I know you are probably sick of these questions about courses however I have a serious (in my opinion) predicament. I was thinking of taking Sociology this year however my brother and father both told me it is a useless girly course and that I should take Politics instead. So I am currently signed up for POL108Y1Y, I was just wondering… do you have to write a lot of essays in that course? No can seem to provide me with an answer. Also is Sociology really that bad???
Oh my. Askastudent’s fingers are hovering over this qwerty keyboard poised in attack formation.
Let’s take some time to deconstruct your father and brother’s sentiments…
a) sociology = useless: Sociology basically studies people… people in society. What discipline could have a greater degree of real-life application? It may sound generic, but sociology can offer a great lens through which you may study any number of societal issues. Do people interest you? Then you’ll find that SOC can be quite useful.
b) sociology = girly: Does Sociology really exhibit the physical characteristics of a pre-pubescent human female? No. Is it of greater pertinence to females? Let’s see. I spoke to 2 sociology students who, combined, have had a total of 1 female Prof. Now let’s play a game! Here is a list of some “manly” words. Guess which ones are taken from SOC course names. Ready? (hint: it’s all of them).
Law
Deviance & Control
Work & Occupations
Power and Policy
Status
Crime & Delinquency
Technology
Labour
So, if Sociology involves men teaching “manly” things… I guess it does sounds pretty girly after all. (point made).
c) sociology = useless and girly: it doesn’t take a Linguist to read between the lines here. By juxtaposing the words “useless” and “girly”, your father and brother are saying many things, none of which are not misogynistic.
If you are a guy, I am excited that you will be leaving that macho nest of homophobia. If you are a girl, you will be able to take a deep breath of non-sexist air here at UofT (where the subordination and degradation of women is a dying disease – albeit not as quickly as many would like).
d) …Politics instead: sweet mama it goes from bad to worse! If this refers to the academic discipline of Political Science I’ve got a news flash for your kin: political science = the sociology of politics.
POL108 is an amazing course and is half taught by Janice Stein: one of the world’s leading authorities on conflict management and negotiation. When I took it, she had to leave to set up Dalton McGuinty’s newly elected government. Janice… why that name sounds a little… girly, don’t you think?
On the other hand, if your father wants you to be a Politician, note that this is not synonymous with Political Science. If he HAS decided that this is the best profession for you, tell him that your chances via Sociology are just as good (Harper did economics, Bush did history). Then tell him that you are going to be whatever you want to be.
I could go on forever.
At this rate, I can’t believe your father is allowing you to get an education. Shouldn’t you be cleaning his trousers on the washboard? and who will help mother fetch water from the well?
Do yourself a favour: wash off the sepia tone, lose the bonnet, and then take Sociology (…then pass this on your loved ones).
Ps. To answer your question: there will likely only be a couple writing assignments in POL108 (1 research essay), and the reading is relatively light too. Don’t get too hung up on how much writing there is in any course though, it is not indicative of how hard/demanding the course is.