Seminar in Sociology (SOC*3850)

Code and section: SOC*3850*01

Term: Fall 2025

Instructor: Jeji Varghese

Details

Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph
SOC*3850: Seminar in Sociology: Water Crisis, Just Futures Fall 2025
Instructor: Dr. J. Varghese E-mail: varghese@uoguelph.ca

Course Description and Approach:
Calendar Description: “This course will be offered as a structured seminar on various topics depending upon the interests of the faculty member teaching the course. Topics will be announced, and course outlines will be available at course selection. Prerequisite(s): 10.00 credits
including (1 of SOAN*2112, SOC*2080, SOC*2700), SOAN*2120)”
Course Overview: This seminar-based course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore water issues exacerbated through the climate crisis through both Indigenous and Western social science lenses. In this course, we will focus on the complexity of anthropogenic aspects of water issues, drawing on Indigenous worldviews and the role of social sciences in understanding and addressing water issues. We will cover concepts such as knowledge systems, sense of place, water rights, conservation, water governance, ecological democracy, water justice/security, water-food-energy nexus, by drawing on examples within Turtle Island (including areas currently known as Canada) and international examples.
Format and Expectations: Seminars will be held weekly in person, complemented by asynchronous materials and activities available on CourseLink to support and extend your learning. Learning activities are designed to foster advanced critical thinking, collaborative inquiry, and meaningful engagement with complex water-related issues. You
are expected to come prepared, having engaged with assigned materials, and to actively contribute to discussions. Our format will include both small-group and full-class conversations, drawing on both Western and Indigenous pedagogical approaches. This dual framework encourages a richer, more nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges surrounding water. Seminar discussions will evolve in response to student interests. This collaborative approach ensures that our discussions remain relevant, dynamic, and deeply connected to your academic and personal curiosities.
Course Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Examine hydro-social cycle issues at local, national, and global levels using sociological theories and concepts.
2. Engage with Indigenous and Western (science) knowledge systems in meaningful ways to understand and address contemporary water issues exacerbated by the climate crisis.
3. Articulate a critical, ethical, position on GenAI use to understand and address environmental justice issues related to our contemporary water crisis by building on GenAI literacy via technical understanding and evaluative judgement.
4. Critique and synthesize course materials by exploring multiple ways of articulating knowledge and values learned.
5. Enhance oral communication, collaboration, and facilitation skills through actively participating & leading seminars & circles.
6. Mobilize multiple ways of knowing creatively and collaboratively within seminar and circle leads.
7. Demonstrate mastery of time management, personal accountability, and proactive learning through all aspects of the course.
Course Readings:
Course materials will be accessible via CourseLink a week in advance (for Prep Assignment) and will be available via ARES Course Reserves System through the library website (for a head-start on Seminar & Circle Leads).
Assessments1:

1 Assessment breakdown and elements may change prior to the release of the official syllabus in September 2025.