COURSE CURRICULUM

Master of Arts in Social and Legal Studies program must complete a series of required courses that build a strong foundation in theory, research methods, and law and society. Required theory courses include either SOC 700 Sociological Theory or SOC 708 Contemporary Sociological Theory, providing a deep understanding of sociological frameworks. Students must also take SOC 716 Qualitative Methods to develop skills in qualitative research techniques, and SOC 710 Intermediate Social Statistics to gain competence in statistical analysis. Additionally, SOC 726 Law and Society is required to explore the relationship between legal systems and social structures. Beyond these core courses, students are required to complete at least four other graduate-level courses, each with a minimum weight of 0.50 units, that involve a significant research component such as a project or essay. To ensure a comprehensive academic experience, students may include up to one reading course from the University of Waterloo’s Sociology and Legal Studies Faculty or adjuncts. This course structure is designed to equip students with advanced analytical and research skills necessary for careers in policy, law, social research, and related fields, while fostering critical thinking about the intersections of law, society, and social change.