
Social Research Design and Practice. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Asking researchable sociological questions and evaluation of different research designs used to answer such questions. Development of cogent research proposals, including data collection procedures. Principles, dynamics, strengths and practical limitations of research designs. Examples from recent publications. | ||
| SOCI 600 | Qualitative Research Methods 1. 1 | 3 |
Qualitative Research Methods 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Overview of qualitative research design and modes of data collection, particularly observation, interviewing and focus groups. Students are required to design and undertake their own qualitative research project. Introduction to computerized tools for qualitative data management, transcription and analysis. | ||
| SOCI 625D1 | Professional Development Seminar in Sociology. | 0 |
Professional Development Seminar in Sociology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Professional development of incoming graduate students in sociology. | ||
| SOCI 625D2 | Professional Development Seminar in Sociology. | 0 |
Professional Development Seminar in Sociology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Professional development of incoming graduate students in sociology. | ||
| SOCI 652 | Current Sociological Theory. 1 | 3 |
Current Sociological Theory. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Examination of works in some major areas of Sociology with a focus on: antecedent thought and research in the area; the internal structure and consistency of these works; the validity of the major claims made; and the implications for future theoretical development and research. | ||
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All students must have taken these courses or take them during the first year of the program. Students granted an exemption from any one or more of these courses by the Graduate Studies Committee must substitute another substantive seminar in its place.
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
3 credits, ONE of the following courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 515 | Medicine and Society. | 3 |
Medicine and Society. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The sociology of health and illness. Reading in areas of interest, such as: the sociology of illness, health services occupations, organizational settings of health care, the politics of change in national health service systems, and contemporary ethical issues in medical care and research. | ||
| SOCI 538 | Selected Topics in Sociology of Biomedical Knowledge. | 3 |
Selected Topics in Sociology of Biomedical Knowledge. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The seminar will examine recent work in the sociology of biomedical knowledge. It will focus on the technological shaping of biomedical knowledge, i.e., on the impact of new technologies and equipments on the development of biomedical knowledge. | ||
3 credits (at the 500, 600, or 700 level) in History of Medicine.