2011 social sciences brochure - mcmaster university
DESCRIPTION
A brochure for prospective Social Sciences studentsTRANSCRIPT
Faculty of Social Sciences McMASTER UNIVERSITY
www.socsci.mcmaster.ca
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www.socsc i .mcmaster.ca
Social ScienceS
The Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University offers you an
educational experience of the highest quality. After our students complete
their studies, they enjoy considerable success whether they go to graduate
school, continue their education in some other way or enter the job market.
The flexibility of your first year in the Faculty of Social Sciences will help you
to discover your interests by giving you the opportunity to take courses from
a wide variety of disciplines. First-year courses are designed to provide an
overview of each discipline and to help you to choose a major (or majors)
best suited to your interests and learning style. Elective courses taken to
complement your studies may be selected from other Faculties, subject to
meeting prerequisites.
You should also feel free to make use of the extensive academic advising
offered through the Office of the Associate Dean. While some students have
well-defined academic plans, others are unsure of their academic interests
and may find it useful to talk to one of our academic advisors.
Inquiry As a first-year student you are encouraged to
complete Inquiry 1SS3. Taught in small classes of
30 students, it provides an opportunity for students
to learn how to ask good research questions, search
out and evaluate evidence, develop well-reasoned
conclusions and present outcomes to the class.
Research has shown that students who complete
Inquiry 1SS3 receive higher grades in university
courses, complete their degree on time and are more
likely to obtain the Dean’s Honour List standing.
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Develop After Level I you will further develop your academic
interests. The Faculty of Social Sciences offers
three- and four-year Bachelor of Arts and four-year
Bachelor of Social Work degrees. You can choose from
one (or two) of our innovative programs:
Anthropology
Economics
Geography
Gerontology
Health Studies
Labour Studies
Political Science
Psychology,
Neuroscience &
Behaviour
Religious Studies
Social Psychology
Social Work
Sociology.
Putting It All Together Hi-tech CEOs, university chancellors and others who know
the virtues of a social sciences degree have said:
‘our students develop a broad range of transferable skills
that adapt easily to a changing workplace.’
These skills include:
critical thinking
communication skills
problem-solving
research and data analysis skills
teamwork
confidence with presentations
abstract reasoning
expository writing
time management.
Experiential Education The Faculty of Social Sciences offers an education that combines academic study with hands-on experience – we call it
Experiential Education. This unique blend provides you with the opportunity to:
take our tuition-free course, Social Sciences 2EL0, which
provides an introduction to career planning through
experiential learning
participate in the diverse learning strategies used by
our award-winning professors, including: field trips,
simulations, computer-mediated experiments and
academic placements within the community
pursue a placement or practicum that allows you to
develop professional skills in the field while earning
academic credit
test drive your career choices before graduation
through our paid internships, career placements or
volunteer opportunities.
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Note: The last digit of the course code indicates the unit value of a particular course (e.g. 1A03 = 3 units).
Anthropology 1A03 Introduction to Anthropology: Culture and Society
An introduction to the comparative study
of culture and society. Anthropology began
as a discipline devoted to the study of the
ways of life in “primitive” or tribal societies.
The nature of anthropology has changed
in the last thirty years; today, the scope of
anthropology extends far beyond the few
remaining societies that have experienced
minimal cultural change. Examples are drawn
from a broad range of societies at all levels of
social and technological complexity in order
to explore some fundamental issues about
human knowledge and behaviour.
Anthropology 1B03 World Archaeology
An overview of the long-term archaeological
history of humanity, with an emphasis on
historical processes that include migration,
technological and stylistic change,
intensification of food production, social
differentiation and political integration. The
course will examine some of the scientific
methods and theories currently implemented
by archaeologists in their search for answers.
Anthropology 1Z03 The Human Species: Becoming and Being Human
The study of interaction between biology
and culture based on examination of human
biological variation and evolution, past and
present. The course takes an anthropological
approach to investigating humans within
the biological world; that is, it aims to study
humans as biological organisms who have
culture. Topics may include: human origins,
non-human primates, the concept of race,
disease, sex and gender. It will explore the role
played by culture, diet and disease in shaping
contemporary human biology and will ponder
the expanding human footprint on earth.
Economics 1B03 Introductory Microeconomics
Microeconomics is the study of the economic
behaviour of individual households, business
firms and the manner in which they interact
in the markets for goods, services and
labour. This course pays particular attention
to market structure (e.g. monopoly vs.
competition) and the roles of government.
The governmental roles considered include
those of market regulation (such as controls
for pollution and public utilities), provision of
services (such as health and education) and
income transfers (such as unemployment
insurance and public pensions). The goals of
the course are to help the student understand
why we have the types of markets and the
roles for government that we observe today
and what would be the consequences,
both good and bad, of alternative economic
policies. The course makes extensive use of
graphical analysis.
level i courSe DeScriptionS
Level I Program Students in Level I Social Sciences have a
great deal of flexibility in their course selection
from within the Faculty of Social Sciences and
from other Faculties across the campus.
Total = 30 units
Required: 12 units (from the Faculty of
Social Sciences)
Electives: 18 units
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Economics 1BB3 Introductory Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics concentrates on overall
economic activity and on such aggregate
measures as the unemployment rate, the
inflation rate and gross domestic product. The
main issue in this course is whether and how
changes in government expenditure, taxation
and monetary policies may affect the economy
in the short and long term. There is considerable
discussion of the policy choices involving such
issues as unemployment, inflation, government
spending and taxes, international trade and
others. The course makes extensive use of
graphical analysis and simple equations.
Geography 1HA3
Human Geographies: Society and Culture
This course provides an introduction to the
theories and methods of human geography by
providing an overview of the field and acts as
a foundation for subsequent human geography
courses. Topics covered include: culture
(including language, ethnicity and religion); cities
and urban society; symbolic landscapes; and
environment and health. There will also be an
opportunity to conduct fieldwork in the local area.
Geography 1HB3 Human Geographies: City and Economy
This course provides an introduction to the
theories and methods of human geography in the
area of urban/economic geography. The course
provides an overview of the field and acts as
a foundation for subsequent courses in urban/
economic geography. Topics include: world
population; environmental issues; theories of
location and world urbanization trends. There
will also be an opportunity to conduct fieldwork
in the local area.
Health, Aging and Society 1AA3 Introduction to Health Studies
Health, illness and health care are concepts
that have many social, cultural, political and
economic dimensions that go beyond the
biomedical perspective. This course will
focus on those issues through a critical social
scientific perspective. Themes may include
ways of understanding health and illness,
social justice and health and the politics of
health care systems.
Health, Aging and Society 1BB3 Aging and Society
This course examines issues in aging from a
multidisciplinary perspective including such
topics as: myths and stereotypes of aging, social
ties in later life and the aging of the Canadian
population. It provides a deeper understanding of
aging and the changing body, mind and self, as
well as the meaning and experiences, challenges
and opportunities of aging and later life.
Inquiry 1SS3
Inquiry in the Social Sciences
Inquiry is the art and skill of developing
understanding through the process of asking good
questions, searching out evidence and arriving
at well reasoned conclusions. In sections of only
30 students, the course will help develop critical
abilities in conducting an inquiry in the social
sciences. Students find these skills invaluable as
they progress in other university work. The course
is unique in that it takes the process of learning
to be crucial. It emphasizes a participatory
approach with the development of the ability to be
self-directed and features small group instruction.
Labour Studies 1A03 An Introduction to the Canadian Labour Movement
Why do some workers form unions while others
don’t? Why do some advocate reforming the
current economic system while others have
more radical political goals? How have workers
been affected by economic booms and busts,
political crises and war? This course will
explore these questions and more by examining
the history of the Canadian labour movement.
Students will look at how workers, by forming
trade unions and political parties, have shaped
working life, political participation, legal
employment rights and social welfare in Canada.
We will also examine how the earlier activities of
the labour movement continue to have an impact
on contemporary Canadian society.
Labour Studies 1C03 Voices of Work, Resistance and Change
How is work shaped by gender, race, class and
culture in a global world? How are workplace
cultures of community and resistance built? Do
they transform our experience of work? In this
course, questions will be raised about why work is
satisfying or not and under what conditions people
construct communities of work, at work. In order
to study these issues, the course will introduce
students to information on where people work,
the segmented structures of the labour market
and the changing form of employment relations
towards more precarious, risky jobs.
Political Sciences 1G06 Politics and Government
This course introduces students to the
theoretical and practical aspects of politics.
Students will develop an understanding of
the origins and significance of basic political
science concepts, such as democracy, citizens’
rights and responsibilities and political power,
among others. The course will also introduce
students to contemporary political issues, such
as controversies associated with Canadian
politics, international politics, multiculturalism or
the justice system.
Psychology 1X03 Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
This course explores the central theme that
rigorous research methods are required to
understand the broad topics of experimental
psychology. Students will explore learning
and cognitive functions, higher order
processes, social psychology, personality
and psychopathology through interactive web
modules, class reviews, weekly small group
discussions and live lectures.
Typical Timetable – Term I
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8:30 am
9:30 am Psychology 1X03 – Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
(lecture)
Health, Aging and Society 1AA3
(tutorial)
Psychology 1X03 (lecture)
10:30 am Economics 1B03 – Introductory
Microeconomics (lecture)
Economics 1B03 (lecture) Psychology 1X03 (lecture)
11:30 am Health, Aging and Society 1AA3 – Introduction to Health Studies (lecture)
Health, Aging and Society 1AA3
(lecture)
12:30 pm
1:30 pm Sociology 1A06 – An Introduction to Sociology (lecture)
Sociology 1A06 (lecture)
2:30 pm Inquiry 1SS3 –Inquiry in the
Social Sciences (lecture)
Economics 1B03 (lecture)
3:30 pm Sociology 1A06 (lecture)
4:30 pm6
Psychology 1XX3 Foundations of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
This course builds on the themes of Psychology
1X03 to understand that modern approaches
to problems in psychology use multiple levels
of analysis. Students will explore how methods
of neuroscience, evolution and behaviour
contribute to our understanding of sensory
systems and behaviours critical to survival
as we interact with the environment.
Religious Studies 1B06 World Religions
A study of the world’s major religious and
philosophical traditions, including Hinduism,
Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto,
Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The course
introduces major texts, thinkers and practices
to increase the student’s knowledge and
appreciation of these traditions and allows
them to develop a deeper understanding of the
academic study of religion.
Religious Studies 1D06 Modern Study of the Bible
This course is designed to introduce students
to the writings of the Bible, and to the study of
the Bible as an academic discipline. Substantial
portions of the Bible, in a modern English
translation, will be read. Attention will focus on
the circumstances in which, and the process
by which, various parts of the Bible came to be
written; also on how the Bible can be used to
illuminate the history of ancient Israel and
early Christianity.
Religious Studies 1J03 Great Books in Asian Religions
This course introduces foundational books of
the major religious traditions of Asia, including:
Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism and
Shinto, in their historical and cultural contexts.
Social Work 1A06 An Introduction to Social Work
Have you ever wondered how personal
problems are caused or affected by society?
Ever wanted to understand or do something
about injustice? This course introduces
students to new perspectives on current issues,
emphasizing the social context of what many
see as personal struggles. Students examine our
world, our communities and ourselves in relation
to issues such as poverty, violence, racism,
sexism, heterosexism and ableism. Students
will also consider the roles of social work and
social workers in service provision, advocacy,
organizing and policy development. The course
can provide a basis on which to decide whether
a career in Social Work is for you.
Sociology 1A06 An Introduction to Sociology
This course is designed to give students a
broad understanding of sociological inquiry.
The instructor will provide an overview of the
basic concepts and themes of sociological
analysis. Students will explore various issues,
such as deviance and crime, the world of work,
social movements, political organizations,
gender relations, race and racism, the family,
and popular culture.
Did You Know... The Department of Anthropology has a state-of-the-art ancient DNA laboratory, perhaps
the finest one of its kind in Canada?
Our department has long term involvement in applied HIV/AIDS research in the African
countries of Zimbabwe, Uganda and Malawi?
The Department has a new area of specialization in the Anthropology of Health?
Each summer, the department offers an archaeological field school at Dundurn Castle in
Hamilton? Students learn how to excavate an archaeological site and receive hands-on
instruction in such techniques as mapping, field recording and laboratory analysis.
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Admission to Level IIStudents must complete the requirements of any Level I program, including at least two
courses (6 units) from Level I Anthropology 1A03, 1B03, 1Z03.
Skills knowledge about biological, ecological and cultural factors that influence human behaviour
theoretical approaches and practical methods for enhancing cross-cultural understanding
an understanding of particular cultures and ethnic groups from a global perspective
skills in social research, qualitative interviewing and fieldwork
an understanding of the elements of human evolution and genetics
experience in writing both descriptive reports and analytical papers
the ability to analyze the root causes of social problems, and to work towards solutions with
people from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds
Anthropology today is part of an
interdisciplinary endeavour that studies
four dimensions of humankind: the past
of humanity, the cultures of present-day
peoples, the biological component of human
beings and language in a cross-cultural
perspective. It differs from other social
sciences in terms of its breadth (which is
global), its methods and its outlook, which is
comparative, humanistic and – increasingly –
both practical and applied. In the words
of Margaret Mead, a founding ancestor of
cultural anthropology, "never doubt that a
small group of thoughtful, committed people
can change the world. Indeed, it is the only
thing that ever has."
Focus of Study Our anthropology programs provide
grounding in the four sub-fields of
anthropology:
archaeology
biological (or physical) anthropology
cultural anthropology
linguistics.
anthropology
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economicS
Admission to Level II Students must complete the requirements
of any Level I program including Economics
1B03, 1BB3 and Math 1K03 (if Calculus and
Vectors 4U was not completed).
Did You Know... Members of the Department of Economics
participate in several major research
initiatives at McMaster:
The Research Institute of Quantitative
Studies in Economics and Population
The Program for Socio-Economic
Dimensions of an Aging Population
The Centre for Health Economics and
Policy Analysis
The McMaster Experimental
Economics Laboratory
The Public Economics Research
Data Laboratory
The Statistics Canada Research
Data Centre
The Offord Centre for Child Studies?
Research projects coming from these
initiatives support classroom discussions on:
the advantages of using tradable
pollution permits rather than pollution
taxes to effectively regulate the emission
of environmental pollution
effective ways to manage fisheries or
forest resources
the extent to which globalization limits
independent policy making by governments
in countries that engage extensively in
international trade such as Canada
how large will the pension and health
care burden be on today’s young
workers when the baby-boomers retire
sensible long-run targets for the size of
the Canadian government debt
the pros and cons for Canada of free
trade with the USA and Mexico
selecting the best taxes to cut from – among
the HST, income taxes and payroll taxes –
in order to help reduce unemployment.
Possible Careers Recent graduates have found employment as:
economic analysts
researchers
financial planners
economic forecasters
managers (government/business)
economic consultants.
Economics is the study of how individuals,
businesses and governments make decisions
and of how they might make better decisions.
Economists analyze behaviours in most
areas of human activity. What is the most
efficient and fair way to provide health care
and education? What are the benefits and
costs of free trade among countries?
What are the benefits and costs of
pollution control strategies?
Focus of Study Our general interest field courses, which
require only introductory economics as
a prerequisite, examine issues such as
those associated with public expenditure
and taxation policies, labour markets and
environmental regulation. More advanced
courses have additional prerequisites and
cover such policy areas as labour problems,
health care, natural resources, money and
banking, finance, industrial organization, the
aging society, international trade and finance
and development. Economics provides an
excellent preparation for graduate training not
only in economics but also in law, business
administration, public administration, health
administration and other areas.
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Possible Careers Recent graduates have found employment as:
Many others have gone on to graduate studies or professional programs.
Admission to Level II Students must complete the requirements of any Level I program including six units of Level I
Geography or Environmental Science courses.
Did You Know... McMaster’s School of Geography and Earth Sciences offers:
a state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) lab
an outstanding collection of more than 140,000 maps
access to Statistics Canada Research Data Institute?
Current research projects of the department’s faculty members include:
environmental issues in the Hamilton area
psychosocial impacts of exposure to environmental contaminants
the roles of the public in health-care decision-making
environmental health
urban economic and regional migration modeling
urban transportation energy use and emissions migration
integration of disabled persons in the workplace
teaching and learning in geography and environmental studies?
As a complement to lectures, students benefit from inquiry components in most courses,
methods courses (including geographical information systems), and a variety of field courses
and trips? Experiential education is an important component of the Geography programs.
environmental analysts
assistant controllers
GIS analysts
consultants
policy analysts
research assistants
teachers
urban planners.
Focus of Study McMaster offers Bachelor of Arts degrees
in Geography, Geography and Environmental
Studies and Geography and Another Subject
(Combined Honours). Upon entry into an honours
program in Level II students are required to
take two methods courses (Statistical Analysis
and Research Methodologies in Geography).
Students will also select courses from the
following themes:
GIS and Spatial Analysis
Urban Geography
Health and Population
Location and Transportation
Environment.
Human geography examines the spatial
organization of people and their activities. There
are three recurrent themes in human geography:
Humans and the land: the evolution of the
human world with reference to people,
their cultures and physical environments
Regional studies: the study of regional
variation in human societies
Spatial analysis: the study of why
phenomena are located where they are
and the explanation of spatial patterns of
human activity.
geography
“The need for an education in geography –
knowing where things are, why they are, and
why this knowledge matters – has always
been paramount in all societies. It is no
different today. Both geographic knowledge
and an appreciation of the value of geographic
perspective are essential to help individuals
and groups make sense of the changing worlds
in which we live.” William Norton, 2007
Focus of Study At McMaster, Gerontology is studied from a
wide variety of perspectives. We offer courses
on topics such as:
social aspects of aging
the aging mind
issues in aging families
social and health policy for an aging society
aging, work, retirement and pensions
images of aging in literature
aging and health
aging body
diversity and aging
aging and mental health
issues in long term care homes
research methods in gerontology.
Admission to Level II Enrollment in Honours Gerontology is limited.
Admission is competitive and is done through
an application process. To be considered,
students must complete the requirements of
any Level I program, including Health, Aging and
Society 1AA3 and 1BB3.
Strengths of the Program Faculty come from diverse academic
backgrounds with a wide range of
research interests and expertise
Provides a multi-disciplinary focus
on the study of aging and in-depth
knowledge on a wide range of topics
and issues in gerontology
Community professionals are involved
in the classroom, as placement
supervisors and as thesis advisors
Small class size allows for a high level
of student-faculty interaction and
fosters a “sense of community” among
students in the program
Experiential learning, with practical
and applied components, is available in
several courses
gerontology Gerontology is the interdisciplinary study
of aging, a fascinating and complex area
of investigation that requires integration
of biological, psychological, social, health
and economic knowledge. Gerontology
examines issues related to an aging
population and explores the meaning,
experiences and context of later life and
growing old.
Did You Know... McMaster was the first university to
offer an undergraduate Gerontology
program in Canada?
Health, Aging and Society 1BB3 students
have the opportunity to attend tutorials
led by older adults from the community?
Research interests of faculty who teach
Gerontology courses include: old age
security policies, health economics,
homecare workers and family inheritance?
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health, aging anD Society
Programs in Health, Aging and Society focus on the significance of health and aging in institutional and cultural contexts. The perspectives of
the social sciences are brought to bear on the diverse means and practices associated with health, aging and society.
Students will learn methodologies associated with the approaches, debates and representations of aging and health in a variety of context
(e.g., media, policy, literature). Special emphasis will be placed on the development of the students’ ability to critically analyze and interpret
information. In our Honours program two fields of study are available: Gerontology and Health Studies. There is also a BA program and a minor
in Health Aging and Society that combines the best of both areas of study.
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Admission to Level II Enrollment in Honours Health Studies is
limited. Admission is competitive and is
done through an application process. To
be considered, students must complete the
requirements of any Level I program, including
Health, Aging and Society 1AA3 and 1BB3.
Research Research interests of faculty who teach
in the program include:
the impact of environmental pollutants
on child health
cultural representations of health
and illness
migration of health care workers
social organization of cancer care
international comparison of disability
policy systems
complementary therapy use and health
care decision-making among people living
with HIV/AIDS
midwifery and maternity care
how religious beliefs influence and shape
illness and healing experiences
how social marginalization affects
people’s experiences of illness
rehabilitation policy.
Possible Careers Health Studies provides a solid basis for
informed engagement in community, cultural
and political contexts concerned with health
and illness. The skills that students learn will
be valuable preparation for many different
areas of work and study, including:
health-related occupations
other careers where health and health
care may be of interest, such as
journalism, public policy or law
further professional studies such as
nursing, social work or medicine
graduate studies.
Health Studies provides students with an
interdisciplinary background in the social and
cultural dimensions of health, illness and health
care. Health Studies examines the contributions
of Western medicine in the Canadian context,
explores other ways of understanding health
and illness, and examines health and health
care from an international perspective.
Focus of Study The broad aims are:
to introduce questions that social scientists
ask in the study of health and illness
to understand some of the implications of the
social and cultural study of health and illness
for health services and policies
to help students critically analyze and
interpret health-related information, debates
and representations in such contexts as:
the media, public policy, community activism,
literature and the arts.
Beyond first year, courses include:
Mental Health
Work and Health
Environment and Health
Ethical Issues
Disabilities and Chronic Illness
Health Economics
Social Aspects of Reproductive Health
Social Identity, Health & Illness
Health, Illness and the Body
Health Policy
Health in Cross Cultural and
International Perspectives.
As a minor, Health Studies complements
any four-year program.
health StuDieS
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Did You Know... students are able to become involved
in research projects with faculty?
The Labour Studies Online Learning
Centre (www.labourstudies.mcmaster.ca)
is one such student led project.
research activities of the unit are housed
in the Institute on Work in a Global
Society? Projects include:
- a major study of the relationship
between work organization and
heart disease
- the impact of globalization on social
cohesion amongst workers
- examining the treatment of contract
workers globally
- how reorganization of the public
sector has affected workers
- a study of international campaigns
to improve working conditions in
less developed economies
- work reorganization and work/family
balance in the public sector.
Honours students may complete a fourth-year
field placement course where they gain
practical experience in an area of interest?
You might:
sit at the bargaining table while GM
and the Canadian Automobile Workers
hammer out a deal
see what happens to workers when
a firm downsizes or introduces
new technology
help implement policies aimed at
reducing health and safety risks.
Possible Careers community outreach workers
international aid work
labour lawyers
human resource managers
union research officers
public policy analysts
arbitrators
employment equity officers
labour educators
A number of students have gone on to
law school, completed Masters in Industrial
Relations or the Masters in Work and
Society, taught by Labour Studies faculty
at McMaster.
Focus of Study Work is studied as one component of a
larger life experience that includes family life,
community relations, gender relations, and
state policy. The subject is broadly defined
to include those in paid and unpaid work,
and in traditional and non-traditional
workplaces. Course materials range from
medieval roots of modern labour markets to
discussions of how to deal with problems
created by globalization.
Admission to Level II Students must complete the requirements of
any Level I program including Labour Studies
1A03 and 1C03.
labour StuDieS
Labour Studies may be of interest to you if you would like to know: how work is changing in a global economy how unions are renewing themselves the impact of corporate strategies on workers how labour markets are being transformed how the role of women in the paid and unpaid
labour market is changing whether changes in the workplace are
improving the quality of life at work.
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Admission to Level II Students must complete the
requirements of any Level I program
including Political Science 1G06.
Did You Know... Some of our faculty research includes:
the impact of globalization and
the reasons for anti-globalization
demonstrations
racism and tolerance in the
United States and France
private non-governmental
authorities in the international
system (for example, private authority
of the internet)
restoration of the environment
around the Great Lakes
the political experience of refugees
reasons for economic success of
East Asia?
Political Science students have the
opportunity to combine theoretical and
practical learning:
in Political Science 3N06 Research
Methods, Statistics and Political
Analysis, as they conduct a general
social survey of the student body and
analyze the data
in Political Science 3S03 Local
Government and Politics in Canada,
when they visit City Hall and attend a
Council Meeting
when they attend various UN
simulations held each year around
North America?
Possible Careers journalists
policy analysts
data analysts
lawyers
media and communication
coordinators
political assistants
public affairs managers
human resource personnel
teachers
civil servants
Focus of Study The department covers all aspects of political science
with particular emphasis on:
Canadian Politics: public policy formation, social
movements, political parties, organized interests,
foreign defense and economic policy
Comparative Politics: theories of comparative politics,
methodology of comparative analysis, knowledge
of selected geographic areas and political systems,
human rights, regional integration and state policies.
International Relations: covering globalization,
international relations theory, international organizations
and international political economy.
Political Theory: examines political theory and the
questions and ideas that provide a basis for political
action. The major areas of study include the political
thought of the ancient Greeks, liberal-democratic
theory including theories of the market and the
political economy critique of liberal theory.
Public Policy: studies the way in which governments,
citizen groups, business, and other actors interact in
the development and implementation of government
policies. Students specializing in public policy learn
how to analyze government efforts to address public
policy problems.
political Science
Who gets what, when and how? Who rules? Where does the power lie in Canada? What drives globalization? Can it be stopped? In political science, we consider these and other questions in looking at the future of Canada and other countries around the world. We also look at issues such as justice, freedom and democracy and the relationship between individuals and governments. At the international level, students examine the cause of conflicts, the conditions for peace and the impact of regionalization and globalization on individuals and communities.
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Possible Careers Graduates are well prepared to pursue postgraduate training as well as
careers in medicine, neuroscience, law, speech and hearing pathology, clinical
psychology, forensics, business, teaching and environmental and biomedical
research. The types of entry-level jobs for which graduates are typically
prepared include those that use writing, analytical, people and research skills.
Admission to Level II Enrolment in the Honours BA program is limited. Students must complete
any Level I program including Psychology 1X03, 1XX3 with a grade of B- in
each and credit in Biology and Calculus.
For the BA program, students must complete any Level I program including
Psychology 1X03 with a grade of C- and Calculus must be completed by the
end of Level II.
Did You Know... The 90,000 square foot Psychology Building provides state-of-the-art
human and animal research facilities, including: an optical imaging
laboratory, a transgenic procedure suite, neurochemistry suites, a
computer lab, advanced eye-tracking and virtual reality systems,
equipment for transcranial magnetic stimulation and the largest number of
electroencephalography (EEG) systems in one department in Canada?
The Music Cognition Specialization is a new multidisciplinary program
which brings together science and the arts in a unique and innovative way;
studying questions about: the neural processing of music, the performance
and perception of music, how music induces emotional reactions and how
musical experience and training affect brain development?
Focus of Study Animal Behaviour: the use of ecological, evolutionary,
physiological and psychophysical approaches to
understand behaviour and cognition.
Cognition & Perception: Cognitive psychologists study
how people mentally represent their experience and
then use these representations to operate effectively.
Perception research seeks to understand how natural
and artificial stimuli interact with our sensory systems.
Developmental Psychology: is concerned with
factors that affect physical, perceptual, cognitive,
emotional and social development across the lifespan.
The relative contributions of innate and experiential
factors in development are studied.
Evolution & Social Behaviour: Evolutionary
psychology is where the study of social cognition,
development and behaviour is integrated with
the study of animal behaviour, physiology and the
evolution of behaviour.
Systems and Behavioural Neuroscience: The
question of how the brain works is a major focus of
this research area. Sensation, perception, learning,
memory, reasoning, emotion and all other aspects of
brain functioning depend on cellular communication
within the nervous system.
pSychology, neuroScience & behaviour
Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour is the scientific study of brain and behaviour. It covers topics from perception (how we see objects, process speed, hear music); to cognition (how we think); to emotion and social behaviour (how we feel, how we interact with others); to psychopathology (how and why does behaviour sometimes go wrong); to development and evolution (how organisms develop in various domains, the role of genetics in development, the role of environment) and how the brain develops and how experience influences its development.
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Possible Careers The usefulness of a religious study degree is
not limited to those who seek employment in
religious organizations and may include:
community workers
journalists
teachers
religious educators
public relations officers
civil servants.
Focus of Study McMaster specializes in:
Asian religions: both religious traditions
and the religion and culture of the
geographic area
Biblical studies: the Jewish and
Christian Bible, scriptural themes, the
history of early Judaism or Christianity
Contemporary and comparative
religions: cross-cultural study of
religious phenomena including cults
in North America; health, healing and
religion; death and dying
Western religious thought: Christian
thought of all periods and the encounter
of religious thought (both Christian and
Jewish) with the science and secularism
of the modern world.
Admission to Level II Completion of any Level I program including
six units of Religious Studies courses.
Did You Know... Faculty in Religious Studies at McMaster
are engaged in research on:
anthropology of pilgrimage, focusing on
an unofficial Catholic pilgrimage shrine
in Brittany
technology and ethics
Buddhism, alcohol and tea in
Medieval China
new Jewish healing groups
Japanese religions
Buddhist monastic law
the emerging dialogue between theology
and the new physics and biology
the publication of the Dead Sea Scrolls
new approaches to Jewish-Christian
relations in late antiquity?
Religions have variously shaped peoples’
ideas of what is real and important about
themselves and the world; created institutions
such as temples, schools, synagogues and
churches; produced literature in which they
have recalled their history, instructed their
followers and poured out their devotion;
organized rites and rituals for the ordering
of both the continuities and the changes
of individual and communal life; crowned
kings and queens and inspired revolutions.
The study of religion, then, is one of the
most comprehensive ways of understanding
humankind and human visions of reality.
religiouS StuDieS
All known civilizations, cultures and nations
have been deeply affected by religion.
16
Admission to Level IIEnrolment in this Honours program is limited.
Students must complete any Level I program
including Pscychology 1X03 and Sociology
1A06 with a grade of B- in each and credit in
at least nine units of other Social Sciences
courses from the following list:
Anthropology 1A03, 1B03, 1Z03
Economics 1B03, 1BB3
Geography 1HA3, 1HB3
Health, Aging and Society 1AA3, 1BB3
Inquiry 1SS3
Labour Studies 1A03, 1C03
Political Science 1G06
Psychology 1XX3
Religious Studies 1B06, 1D06, 1J03
Social Work 1A06
Possible Careers behaviour analyst
career counsellor
health care coordinator
human resources specialist
marketing research
parole officer
teacher
volunteer services
Did You Know... Some of our faculty research includes:
child and adult development
human sexuality
intergroup relations
ethnopolitical conflict
relationship between psychology
and sociology
community versus individuality
the social and personal impact of,
and response to, economic crises?
Social Psychology students have the
opportunity to combine theoretical and
practical learning:
in Social Sciences 3ZZ3 (Complex
Problems From a Multidisciplinary Social
Psychology Perspective), as they examine
social problems from a multidisciplinary
social psychology perspective
in Social Sciences 4ZZ6 (Integrative
Studies in Social Psychology), when
they get to participate in a seminar,
an experiential education opportunity,
an internship, a group thesis, or some
combination of experiences which result
in a capstone learning opportunity?
Students examine various aspects of
social psychology from a multidisciplinary
perspective to gain an understanding of
how individuals behave, how small groups
and communities interact and how societies
develop practices and priorities.
Focus of Study Students will learn how to locate themselves
in the complex fabrics of their cultures, their
geographies and their power relationships.
Students who are interested in many social
science perspectives on how people develop
over the lifespan and how they behave
both individually and socially in different
environments and circumstances should
consider this program.
Social pSychology
17
Admission to Level II Social Work offers two limited enrolment
programs, a combined BA/BSW and a BSW
(for students who already have a degree).
The BA/BSW program requires:
completion of the requirements of
any Level I program with a minimum
average of 67%
one of: Sociology 1A06 or Social Work 1A06
six additional units from: Social Sciences I
courses, Indigenous Studies 1A03, 1AA3,
Women Studies 1A03, 1AA3
submission of an application form to the
School of Social Work by March 1st of the
year you plan to start the program, and
completion of the Social Work Admissions
Test (S.W.A.T.)
Aboriginal applicants may request an
alternative admission process.
For detailed instructions on applying and
dates for the S.W.A.T. go to our website
(www.socsci.mcmaster.ca/socwork/)
Experiential Education You will have two field placements during
your degree. Working in a community
organization you will:
gain real-life experience working with
service users and community groups
apply skills and knowledge acquired in
academic courses
understand how social organizations and
networks work
collaborate with other professionals and
learn social work values and ethics
learn from and be supervised by a
practicing social worker.
Possible Careers Social workers work with and for all kinds of
people – people living in poverty, people who
are ill, living with disabilities, experiencing
mental health difficulties or addictions, those
in conflict with the law, people who are
young or old, refugees, new immigrants and
Indigenous people. Social workers make vital
contributions to the community by working as:
counsellors and advocates
community organizers
administrators
social planners, researchers and
policy analysts.
Have you ever wondered how personal problems
are caused or affected by society? Ever wanted
to understand and do something about injustice?
Social Work might be for you. Social Work
emphasizes the social context of what many
see as personal problems. Social workers use
their skills and knowledge to facilitate change
with and for people who are experiencing
difficulties in their lives and who struggle with
the impact of injustice and oppression.
As social workers, we see personal troubles
as inextricably linked to oppressive structures.
We believe that social workers must be actively
involved in the understanding and transformation
of injustices in social institutions and in the
struggles of people to maximize control over
their own lives.
Focus of Study Our program prepares graduates for the
general practice of social work by developing:
how to analyze personal, community, family
and societal problems – including how social
work and social welfare institutions affect
and respond to these problems
practical skills such as interviewing,
counselling, community development,
social action and advocacy
Social Work
Admission to Level IIStudents must complete the requirements of
any Level I program including Sociology 1A06.
Possible Careers advertising consultants
business consultants
career counselors
health care coordinators
human resource specialists
job analysts
labour researchers
media consultants
parole officers
police officers/administrators
recruiters
social workers
statisticians
systems analysts
teachers
Did You Know... Sociology faculty excel in both teaching and
research? Our faculty are currently involved
in the following research projects:
community attitudes toward adoption
anti-sweatshop campaigns
Hasidic communities in Canada
aboriginal/non-aboriginal relations
the Ukrainian Diaspora
struggles around worker health and
safety in Ontario
women, restructured work and unions
the transition from school to employment
and changing forms of competition
among students
sociology of the internet/cyberspace
the popularization of the idea of
“globalization”
HIV/AIDS and alternative approaches
to health care
social construction of geological science
male cosmetic surgery
family inheritance
men’s filial care-giving
hockey violence
recruitment of foreign-trained
professionals.
At the core of sociology is a concern with
various types of social inequality and
movements for social change. Sociologists
study a wide range of issues in a way that
helps to explain the relationship between
our personal experiences and the wider
organization of society.
Focus of Study The Sociology Department at McMaster offers
expertise in six core areas:
Social Inequalities, which examines
inequalities based on race, gender and class
Individual and Society, which examines how
individuals are shaped by social processes
Work, Occupations and Organizations, which
explores organizations, paid employment,
domestic work and labour unions
Comparative Sociology, in which institutions
are compared across cultures and history
Sociological Theory, which provides the
conceptual tools for analyzing social life
Sociological Methods, which provides the
methodological tools for analysis.
Sociology
18
Sociology is the study of individuals,
groups, patterned behaviours, and social
institutions such as the family, education,
health and health care, the criminal
justice system, media, paid and unpaid
work, and politics.
tours .mcmaster.ca
viSitorinFormation
Regular Campus ToursCampus tours take about 1½ hours and are conducted by McMaster students. The entire
campus is covered in the tour including a visit to at least one residence building. Please note:
advanced notice of two to three working days is required
tours are available Monday to Friday, from October 4 to December 7, 2010
and January 10 to April 5, 2011
tour times are 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
campus tours may be scheduled on some Saturdays with at least one
week’s advance notice
campus tours are also available throughout the summer, from mid-May
to the beginning of August
You can meet students, staff and faculty, all who help define the distinct personality of
the University. McMaster offers many opportunities to do this, from simply spending a
couple of hours touring the campus to staying for a whole day and attending scheduled
activities during one of our special visit days. Please contact us in advance to book your
campus visit. This will ensure that we have time to make the necessary arrangements for
you. When you register for your visit you will receive details about start times, location,
where to park, etc. Remember parents and friends are always welcome to join you!
A visit is the best way to learn more about a university and get a feel for the campus.
Special visit eventsComplimentary parking passes
will be provided for registered
campus tour visitors upon
arrival. Please refer to your
tour booking confirmation
e-mail for further details. It is
best to enter the campus via
the Sterling Street entrance
(Central Campus). Directions
can be found online at:
www.mcmaster.ca/welcome/findus.cfm
To register for a campus tour,
contact the Student Recruitment &
Admissions Office:
Tour Portal tours.mcmaster.ca
e-mail [email protected]
phone 905-525-9140 ext. 23650
fax 905-524-3550
Fall PreviewOctober 30, 2010
visit display areas and talk
with reps from academic,
service areas and student
groups in a relaxed and
informal Roam Around Session
tour the campus
March BreakMonday, March 14 –
Friday, March 18, 2011
regular campus tours
faculty-specific activities
available
be sure to register in advance
as group sizes are limited
May@Mac Saturday, May 7, 2011
University-wide Open House event
applicants will be sent information
in the Spring
includes campus bus tours, special
facility tours, sample lectures and lab
demonstrations, opportunities to speak
with professors, staff and students
Virtual Tour (tours.mcmaster.ca)Unable to visit McMaster in person? Explore our picturesque
campus via one of our online tours. You can take a Guided
Tour that follows the same route as an in-person walking
tour, create a personalized tour or simply explore major
campus hotspots. We also offer a basic version for users
with a slower internet connection or older computer.
Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA L8S 4L8
905 525-9140 ext. 23650
www.mcmaster.ca
Still have questions?ask.mcmaster.ca