University of Guelph
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology 3750 - Police in Society
Winter 2026

*All information is subject to change*

DETAILS
Time & Location: In person only. Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM (ROZH 103)
Instructor: Dr. Patrick Parnaby
Office: Mackinnon 638
Office Hours: TBA
Email: pparnaby@uoguelph.ca
TAs:

REQUIRED MATERIALS
All readings on electronic reserve (ARES). No additional costs.

ASSESSMENT
MC & SA Test 1 (25%)
MC & SA Test 2 (25%)
Research paper proposal (15%)
Final research paper (35%)

COURSE OVERVIEW
This course is fundamentally about the relationship between the police and society. We will be discussing many issues,
including (but not limited to) training, stress & anxiety, misconduct, the role of technology, crime prevention, racial profiling,
and retirement. The course is designed to familiarize you with the most important research and debates in what is now a
huge field. Getting the most out of Police in Society will require you to be intellectually curious so you can fully appreciate
and benefit from the many different approaches scholars use to think about policing-related issues. Small group discussions
are not possible given the size of the class, but students are nevertheless encouraged to openly share their thoughts and
ideas whenever possible. Please help nurture and maintain viewpoint diversity.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Analyze, evaluate, and apply specific theoretical frameworks/concepts to policing.
2. Assess the reliability and validity of research methods in relation to police scholarship.
3. Write clearly, professionally, and with precision while addressing complex and/or sensitive issues.
4. Critically reflect on culture, social relations, and social structures to develop a broader and deeper understanding of policing.

These learning outcomes map directly onto the outcomes established by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.