COURSE CURRICULUM

Sociology at Brock University engages deeply with pressing social issues including capitalism, educational equity, gender and racial inequalities, globalization, gang violence, environmental activism, hate crimes, sexuality, and animal justice. Through critical political economy and other frameworks, students are equipped with the tools to understand and challenge systemic forms of oppression and inequality. The program emphasizes the development of practical and analytical skills such as research design, statistical analysis, computing, academic writing, and oral communication. These skills prepare graduates for careers in diverse areas such as law, social work, education, and further academic study. Students can choose from three specialized concentrations. The Critical Animal Studies concentration, a first in Canada, explores human-animal relationships, speciesism, and the moral and legal status of animals. It encourages students to question assumptions about the place of animals in society through courses on animal justice, cultural representations of animals, and human-canine relationships. The Criminology concentration critically investigates the criminal justice system, focusing on social harm, law, punishment, and systemic inequalities in legal processes. Courses include topics like gang violence, gender and crime, and crime in the media. The Applied Social Research and Data Analysis concentration provides advanced training in both quantitative and qualitative research, ideal for students seeking careers in research-intensive fields.