Sociology (Non-Thesis): Development Studies (M.A.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The research essay must be on a topic relating to development studies, approved by the Development Studies Option (DSO) coordinating committee.
Research Project (18 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 696 | Research Paper 1. | 3 |
Research Paper 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Exploratory research for the selection of a research topic. | ||
| SOCI 697 | Research Paper 2. | 3 |
Research Paper 2. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Preparation, submission and approval of the proposal by the student to his/her supervisor. | ||
| SOCI 699 | Research Paper 4. | 12 |
Research Paper 4. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Completion, submission and approval of the research paper by the committee. | ||
Required Courses (21 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INTD 657 | Development Studies Seminar. | 3 |
Development Studies Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Special topics in international development studies. | ||
| SOCI 504 | Quantitative Methods 1. 1 | 3 |
Quantitative Methods 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025 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: Fall 2025 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: Winter 2026 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 603 | Bibliographic Methods 1. | 3 |
Bibliographic Methods 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Research-related skills for the production of a research bibliography under the supervision of a faculty member. | ||
| SOCI 604 | Bibliographic Methods 2. | 3 |
Bibliographic Methods 2. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Advanced research-related skills for the production of a research bibliography under the supervision of a faculty member. | ||
| SOCI 625D1 | Professional Development Seminar in Sociology. 1 | 0 |
Professional Development Seminar in Sociology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Professional development of incoming graduate students in sociology. | ||
| SOCI 625D2 | Professional Development Seminar in Sociology. 1 | 0 |
Professional Development Seminar in Sociology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Professional development of incoming graduate students in sociology. | ||
| SOCI 652 | Current Sociological Theory. 1 | 3 |
Current Sociological Theory. Terms offered: Fall 2025 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)
6 credits of complementary courses at the 500, 600, or 700 level.
Assignments in the selected courses should focus topically on development issues.