Society and Conflict

Course Description

This course will adopt a sociological perspective to examine and provide a coherent analysis of the Canadian social, economic, and political environment, in a context that is both current and within the experience of most college students. In order to accomplish this, we will examine the historical basis of class and power in contemporary society, as well as the influence of differential privilege on social behaviour, institutions, and problems of upward and downward mobility.

We will also examine social inequalities as manifest in income, race, ethnicity, and gender, which in turn should help you to appreciate issues related to topics such as aboriginal rights, immigration policy, and regionalism. In essence, we will examine the foundations of contemporary Canadian society relative to capitalism, social class, the structures of the mass media, education, and the state. An emphasis on change will allow you to understand the interplay between structure and agency, and help you to make sense of their role in society.