Honours
Are you excited about conducting your own research? Are you thinking about continuing your studies in sociology? If so, the honours program is for you!
Honours Program Information
Students in the honours thesis program are engaged in original, innovative, cutting-edge research. Each year honours students conduct research on social issues ranging from policing and crime control to food production and the healthcare system.
Recent honours student work
This year’s honours students have produced a set of fascinating theses.
Arista Marthyman
Arista Marthyman
“Language Support, Interpretation or Advocacy? How Uncertified Interpreters for Migrant Workers in British Columbia Perceive Their Role, Navigate Power Dynamics and Manage Ethical Challenges.”
Description:
My qualitative interview research examines how uncertified interpreters for migrant agricultural workers in British Columbia perceive their own role and responsibility as an interpreter. The research also studies how their positionality, history and experiences shape their work. Additionally, this research explores how they navigate power dynamics and respond to ethical challenges as they provide interpretation for migrant workers who experience disempowerment, structural violence and precarious immigration status.
Mila Klapstein
Mila Klapstein
“Pedagogy to Oppression: An Exploratory Application Analysis of Canada’s Education System.”
Description:
My analysis examines the oppressive structuring of education systems in Canada through the application of theoretical frameworks such as Indigenous pedagogy and epistemologies, as well as critical pedagogy. The thesis argues that colonial education systems perpetuate and reproduce cycles of inequality through its pedagogical foundations. A reflexive approach is taken as I recognize the importance in situating my position and privilege in society when exploring any sociological phenomenon.
Felix Morrow
Felix Morrow
“The Tragedy of the Commodity and the State: A Comparative Case Study of the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna and Newfoundland Cod Fishery Collapses.”
Description:
The world’s oceans are in a state of deep ecological crisis. At the root of the problem is the economic logic of capitalism and the state structures that allow for and maintain the process of accumulation in fisheries. My study compares the cases of Atlantic bluefin tuna and Newfoundland cod fishery collapses to test and improve the theory of the tragedy of the commodity to improve sociology's understanding of the social forces that are driving the ocean crisis.
The program is recommended for anyone who is planning to pursue a graduate degree or who wants to find answers to sociological problems. Honours alumni students are well placed to take advantage of a broad range of study and work opportunities.
Program benefits include:
- The opportunity to get the most from your education and to move from studying to doing sociology.
- The ability to work one-on-one with a faculty supervisor.
- Regular interaction with a small group of highly motivated and committed students in sociology.
- Early exposure to the type of educational experience typical of master’s and doctoral programs.
- Access to some of the opportunities and benefits available to graduate students (e.g., space, invitations to departmental seminars).
- Opportunities to interact with graduate students and faculty members.
- Strengthening your application to graduate programs in sociology and other academic programs.
- Acquiring skills (analytical, writing, research) that provide a competitive advantage in the context of an increasingly knowledge-based economy.
- Receiving a degree that is widely recognized as a sign of academic excellence by employers.
- Eligibility for the Cecilia Benoit Sociology Honours Essay Award.
The essay usually consists of a library-research based review of literature on a sociological topic, including analytical comments and suggestions for future research or an empirical research project.
The essay allows you to explore the literature and write comprehensively on a specific problem or issue while learning the principles of sound argumentation and analytical writing at an advanced level.
The specific requirements for the essay are negotiated with the supervisor who monitors your progress and provides guidance.
SOCI 499 is a seminar designed to support you through the various stages involved in completing your graduating essay, including selecting a supervisor, identifying a topic, developing a proposal, establishing a timeline and plan of action, completing the research, and reporting the results.
For more information on the honours program, see the Honours FAQ.