Sociology (Thesis): Population Dynamics (M.A.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The M.A. in Sociology ; Population Dynamics program graduate training in sociology with an emphasis on demographic methods and critical population issues. Students will attend at least five of the seminars given in the Social Statistics and Population seminar series. The thesis must be on a topic related to population dynamics and approved by the Population Dynamics Option (PDO) coordinating committee.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please refer to Visual Schedule Builder. A technical issue is causing the "Terms offered" field to incorrectly report "this course is not currently offered" for many courses in the Course Catalogue.
Thesis Courses (24 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 692 | M.A. Thesis 3. | 3 |
M.A. Thesis 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fieldwork and data analysis on the thesis. Progress report to the supervisor. | ||
| 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 694 | M.A. Thesis 5. | 18 |
M.A. Thesis 5. 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 (18 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 504 | Quantitative Methods 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 545 | Sociology of Population. | 3 |
Sociology of Population. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The classic literature of sociology of population. Drawing reciprocal linkages between social and population processes: Historical, family and labour force demography, demographic and fertility transitions, mortality, ethnic and race relations, gender, macro-structural interaction theory, and the relation of population and the environment. | ||
| SOCI 580 | Social Research Design and Practice. | 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. | 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 626 | Demographic Methods. | 3 |
Demographic Methods. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to demographic measurement and modeling. Course covers direct and indirect estimation, standardization, life table construction, and population projections. | ||
| SOCI 652 | Current Sociological Theory. | 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. | ||
Complementary Courses (3 credits)
3 credits at the 500 level or higher related to population dynamics; other courses, at the 500 level or higher, may be approved by the program coordinating committee.