The Graduate

Handbook


Department of Sociology & Anthropology

Sociology MA Program
Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 2

Welcome

Welcome to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and the Masters degree
program. The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is well established and has
been offering a Masters degree in Sociology since 1967. To date, over 400 students have
been granted the degree. Their research has focused on a range of topics representing the
breadth of the sociological spectrum. Our MA program provides students with the
opportunity to become actively engaged in research, teaching and professional practice,
and offers students the flexibility to identify an area of research and scholarly inquiry that
they can pursue with passion and commitment. Part of this flexibility stems from our
faculty who have expertise in a wide variety of topics including global agro-food
systems, communities, and rural change; work, gender and change in a global context;
criminology and criminal justice; as well as gender, diversity and social equality.

In offering you a position in the program, we, as a department, are confident that you
have the aptitude, skills, and ambition to succeed, and we will make every effort to
support you in your journey through the program. Your success depends on your efforts.

This Handbook is intended to assist you in orienting yourself within the department and
in planning your route map for the MA program. It further details the general policies
and procedures presented in the Calendar of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University
of Guelph, and, in some instances, presents additional Departmental policies authorized
by the Graduate Calendar. It also offers informal tips and strategies to complete the
program in a timely manner.
The Whos Who of the Graduate Student Program
Graduate Secretary: The Graduate Secretary is the daily link between students and the
department. S/he can advise on most technical issues relating to matters such as course
additions and deletions, deadlines, leaves of absence almost anything you might need to
know.

Graduate Coordinator: The Graduate Coordinator is the academic head of the graduate
program. S/he is responsible for approving your course selections for each semester and
can give permission to substitute courses if appropriate. The Coordinator approves
advisory committees. When students have successfully defended their Thesis proposals
or Major Research Paper proposals, the Graduate Coordinator must approve them. The
Graduate Coordinator is also responsible for organizing MA thesis defences.

Graduate Committee: The Graduate Committee consists of the Coordinator and two
other faculty members, plus a student elected by the graduate students. The Committee
reads all MA application forms and selects those who will be offered a place in the
program. (The student does not participate in the selection process). The Committee
considers course changes and changes to the structure of the program. Students should
feel free to approach any member of the Graduate Committee for advice.
Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 3


Graduate Representatives:
The graduate representatives are elected by the graduate students. All committee
members, with or without voting privileges, must be democratically elected. Positions
normally run from J anuary to J anuary. The second/third year students are responsible for
calling a meeting of the graduate students (MA and PhD), taking nominations and setting
up the election process. Once this has taken place, please report the positions to the
Graduate Program Secretary.
1. Departmental Representative (one person required):
Responsible for attending and representing the Graduate Students in the
Department of Sociology & Anthropology at all departmental meetings held
weekly. Responsible for reporting any relevant issues and concerns to the student
body and voting on behalf of student interests.

2. Graduate Student Affairs Representative (one person required):
Responsible for attending and representing the Graduate Students in the
Department of Sociology & Anthropology at all Graduate Affairs Committee
meetings held during the semester. Representative is involved in forming
recommendations pertaining to Graduate policy in the Department.

3. Graduate Student Association (GSA) Representative (two persons required):
Responsible for attending and representing the Graduate Students in the
Department of Sociology & Anthropology at all GSA board meetings held every
third Wednesday. Responsible for holding meetings as necessary to inform the
student body of pertinent issues. As a member of the GSA, the representative
must sit on one additional committee as per GSA requirements.

4. Personnel Committee (one person required):
This committee reviews applicants for faculty positions and recommends an
individual to the faculty members. The job entails review of all applicant profiles,
meetings to short list candidates and interviews as well as lunches with the
candidates. Finally, the committee meets to decide on the recommendation. It is
also asked that the member attend the department meeting where the
recommendation will be announced to defend why the decision was made.

5. Cupe 3913, Unit One (GTA Union):
The union asks for one representative from the Graduate Students in each
Department. This position does not have to be elected by the student body. A
student contacts the Union him/her self, if interested in the position.

The Department Chair: The Department Chair is the head of both the academic and
administrative units of the Department. S/he has ultimate responsibility for the Graduate
Program and for ensuring that the program conforms to the rules established by the
University Senate.

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The Dean of Graduate Studies: Like a chair, the Dean of Graduate Studies has many
responsibilities. Most importantly, it is the Deans duty to ensure the fair application of
the rules and procedures of the university relating to graduate students. The rules for
appealing decisions to the Dean of Graduate Studies can be found at:
http://www.uoguelph.ca/GraduateStudies/calendar/genreg/index.shtml

When You Arrive
When you arrive, you should report to the Graduate Secretary and the Department's
Graduate Coordinator who will assist you with your first semester registration.
Registration takes place through Web Advisor. Please check the schedule of dates on the
web as to when registration and payment of fees is required:
http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/graduate/current/sched/index.shtml
To activate your registration for each semester, you must use the following number:
UNIV 7510 Active Full-time Registration. There is a new synonym number for this
course each semester. You must register for at least one course; if you have completed
your courses, please register for UNIV 7500 Thesis/Research Writing or SOC*6660
Major Research Paper. You are allowed to register your courses until the end of the
add period. Please take note of the last date to do so (on the web). For complete
information on the registration process, please visit the registration information webpage
http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/graduatestudies/index.cfm?regguide

Payment of Fees
There are several options for payment: debit, certified cheque, money order, or
internet/telephone banking and wire transfer. Personal cheques and cash are not be
accepted. Again, check the schedule of dates on the web.
The fee schedule is found on Web Advisor. Graduate students also have the option of
having their GTA salary applied towards their tuition. If you opt for payroll deduction, it
is your responsibility to select this settlement option in the Graduate Settlement menu
in Web Advisor by the published settlement date.

The Basics: Mapping the Landscape of Sociology/Anthropology MA
Programs
Before you arrive, the Graduate Committee will have carefully reviewed your records. If
there are deficiencies in your academic background, the Committee will have specified in
your letter of acceptance the courses you must take in preparation for graduate studies.
You may choose to take the necessary courses before you arrive at the University of
Guelph or you may take them simultaneously with your other MA courses.

The Master of Arts Program in Sociology covers the following areas of specialization:
Global Agro-Food Systems, Communities and Rural Change
Work, Gender and Change in a Global Context
Criminology and Criminal J ustice
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Global Agro-Food Systems, Communities and Rural Change
This area includes rural Sociology and rural development (Canada and international),
women and gender relations in development, anthropology of development, Sociology of
agriculture and of the rural community, community development, political economy of
rural agricultural systems and the like, agro-food systems, environment, subsistence and
commodification.

Work, Gender and Change in a Global Context
This area incorporates Sociology of work, the workplace, political economy, labour
markets, transition from school to work, skills and lifelong learning, technological
change, women and work, work and economic restructuring, the labour movement,
labour process and social policy.

Criminology and Criminal Justice
This area covers Sociology of policing, corrections and penology, violent crime,
Sociology of law, criminological theory, critical criminology, street youth, young
offenders, gender and offending, and criminal justice theory.

Research in Social Anthropology
The Department welcomes applications from students with a background in
Anthropology and offers several Anthropology courses at the graduate level. The
anthropologists in the Department, all specializing in social or cultural Anthropology are
involved in teaching graduate courses and supervising graduate students. A student
interested in doing research in Social Anthropology will have an opportunity to do so.

The Department also participates in the collaborative MA program in International
Development Studies (CIDS) and the PhD in Rural Studies program.

In addition to course offerings within the Department, students are encouraged to make
use of relevant graduate courses from other units of the University. The Department
participates in the work of various other programs in the University, which are of an
interdisciplinary character. Students planning to undertake a degree in Sociology while
also undertaking work in a related discipline should discuss this matter in detail with the
Departmental Coordinator of Graduate Studies upon arrival at the University of Guelph.

Options
There are two options available for completing the degree. Students may elect to proceed
toward the degree by either:

Writing a thesis and completing a minimum of 2.0 credits
Writing a major paper and completing a minimum of 4.0 credits


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MA IN SOCIOLOGY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS


CORE COURSES CREDITS THESIS MAJOR PAPER
SOC*6070, Sociological Theory 0.5

SOC*6130, Quantitative
Research Methods
0.5

SOC*6140, Qualitative Research
Methods
0.5

SOC*6660, Major Paper 1.0 ---

SOC*6700, Pro-Seminar 0.0

Other Sociology Courses 0.5 each at least 1 at least 3
SUMMARY: 4 Sociology grad courses
+pro-sem +thesis (2.0
credits)
6 Sociology grad courses
+pro-sem +major paper
(4.0 credits)

Fields of Study

1. Global Agro-Food Systems, Communities and Rural Change
Core Course: SOC*6420, Development, Community and Rurality Systems

2. Work, Gender and Change in a Global Context
Core Course: SOC*6480, Sociology of Organizations

3. Criminology and Criminal Justice
Core Course: SOC*6350, The Sociology of Crime

4. Other
SOC* 6270, Diversity and Social Equality
SOC*6460, Gender and Development

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COLLABORATIVE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
MA IN SOCIOLOGYPROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

CORE COURSES CREDIT THESIS MAJOR PAPER
SOC*6070, Sociological Theory 0.5

SOC*6130, Quantitative Research
Methods OR SOC*6140,
Qualitative Research Methods
0.5

SOC*6660, Major Paper 1.0 ---

SOC*6700, Pro-Seminar 0.0

Other Sociology Courses 0.5 each at least 1 at least 3
SUMMARY: 3 Sociology grad courses
+thesis (1.5 credits)
PLUS ALL CIDS
REQUIREMENTS
5 Sociology grad courses +
major paper (3.5 credits)
PLUS ALL CIDS
REQUIREMENTS
CIDS INTER-DISCIPLINARY CORE COURSES

Sociology & Anthropology (Take one of the following)
SOC*6460, Gender and Development
SOC*6420, Development, Community and Rurality
SOC*6270, Diversity and Social Equality
CDE*6420, Communication Development

Geography (One of the following)
GEOG*6400, Urbanization and Development
GEOG*6450, Political Identities, Territory and Territoriality
EDRD*6050, Farming Systems Analysis and Development (with permission of instructor)

Economics (One of the following)
ECON*6370, Economic Development in Historical Perspective
AGEC*6600, World Agriculture and Economic Development
ECON*6350, Economic Development (with permission of instructor)

Political Science (Take one of the following)
POLS*6730, Comparative/International Politics of Development
POLS*6750, Development and Administration

Plus: IDEV*6100, International Development Studies Seminar (two semester course,
Fall and Winter).

Optional CIDS Courses:
IDEV*6000, Regional Context
IDEV*6500, Fieldwork in International Development Studies
Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 8


Facilities
There are a number of facilities on campus to help you complete your work while staying
connected to the Department and to your colleagues in the program.

Housing: For complete information on housing please visit
http://www.housing.uoguelph.ca/home.cfm

Work Space Options: While you might like to work off campus, there are a number of
facilities reserved especially for you on campus:

Blackwood Hall 214 - In September you can request a key to the study space in
Blackwood Hall 214 dedicated to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology
graduate students.

MacKinnon 628 Graduate Lounge and Computer Lab

Library Carrels -In September you can apply for a carrel which you may share with
another graduate student in McLaughlin Library. This carrel provides you with desk
space and a convenient locker for books.

Library Offices - You can also apply for an office in the library. However, each graduate
student is entitled to an office for one six week period. Many students pursue this
workspace option when they are researching and writing their Major Research Paper or
Thesis. Offices are single occupancy. To apply for either a carrel or an office, please see
http://www.lib.uoguelph.ca/research/study_space/

Open Workspace - The basement of the library, where the government documents are
located, is a great place to study as it is both spacious and quiet. Food and drinks are
permitted in all study areas in the library.

Teaching Assistant Space
If part of you Teaching Assistant duties require that you meet with students, MacKinnon
Room 504 is available to all GTAs. See the Graduate Secretary for a key.

Departmental Communication
You will be assigned a mailbox in MacKinnon 623 which you will want to check
regularly for paper mail. You will also be assigned a Guelph email account and password
which will enable you to access WebAdvisor, a principal form of communication for all
graduate students.

Computer Access
Graduate Computer Lab -The newly renovated lab, located in the basement of the
MacKinnon building is reserved for graduate students in the College of Applied Human
and Social Sciences. To obtain a key, contact the graduate secretary.

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Library Computers and Laptops - While in the library, students may use the many
desktops (availability is usually best in the basement). Students can also use the
University of Guelph laptops, available through the reserve desk in the McLaughlin
Library. If you have your own laptop with a wireless connection you can access the
internet on your own computer from within the library and most buildings on campus.


Computing Assistance
Learning Commons - Located in the back of the first floor of the library, the Learning
Commons offers a range of workshops, pamphlets and other services.
http://www.learningcommons.uoguelph.ca/

Computing and Communication Services - Located directly behind the MacKinnon
Building, and on-line at http://www.uoguelph.ca/ccs/ they provide a wide range of
micro-based and main-frame statistical, word-processing and other computer
applications.

Computer Services within the Department - You can also obtain computing and
statistical consulting from our Departmental Computer Coordinator located in
MacKinnon 618.

There are also athletic facilities, health and counselling services, and daycare services
available.

Research Assistance
Excellence as a graduate student requires that you expand and refine your research skills.

Librarians - are experts in research methods and strategies for accessing materials and
are essential in your research skill development. Please make a point of utilizing the
librarians at the reference desk in the library when orienting yourself to the University of
Guelph library system. In addition, the department is assigned an information specialist
a librarian specifically for Sociology and Anthropology. For further details on library
services and resources for graduate students, see http://www.lib.uoguelph.ca/

Electronic Journals - The University of Guelph subscribes to an impressive variety of
services that allow you to access a tremendous number of journals on line. A special
procedure is required to connect to these services off campus. Details are found at
https://www.lib.uoguelph.ca/web/off_campus_log_in.cfm


Trellis - Guelphs library resources are shared with the University of Waterloo and
Wilfrid Laurier University. When you want to access books shelved at Waterloo or
Laurier you must complete an on-line request form. The service takes roughly two days:
http://trellis3.tug-libraries.on.ca/

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Teaching Support Services - TTS has a good reference library that you might want to
use if you are conducting tutorials: http://www.tss.uoguelph.ca/

Career Services
Career services offers help for those looking for jobs:
http://www.cecs.uoguelph.ca/home/

Office of Graduate Studies
The Office of Graduate Studies is located on the third floor of the University Centre.
Students will have to go to GPS to hand in their thesis and apply to graduate. They are
available to assist graduate students with the successful completion of their program.


Social Activities
A graduate student lounge is provided on the fifth floor, University Centre. It
serves as an interdisciplinary meeting place for graduate students. Less expensive
lunches and drinks are found there.

Intramural Sports: baseball (slow pitch), soccer, basketball, volleyball. For more
information, check with the athletic department.

Informal gatherings of graduate students are frequent.

Social gatherings are occasionally organized by the Department of Sociology &
Anthropology faculty.


Problems
There are a number of people to help you, if you have any problems along the way these
include your advisor, the Graduate Program Secretary, the Graduate Coordinator, the
Graduate Student Representative, the Departmental Chair, Office of Graduate Studies, as
well as the various available counselling services. If one place or person cannot directly
help you with whatever the problem is, they may be able to direct you in the appropriate
direction.

Student Rights & Responsibilities
You can pick up a copy of the University of Guelph Student Rights and Responsibilities
brochure from the Office of Student Affairs, 4
th
floor University Centre or on-line
http://www.uoguelph.ca/studentaffairs/home/documents/SRRBrochureAug092.pdf

Procedures, Necessary Forms & Formalities
Before you arrive, your records will have been reviewed carefully by the Departmental
Graduate Affairs Committee and, wherever there are deficiencies in your background, the
Committee will have specified courses you must take in preparation for graduate courses.
You will be informed of any such courses in the letter of acceptance sent to you by the
Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 11

Department, and you may choose to take the necessary courses before you arrive at the
University of Guelph.

The Graduate Coordinator will inform you as to which faculty members, on the basis of
their areas of specialization, are likely candidates for membership on your Advisory
Committee. You will be encouraged and opportunities will be arranged, for you to meet
as many of the graduate faculty as possible as early as possible. The graduate coordinator
will fill out your progress report for the first semester. It is strongly recommended,
especially if you plan to graduate in three semesters, that you choose your permanent
Advisor by the end of the first semester and the rest of your committee by the middle of
the second semester.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships
If you have been assigned a Teaching Assistantship, you will need to contact the
instructor of the course to which you are assigned. You need to find out the professor's
expectations of you for the assistantship and then NEGOTIATE its terms. If you feel
uncomfortable with some aspect of it, discuss it with the professor at that time!!!

GTA Contract
Every GTA must submit a form entitled "Assignment of Work Agreement which will
outline the expectations of the student during the assistantship and the amount of time to
be spent on those expectations. The GTA's Duties should be as detailed as possible and
must be submitted to the Graduate Program Secretary within two weeks of the start of a
new semester. The original signed copy of the agreement is returned to the Graduate
Program Secretary. You should keep a photocopy of the contract and another copy
should be kept by the Professor. The Statement cannot exactly resemble reality but it
should be followed as closely as possible throughout the semester.

This form should be revised to reflect your agreement. A blank copy of this form will be
distributed with the GTA assignment and time sheet, which is for your own use. Other
copies are available from the Graduate Program Secretary.

The GTA must also sign the assignment letter accepting the position and return it to the
Graduate Program Secretary.

You are expected to work 140 hours over approximately 14 weeks. On average, a full
GTA is expected to work 10 hours per week and a half GTA is expected to work 5
hours per week. Under the terms of the collective agreement, GTAs cannot work
more than 28 hours in any one week. The department does not have extra money to
pay overtime. If you are approaching the 28 hour maximum in any one week,
please notify your instructor immediately.

Copies of the collective agreement between the University and CUPE will be put into
your mail box shortly after the beginning of your first semester. Check with the Graduate
Program Secretary as to which graduate student is the union representative.

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Advisor and Advisory Committee
Masters Advisory Committee: The Masters thesis committees normally will be
comprised of two members, the supervisor, and one additional committee member.

Co-supervisors: It is possible for the additional committee member to serve as co-
chair. This situation would normally arise under one of the following conditions:
a. The student and the supervisor recognise that another faculty member has a
valuable complementary area of expertise essential to the students thesis work,
and that the student would prefer to work with that faculty member on a more
regular basis than is customary in the case of a regular committee member.
b. In the course of pursuing their thesis the student finds that it is advantageous to
consult with additional committee member considerably more than was foreseen
when the committee was originally struck. In this case it may be appropriate for
the additional committee member to be reclassified as co-chair. The original
supervisor should take the initiative and inform the graduate chair and the
graduate secretary of this change. A new advisory committee form would need
to be completed.

Masters Thesis Defence Committee: The committee consists of the supervisor and an
additional committee member. In addition there must be an Administrative Chair of each
thesis defence whose duties will consist of:
- arranging to have the appropriate forms at the defence
- managing the thesis defence, deciding the order of questioners, and moderating
the discussion
- the Chair would not necessarily be expected to read the thesis
- the Chair would not be required to direct questions to the student but could do
so during the informal question period

Thesis Examiner: Each defence must have an Examiner selected by the students thesis
committee in consultation with the student, who would consist of a faculty member who
is external to the students thesis committee but who would normally be internal to the
Department. The examiner must be a tenured faculty member. The duties of the
Examiner would be:
- to read the thesis
- to indicate in a short written report the strengths and weaknesses of the thesis, to
be submitted to the thesis supervisor at least one week prior to the scheduled
defence date.
- To attend the thesis defence
- To direct questions to the student in the thesis defence
- To vote in the defence process


Program Planning
You must meet with your Advisory Committee to plan your program. In consultation
with your Committee, you are required to develop a plan of study, which consists of a
statement of proposed courses and a projection of when you anticipate completing each
Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 13

stage of your program. This plan of study must be approved by both your Committee and
the Graduate Coordinator who, when necessary, will consult the Department Graduate
Affairs Committee.

Once you have formed your Advisory Committee and planned your program, you must
fill out the Advisory Committee form and the Graduate Degree Program Form
(Appendix B). Submit a written copy of these forms, signed by your advisor, the
Graduate Coordinator and yourself, to the Graduate Program Secretary. The original of
the Advisory Committee form will be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies and a copy
will be kept in your department file. The Degree Program form is kept only in your
department file. It is strongly recommended that you complete these forms no later
than the end of February.

The plan of study for completion will not be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies,
but it will be used in evaluating your progress, both by your Advisory Committee and,
when necessary, by the Department Graduate Affairs Committee.

On the matter of timetable for completion, it should be noted that, excluding make-up
undergraduate work, it is possible for the program in this Department to be completed in
three full-time semesters or the equivalent; and students are encouraged to try to do so.
Needless to say, this requires prompt selection of an Advisory Committee, early
specification of the thesis or major paper topic, and considerable concentration and effort.
Students are encouraged to be realistic about their timetables.

Advisory Committee Meetings
The minimum number of meetings for students doing a thesis is two plus the oral
examination. The first meeting must take place by the middle of the student's second
semester after the committee is formed. The second meeting held toward the end of the
program is typically used to discuss thesis direction and progress.

The minimum number of meetings for students doing a major paper is one. The timing
would be the same as the first meeting for students doing a thesis.

While the Department Graduate Affairs Committee and, ultimately, the Department Chair
are responsible for monitoring your program and progress, day-to-day responsibility is
delegated to your Advisor and Advisory Committee. It is this committee which has
major responsibility for assessing your needs and in helping you develop your program
and your timetable. In addition, your Committee also provides counselling throughout
the program. At a more formal level, your committee reviews your progress and
performance at the conclusion of each semester and reports to the Department Graduate
Affairs Committee which, in turn, reports to the Graduate Faculty of the Department.
Each of you will receive a copy of the progress report and a report of any
recommendations made by your Advisory Committee, the Graduate Affairs Committee,
or the Graduate Faculty.

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As you proceed through your program, there may be compelling reasons for you to
reconstitute your committee or to make changes in your program. You may do so
without prejudice, but you should not request changes without giving careful thought to
their overall implications for completing your degree on schedule. Any changes in your
program should be done in close consultation with your Advisory Committee. The
proposed changes are then submitted to the Graduate Coordinator for further disposition.
A revised Advisory Committee form or Degree Program form must be completed and
signed by your Advisor and the Graduate Coordinator. These are then submitted to the
Graduate Program Secretary, who will forward and file them as required.

In order to graduate, you must have demonstrated to a majority of the members of your
Advisory Committee that you have achieved competence in theory and in methods. In
most instances, this will involve your having successfully completed SOC*6070 (or
ANTH*6080), ANTH*6140, and SOC*6130.

Thesis
If you are writing a thesis, you must register for UNIV*7500, Thesis/Research Writing
once your courses are completed. This course number has no credit. The time available
for selecting a thesis topic, reviewing the literature, working through the theoretical
orientation, and developing research strategies is very short. Therefore, for those who
intend to write a thesis, the first rough draft of a thesis proposal should be completed no
later than several weeks after the start of the second semester. A well-articulated thesis
proposal should be completed by the end of the second semester. Incoming students
who wish to proceed by way of a thesis should make this early development of the
proposal a top priority and should move as quickly as possible toward the selection of
their Advisor and Advisory Committee.

The Decision to do a thesis should be reached by the student in close consultation with
his/her Advisory Committee, and in all cases the decision must be approved by the
Committee.

If the Advisory Committee approves, the final draft of the thesis proposal may be
circulated to the Graduate Faculty for input. In the wake of any feedback, the Committee
may then advise the student to proceed with the research with or without further
modification of the proposal. A thesis proposal approval form should be signed by the
Advisory Committee and the proposal is filed in students file.

The Thesis Proposal in many respects is perhaps more difficult and challenging than the
thesis itself. It fulfils important functions for the student and the Advisory Committee.

The thesis proposal forces the student to articulate a manageable problem and select
appropriate strategies of inquiry. It provides a framework for the work which follows
and a timetable for completion.

For the Advisory Committee, it represents a working agreement, a consensus regarding
the major research decisions, which will not be questioned later except in terms of quality
Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 15

of execution. It provides a statement of purpose against which the completed thesis can
be evaluated.

The proposal need not be lengthy, but should be complete. Format is difficult to specify
because of the number of research options. Generally, however, the proposal includes the
following items:

A clear statement of the problem in terms of theoretical context and practical
relevance. An extensive review of the literature is not required, but the student
should make explicit the theoretical context and tradition of inquiry in which the
work is set.
An explicit statement of the research design for empirical research. Where and as
relevant, this will include a statement of major research decisions, such as
sampling, operational definitions, strategies for data collection, and methods of
data analysis.
A statement of any ethical problems which might be foreseen in the research and
the strategies proposed for their solution.
A statement of any unusual needs in terms of organizational liaison, access to
confidential data or financial resources in which outside agencies or the
University might have to intervene.
A concise timetable for the completion of the thesis.

This list applies primarily to projects which involve actual field research. However, a
student may elect to do a thesis on theoretical or methodological issues, or an empirical
one employing extant data. In these cases, the proposal would be altered accordingly.

NOTE: A more detailed document Thesis Proposal Guidelines is available from the
Graduate Program Secretary.

The thesis itself is closely monitored by the student's Advisor, but the student should be
sure that all members of the Advisory Committee are kept up to date along the way.
When conflicting advice is received from members of the Advisory Committee, the
student is urged to have the Advisor call a meeting of the Advisory Committee so that
differences can be reconciled.

If possible, illustrations should be positioned in the same way as the main text (the type
reading across the 8" dimension). Illustrated material will reproduce well if drawn in
dark opaque ink. On a microfilm, colours appear as varying shades of grey. Therefore,
labels and symbols should be used rather than colours to identify the lines of a graph.
Cross-hatching provides sharper contrast than colour when, for example, illustrating
countries on a map.

It is preferable that you put the legend on the same page as chart, graph, map, illustration
and table. If, due to the size of illustration, this is not possible, facing pages are
acceptable. Please note that both the facing legend page and the illustration page itself
must be numbered separately.
Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 16


An Abstract is required for the thesis and must not be more than 350 words in length.

A Certificate of Approval is required for each of the two official copies of every thesis,
bearing the signatures of the Examination Committee.

The preferred order of sequence of the components of the thesis follows:

Library Circulation Authority (first official copy only)
Title page, including international copyright symbol
Certificate of Approval (first two official copies only)
Abstract
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents
List of Tables (if any)
List of Figures, Illustrations, Plates (if any)
Body of Text
Bibliography or References
Appendices (if any)

Thesis Submission
After you have successfully defended your thesis at the final oral examination and made
any required changes, it is necessary to submit to the Office of Graduate Studies two
official copies of your thesis for final approval. At that time, you must be prepared to
pay the Parchment fee and to settle any outstanding university accounts (including library
clearance). The Graduate Program Secretary will have all signed forms which must go to
the Office of Graduate Studies along with your two official copies of your thesis.

Thesis Binding
The Office of Graduate Studies requires that you leave a minimum of two official copies
with them for binding. You may, if you wish, send any number of copies to be bound,
but you are responsible for payment of any extras.

Masters Thesis Schedule
The Graduate Calendar on the Web announces for each semester a "last date" upon which
approved theses may be submitted to the Dean of Graduate Studies in order to qualify for
a graduate degree at the ensuing Convocation. Reasonable time must be allowed to
prepare the approved thesis in its final form following the defence of the thesis. The
Final Oral Examination (defence) should therefore take place not fewer than seven - ten
days prior to the "last date". Candidates are urged to protect their interests by initiating
the procedures as much as possible in advance of the deadline dates suggested in the
following schedule.


Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 17

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ADVISOR TO BEGIN MAKING
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MASTER'S THESIS DEFENCE AT LEAST
EIGHT (8) WEEKS PRIOR TO THE ANTICIPATED DATE OF THE DEFENCE.


The sequence of events is as follows - Students Must Follow this Sequence Closely

8 weeks: The Advisory Committee agrees on a timetable for the completion
of the thesis and defence.

The Advisor informs the Department Graduate Coordinator and the
Graduate Program Secretary of the timetable.

4 weeks: Formation of the Examination Committee. This should be done by
the students Advisor and the Graduate Coordinator.

3 weeks: Request for Thesis Examination completed (form available from
Graduate Program Secretary). All members of the Advisory
Committee must have read the final draft of the thesis and sign this
form stating that the thesis is ready for defence.

Thesis made available to all members of the Examination
Committee (Advisor, committee member, thesis examiner and
chair of thesis defence)

1 week: Report on thesis from Thesis Examiner is received by the advisory
committee and the student at least one week before the defence.

Day 0: Final Oral (Master's) Examination.

Further details of each event can be found in the Thesis Submission Procedures handout
found on the web
http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/graduatestudies/index.cfm?records/thesis-part1

Distribution of Theses
The first copy of the thesis will be sent to the National Library of Canada for
microfilming. When it is returned, it is bound and deposited in McLaughlin Library
permanently. The second copy is bound immediately and housed temporarily in
McLaughlin Library; when the first copy is received and bound, the second copy will be
forwarded to your department for permanent deposit in the thesis collection. Although it
is not a University requirement, it is traditional for you to supply your Advisor with a
bound copy of your thesis.


THE STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL PRINTING COSTS OF THE
THESIS (draft copies as well as final version).

Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 18





Major Paper
The Major Paper is not a thesis. It is probably more useful to think of it as an extension
of course work; in fact, the Board of Graduate Studies has legislated that students doing a
major paper must register for the appropriate course (in the Department of Sociology and
Anthropology, ANTH*6660 or SOC*6660, Major Paper) which may be taken for two
semesters.

Although it is emphasized that the major paper is not a thesis, a student may elect to
report original research he/she has undertaken. Or, the major research paper may take the
form of a longer essay, a review of literature within a specific area, an extended
methodological exercise, to name a few alternatives.

The major paper is usually prepared under the direction of the students advisor.
Comments and opinions may be requested from other members of the Committee. The
advisor and one other member of the Advisory Committee (second reader) is given a
copy of the completed major paper to read and grade. This should be done two weeks
prior to the deadline date for grade reports. Each of them grade the paper and consult
with each other afterwards. A final grade is decided upon and submitted to the Graduate
Program Secretary. If for some reason, they are unable to agree upon a grade, the
graduate coordinator may be consulted and a grade that is the average of the advisors
grade and the grade of the other reader.

Although both the student and the advisor may find it useful to have a detailed proposal
or outline of the major paper, this is not required nor is there any specific format for the
major paper. Instead, these matters are arranged between the student and the supervisor
of the major paper.

There is no final examination, written or oral, in the case of the major paper.

The Finishing Touches
If you have written a thesis, a set of forms provided by Office of Graduate Studies must
be completed and filed with that office. These forms are sent to the department along
with the examination forms. In the case of a major paper, only a single form,
Recommendation for Graduation, need be filed. This form is prepared by Office of
Graduate Studies upon receiving a memorandum from the Department indicating your
major paper grade and that you have completed all requirements for your MA degree. It
is signed by the Department Chair and returned to Office of Graduate Studies.

While you are here, you will be represented on the Department Graduate Affairs
Committee by a Graduate Student Representative (an elected graduate student). The
purpose of this position is to enhance communication between faculty and students about
Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 19

the Graduate Program in our department. The Graduate Student Representative also
functions as a resource person for new students, as well as graduate students in general.



The following forms can be found on the web:
http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/graduatestudies/index.cfm?forms

Leave of Absence
If you decide to take some time off from the program, you must submit a Leave of
Absence form which is available on the web or from the Graduate Program Secretary.
This is subject to review and approval by the Department. The leave of absence must be
for a specified period of time, not to exceed one year, and must be first approved by
Office of Graduate Studies. If you take an INC (incomplete) in a course and want to
take an LOA the following semester, you will be given a one semester extension to
complete the course. During a Leave of Absence, it is understood that you will not use
University resources, either personnel or physical, in connection with your graduate
studies.

Withdrawal
If you must withdraw from the program, you must complete a Withdrawal Notice form.
In this instance, the approving Department officer will be the Graduate Coordinator.
These forms are available on the web. A student may later be re-admitted to the Program
but will have to re-apply to do so.

Research Ethics Form
If you propose to do research using human subjects, your research must be approved by
either the Department or the University Committee for Research on Human Subjects.
Consult your Advisor to determine precisely what is required for such a review. This is
especially important if you intend to do research within the Wellington County School
system, which requires the completion of a special form available from the Office of
Office of Graduate Studies.

Early Completion Rebate Application
If your work has been delayed by some unexpected event, you must pay tuition for the
following semester. If you complete your requirements within the first 6 weeks of the
following semester, you will qualify for a rebate.

To qualify for the rebate you must complete an "Early Completion Rebate
Application" form. The medical insurance premium is not refundable. The effective
date of the rebate calculation is when all degree requirements are complete, including
receipt of library clearance and submission of thesis copies to Office of Graduate Studies.
Students continuing a GTA/GRA/GSA appointment to the end of the semester or
remaining in the department in order to use library and department facilities will not
qualify for a rebate. Also, students must remain registered in order to hold scholarships.
Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 20

International students should see Benny Quay, International Student Advisor for rebate
information and the proper form to complete.

Application for Graduation Once you have defended your thesis or completed your
major paper, you must file an Application for Graduation. In effect, this form is the signal
for Office of Graduate Studies to prepare your diploma.

Financial Support
The Department makes every effort to provide financial support for graduate students.
Normally, this takes the form of graduate teaching assistantships or, occasionally,
graduate research assistantships. Please note that it is an exception to have any
financial support during the Spring Term, which runs from May to August. You
will generally have to make alternative plans for financial support during the summer,
unless upon admission, you have been guaranteed this support. If you are planning not to
study during the summer, you must apply for a LEAVE OF ABSENCE from the
program.

University/College Scholarships and Awards
http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/graduate/current/gradawards/index.shtml

Students may concurrently hold a University Graduate Scholarship, a Board of Graduate
Studies Research Scholarship, a College of Social Science Founders Scholarship, Student
Financial Services Bursaries, Registrars Entrance Awards.

External Funding
Students are also encouraged to investigate opportunities for external funding such as the
Ontario Graduate Scholarship, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of
Canada special M.A. Scholarships, Canadian International Development Agency
Scholarships, and the like. Information on these and other scholarships and fellowships
can be found on the Web or Sharon Beach, Scholarships and Awards in Student Financial
Services, 3
rd
floor, UC.

To determine eligibility for nomination for awards and to encourage equity in their
distribution, the Department requires graduate students to notify the Department
Graduate Office and present documentation of any such external bursaries, or
awards received while in the program.

Departmental Awards

Wilda Blacklock Award
An award of $1000 will be made each Spring semester to the most deserving graduate
student on the basis of academic performance in the Sociology and Anthropology
graduate program, performance of other graduate student responsibilities and, where
decisive, need. Application is not necessary.

Joanne Duncan-Robinson Conference Research Travel Grant
Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 21

This is a $400 award and is intended to provide at least partial funding for a graduate
student in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology who has had a paper accepted
for presentation at a scholarly conference. Students must apply in writing to the Graduate
Coordinator by April 1.


The Kim Prize
This award is in memory of the late Sook-Hee, a former MA student in our Department,
and her two children who were killed in an automobile accident. The Department of
Sociology and Anthropology offers a $200 prize to the individual student in the
Department of Sociology and Anthropology who has presented the most outstanding
graduate thesis or major paper during the previous academic year. Application is not
necessary.

Koji Victor Ujimoto Graduate Scholarship
This is a $500 graduate scholarship to encourage applied research on topics of pressing
Canadian or global social concern. The award winner will be chosen on the basis of a
minimum 80% cumulative average in all graduate courses taken and the quality of his/her
major paper or thesis proposal, which must address a contemporary social problem
through the application of a Sociological and/or Anthropological perspective. Students
should apply to the Graduate Coordinator of the department by March 31
st
, including an
outline of their major paper or thesis proposal and the name of their advisor.

Travel
Students may choose to study or conduct research abroad. It is very important that
students be adequately prepared for the experience.

The Centre for International Programs (CIP) offers many services to students travelling
abroad at no cost. It is highly recommended that students attend a Study Abroad
Information Session conducted by the CIP.

Students can set up an account with CIP and register their travel plans. Students will
receive automatic updates of travel safety information. Students are encouraged to visit
the CIP website and familiarize themselves with the University of Guelph Safe
International Travel Policy for Students.

http://www.uoguelph.ca/cip/page.cfm?id=246


Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 22

Terms and Acronyms (Official and Unofficial)

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (Departmental)
The member of the university staff who manages the main office of the Department, and
reports directly to the Chair of the Department. He or she, informally known as the "head
secretary", hands out all cheques picked up in the main office

ADVISOR (also known as PROGRAM ADVISOR)
The Faculty member who most closely works with a graduate student and advises him or
her about all aspects of their program, including supervision of thesis or major paper.

When students first enter the program, they will be assigned an interim advisor, who in
most cases will become the permanent advisor once the student fills in the necessary
form confirming their agreement.

The advisor calls together and chairs all meetings of the student's advisory committee and
writes an official student's progress report at the end of each semester (with copies to
various offices).

A student may select an external advisor (from another department or even university) to
supervise their thesis. External advisors from other universities must be granted status of
Associate Graduate Faculty by Office of Graduate Studies. In that case, a co-advisor who
is a member of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Guelph will also sign
any forms together with the advisor. A co-advisor is also required when a Guelph faculty
member not yet appointed as regular Graduate Faculty serves as advisor.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE
This committee, headed by the advisor, has to be in place no later than the end of
February (second semester) after entering the graduate program. This committee usually
consists of two people, and may include faculty who are not members of the Department.
Members of the Advisory Committee are usually specialists in the area of specialization
reflected in the thesis or major paper of the student.

BOARD OF GRADUATE STUDIES
The governing body for the Faculty of Graduate Studies, which sets policies. Its members
are appointed by senate.

CIDS
Collaborative International Development Studies, one of the interdisciplinary MA
programs.

CHAIR
There are many kinds of long-term (five year) as well as temporary positions which
include the word "chair" in their titles.


Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 23

DEPARTMENT CHAIR
The chief executive officer of a department, also known as the Head of the Department.
He also chairs departmental meetings and several committees.

GRADUATE CHAIR
This unofficial label is occasionally used to refer to the Departmental Graduate
Coordinator.
Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 24

A SUMMARY OF STEPS FOR YOUR GRADUATE CAREER

EVENT


TIME

FORMS REQUIRED

Registration

Each semester - check grad calendar
on the web for schedule of dates

On Web Advisor -- must register for
UNIV*7510, Active full-time registration
each semester. The synonymchanges each
semester.

Tuition fees

Prior to start of each semester - check
schedule of dates

Authorization for Settlement form

Decision to add/delete
courses

- Adding deadline is the end of the
first week of classes
- Dropping courses can be done up to
the 40
th
class day of the semester.

Course Add/Drop and Change Form or Web
Advisor

GTA contract

Within the first two weeks of the
semester

Graduate Teaching Assistantship Contract and
assignment letter prepared by Graduate
ProgramSecretary

Tracking of Hours worked of
GTA

Keep track of GTA hours and report
themto instructor every two weeks

GTA Time Sheet - this formis for the student
to keep track of hours used. Copy to
instructor every two weeks.

Choosing your Advisor
& Advisory Committee and
planning your courses

End of February
- consult with Grad Coordinator and
interimAdvisor

1. Advisory Committee form
2. Degree ProgramForm

Thesis Proposal

First rough draft should be completed
shortly after your advisory committee
is in place. Final proposal should be
done the end of second semester.

Guidelines for thesis proposal and Thesis
Proposal Approval Form. Graduate Program
Secretary has this form.

Finished Thesis

Thesis Defence
Student makes any revisions
necessary, advisor must approve these
and informGrad Secretary that thesis
is ready for defence

Examination Request Form must be signed
by student and advisory committee
Reports of Examination and Recommendation
for Graduation must be signed by the Exam
Committee and Chair Graduate Program
Secretary is responsible for having these
signed.

Finished Major Paper


Major Paper given to advisor and
second reader 2 weeks before grade
reports are due (check date on the
web)
Student makes any revisions
necessary and leaves a final copy with
Grad Secretary for the department

Advisor and second reader agree on grade,
which is then submitted to Graduate Program
Secretary.


Recommendation for Graduation Graduate
ProgramSecretary responsible for this form.

Ready to Graduate


Check the web for deadlines


Application for Graduation

Rebate Procedure

If a student is unable to complete
his/her programby the last date to
apply for graduation but completes
early in the following semester

Application for Rebate (100% tuition refund,
if completion within the first 7 days after
courses begin. Then refund decreases rapidly.
No refund after the first 6 weeks of classes.

Masters Degree in Sociology Student Handbook Page 25






Please retain this copy of the Graduate Handbook for future
reference. It will be a valuable tool and reference guide for you
while you are completing your MA program.