R SOC - Rural Sociology

An introduction to the intersections of environmental and conservation sciences and Indigenous peoples, knowledges, practices and beliefs. Topics include: Indigenous knowledge in the management of forests, rangelands, fisheries, wildlife, water resources and the reclamation of valued landscapes, environmental issues facing Indigenous peoples in different places, and Indigenous rights, laws and consultation requirements. Students are encouraged to enroll in their first or second year of study.

Students will gain a sociological understanding of contemporary Canadian politics in the food and natural resources sectors. Examination of the nature of political organizations and policymaking in Canada; the particular roles played by the state, the public, and certain sectors of civil society, including social movements, industry organizations, labour unions, scientific organizations, and rural and Indigenous peoples. Contemporary case studies may include climate change and energy dependence, genetic engineering in agribusiness, the organic food products movement, mining in the circumpolar north, forestry expansion in the boreal region and cod management in the Atlantic fisheries. Not to be taken if credit received for ENCS 271 or REN R 271.

The historic and contemporary role of rural regions and extractive economies in the global marketplace is discussed from a macrosociological perspective. Sociological concepts are applied to the study of the structural constraints and opportunities facing social and economic systems in rural regions. Prerequisite: 30 units or more of university level course work.

Examines the relationship between development and environment at the local, regional, national and international levels. Critically discusses development strategies, the environmental and social forces promoting them, and the distribution of environmental and social impacts. Also examines alternative development strategies, sustainable development experiences and relevant international policy.

The anatomy of environmental and resource management conflict is examined through a lens of critical sociological theory and deliberative democracy. Focusing on contemporary case studies of conflict in energy production, forestry, conservation and protected areas management, social practices and strategies for conflict resolution are explored. Prerequisite: 54 units or consent of instructor.

Individual study. Study of selected topic or problem requiring both written and oral reports. Prerequisite: consent of the Department Chair. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.

Empirical applications of theory and methods used in environmental sociology, rural sociology, and natural resource sociology. Involves one or more case study projects that focus on conceptual understandings, field research methods, and policy analysis in the human dimensions of resource management. Prerequisite: R SOC 355, R SOC 365, or R SOC 450.

Designed for students seeking knowledge and skills for applied and collaborative social science research. Draws on diverse methodological theories with emphasis on themes, issues and tools needed for engaged scholarship. Prerequisite: R SOC 365.

This course explores the links between community and environmental sustainability using the lens of social-ecological resilience. What values/beliefs, knowledge, practices and norms have contributed towards the sustainability of local resources and ecosystems? How are small social groups demonstrating resilience in the face of larger scale political, economic, cultural, and environmental change? Drawing on interdisciplinary social science literature, the course critically discusses concepts, theories and issues of resilience from around the globe. Normally offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: 60 units.

Introduction to a field in sociological inquiry that addresses how individuals and groups influence, and are influenced by, natural resources and environmental conditions. Examination of individual-level influences, such as beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as broader social-level influences at the institutional and organizational level. Focus is on providing an understanding and appreciation for the interaction between human attitudes, behaviors, and organizations with other components of the ecosystem. Prerequisite: 60 units or more. An introductory Sociology course is strongly recommended.

Urban Agriculture (UA) involves a wide range of horticultural activities and is often championed as particularly advantageous for cities because it is seen to offer a diversity of social, nutritional and environmental virtues. In this course, students will examine these claims and reflect upon the contemporary development of UA as a source of transformative change in our society. Conceptually, the course draws on material from rural and environmental sociology, urban geography and the social study of food and agriculture. Instruction combines online resources, seminars, and experiential participation in an urban agriculture project. Prerequisite: 60 units.

Traditional Knowledge is recognized as integral to environmental sustainability and the social and cultural well-being of indigenous peoples. The course focuses on the development of Traditional Knowledge as a field of inquiry and policy debate in Canadian society. Critical attention to the history, politics and theory behind its definition, classification and use will provide students with perspectives on its importance in addressing emergent issues of environmental change. Normally offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: 60 units.

Individual study. Investigations of a special problem involving field or library study and preparation of written reports. Prerequisite: consent of the Department Chair.

Principles and practice of social research within environmental and natural resource sociology. Topics include survey research, evaluation research, data collection, multi-variable analysis, and report writing. Prerequisite: SOC 315 or equivalent.

Designed for students seeking knowledge and skills for applied and collaborative social science research. Draws on diverse methodological theories with emphasis on themes, issues and tools needed for engaged scholarship. Not to be taken if credit received for R SOC 416. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

This course explores the links between community and environmental sustainability using the lens of social-ecological resilience. What values / beliefs, knowledge, practices and norms have contributed towards the sustainability of local resources and ecosystems? How are small social groups demonstrating resilience in the face of larger scale political, economic, cultural, and environmental change? Drawing on interdisciplinary social science literature, the course critically discusses concepts, theories and issues of resilience from around the globe. Normally offered in alternate years. Not to be taken if credit received for R SOC 443. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Public engagement has become increasingly prevalent within contemporary democratic systems of government. This course explores the rationales behind the growth of engagement, and critically examines evolving practice and institutional uptake. An important theme of the course involves and examination of the degree to which citizen engagement contributes to policy and governance adaptation, particularly in response to calls for governance innovations in the face of complex and persistent policy challenges (for instance as related to sustainability or social justice).

In-depth examination of a select set of current theoretical and empirical areas in the sub-discipline of environmental sociology. Examines the relationships among various environmental and social problems and how such problems and undesirable conditions can be and are being addressed. Prerequisite: R SOC 450.

Theoretical and empirical research on the study of environmental risk in the social sciences, and their application in various institutional areas. Divergent theoretical perspectives on risk within the social sciences, directions taken by empirical researchers in the analysis of the construction and perception of environmental risk, as well as current institutional mechanisms for risk management and social impact assessment. Prerequisite: consent of Instructor.

Covers classic and contemporary theories of states and social movements and their application to environmental and ecological issues. Topics include the Environmental State; relationships among state and societal forces; sub-national, national, and international environmental politics; political distinctions among environmental and ecological issues; and the potential for sustainability governance. Prerequisite: consent of Instructor.

Traditional Knowledge is recognized as integral to environmental sustainability and the social and cultural well-being of indigenous peoples. The course focuses on the development of Traditional Knowledge as a field of inquiry and policy debate in Canadian society. Critical attention to the history, politics and theory behind its definition, classification and use will provide students with perspectives on its importance in addressing emergent issues of environmental change. Normally offered in alternate years. Not to be taken if credit received for R SOC 460. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Analysis of selected research problems and design of research projects in rural, resource, environmental and development sociology. Prerequisite: Consent of Department Chair.

Introduction to a field in sociological inquiry that addresses how individuals and groups influence, and are influenced by, natural resources and environmental conditions. Examination of individual-level influences, such as beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as broader social-level influences at the institutional and organizational level. Focus is on providing an understanding and appreciation for the interaction between human attitudes, behaviors, and organizations with other components of the ecosystem. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Not to be taken if credit received for R SOC 450

The historic and contemporary role of rural regions and extractive economies in the global marketplace is discussed from a macrosociological perspective. Sociological concepts are applied to the study of the structural constraints and opportunities facing social and economic systems in rural regions. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Not to be taken if credit received for R SOC 355.

Examines the relationship between development and environment at the local, regional, national and international levels. Critically discusses development strategies, the environmental and social forces promoting them, and the distribution of environmental and social impacts. Also examines alternative development strategies, sustainable development experiences and relevant international policy. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Not to be taken if credit received for R SOC 365.

The anatomy of environmental and resource management conflict is examined through a lens of critical sociological theory and deliberative democracy. Focusing on contemporary case studies of conflict in energy production, forestry, conservation and protected areas management, social practices and strategies for conflict resolution are explored. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Not to be taken if credit received for R SOC 375.