Programs offered
The Department (SSOM) offers graduate studies in three programs:
- one in medical anthropology given jointly with the Department of Anthropology
- one in medical history, given jointly with the Department of History, and
- two in medical sociology, given jointly with the Department of Sociology.
In each program, the student may work towards the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. All degrees are awarded by the relevant Faculty of Arts department. For further information regarding these departments, please consult Anthropology, History, or Sociology sections.
The Department (SSOM) is interdisciplinary, having faculty in the fields of medical anthropology, medical history, and medical sociology. In its programs of graduate studies, it attempts to provide two things: a training that is solidly grounded in the discipline of the chosen program, i.e. in anthropology, history or sociology; and, through seminars and interaction with Department members and other graduate students, an exposure to the other disciplines that are represented in the Department. The Department aims to instill in its graduates a combination of disciplinary competence and interdisciplinary perspective.
Admission requirements
M.A. in Medical Anthropology
The program is open to students with backgrounds in the social sciences, the medical professions, or the medical sciences.
M.A. in the History of Medicine
Candidates must have a background in either history (Honours BA in History, or equivalent) or a degree in one of the health professions.
M.A. in Medical Sociology
The program is open to students with a background in social sciences, health professions or health sciences. It aims to prepare candidates for a career of teaching and research in medical sociology, and there is consequently a preference for applicants with the potential to proceed to the doctoral degree.
Ph.D. Programs
Candidates for a Ph.D. will normally have taken their M.A. in the same field. Please refer to the appropriate Department - Anthropology, History, or Sociology.
Application procedures
M.A. in Medical Anthropology
Admission is granted by a joint admissions committee made up of representatives from Anthropology and SSOM. For details concerning applications, teaching assistantships, fellowships, etc. see Department of Anthropology.
M.A. in the History of Medicine
Application is made directly to the History Department. For details see Department of History. Besides applying for Graduate Faculty Major Fellowships, students to this program may apply to the Hannah Institute for the History of Medicine. Note: the deadline is currently November 1st, i.e., three months before the deadline for graduate faculty fellowships. Further details and applications may be obtained from SSOM.
M.A. in Medical Sociology
Admission is granted by representatives from Sociology and SSOM. For details concerning applications, teaching, assistantships, fellowships, etc., see Department of Sociology.
Ph.D. Programs
Please refer to the appropriate Department - Anthropology, History, or Sociology.
Program requirements
Click course title for course credit weight and term information.
Search the Class Schedule by term for course sections offered. This includes class times, locations and instructors.
Please note: not all courses are offered each year.
M.A. in Medical Anthropology
For Anthropology courses, see Department of Anthropology. For SSOM seminars, see below.
M.A. in Medical Anthropology (Thesis) (48 credits)
Required Courses (42 credits)
HSSM 605
Medical Anthropology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Humanities & Soc Stud in Med: Seminar on a topic in medical anthropology.
Offered by: Social Studies of Medicine
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
Offered Fall 2012
ANTH 615
Sem in Medical Anthropology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Anthropology
Offered by: Anthropology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
ANTH 694
M.A. Thesis Tutorial 1
6 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Anthropology: Individualized guided research for the Master's thesis.
Offered by: Anthropology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
ANTH 695
M.A. Thesis Tutorial 2
6 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Anthropology: Individualized guided research for the Master's thesis.
Offered by: Anthropology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
ANTH 699
M.A. Thesis
24 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Anthropology: Writing of M.A. thesis.
Offered by: Anthropology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
Two Anthropology courses.
M.A. in History of Medicine
The M.A. degree in Medical History does not have a thesis option. The program requires the completion of 45 credits, composed of required courses, graduate seminars, plus a major research paper. The program is normally completed in three terms, or one calendar year (Fall, Winter and Summer).
M.A. in History of Medicine (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)
Required Courses (27 credits)
HIST 684
Research Proposal
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
History: The development of research-related skills and the production of a research proposal under the supervision of a faculty member.
Offered by: History and Classical Studies
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
HIST 685
Directed Research
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
History: Investigation of a specialized topic under the supervision of a faculty member.
Offered by: History and Classical Studies
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
HIST 686
Bibliography Tutorial
6 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
History: The development of research-related skills and the production of a research bibliography under the supervision of a faculty member.
Offered by: History and Classical Studies
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
HIST 687
MA Paper 1
9 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
History: Start of the production of a research paper under the supervision of a faculty member.
Offered by: History and Classical Studies
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
HIST 688
MA Paper 2
6 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
History: Completion of the production of a research paper under the supervision of a faculty member.
Offered by: History and Classical Studies
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
Complementary Courses (18credits)
18 credits at the 500-level or higher comprised of the following
6-12 credits in History of Medicine courses below:
HIST 619
Course not available
HIST 620
Course not available
HIST 636
Medieval Medicine Seminar 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
History: Readings in and discussion of a theme in the history of Western European medicine 400 to 1500.
Offered by: History and Classical Studies
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
HIST 637
Medieval Medicine Seminar 2
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
History: Research paper on a theme in the history of medicine 400 to 1500.
Offered by: History and Classical Studies
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
HIST 640
Modern Medicine Seminar 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
History: Reading in and discussion of a theme in the history of Western European medicine since 1700.
Offered by: History and Classical Studies
HIST 641
Modern Medicine Seminar 2
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
History: Research paper on a theme in the history of Western European medicine since 1700.
Offered by: History and Classical Studies
HSSM 604
History of Medicine
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Humanities & Soc Stud in Med: Tutorial.
Offered by: Social Studies of Medicine
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
6-12 credits in History (non-Medicine) courses
0-6 credits may be taken outside the department
Candidates for MA degree follow an individual program approved by the Department
M.A. in Medical Sociology
Students may choose between two programs: MA thesis or non-thesis. For Sociology courses, see Department of Sociology. For SSOM seminars, see below.
M.A. in Medical Sociology (Thesis) (48 credits)
This includes 18 credits of course work and a research thesis that is based on original research (30 credits).
Required Courses (12 credits)
SOCI 504
Quantitative Methods 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Analysis of quantitative information, especially in large, survey-type, data sets. Use of computer programs such as SPSS and SAS. Topics include: cross tabulations with an emphasis on multi-dimensional tables, multiple correlation and regression, and, the relationship between individual and aggregate level statistical analyses. Special reference to demographic techniques.
Offered by: Sociology
SOCI 540
Qualitative Research Methods
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Qualitative methodology, mainly participant observation, structured and unstructured interviewing. Students begin a research project using these techniques and submit field notes once a week.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restrictions: open to Sociology Honours students, and Sociology Major Concentration students with the instructor's permission
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
SOCI 580
Social Res Design&Practice
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Asking researchable sociological questions and evaluation of different research designs used to answer such questions. Development of cogent research proposals, including data collection procedures. Principles, dynamics, strengths and practical limitations of research designs. Examples from recent publications.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open to U3 and graduate students
SOCI 652
Current Sociological Theory
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Examination of works in some major areas of Sociology with a focus on: antecedent thought and research in the area; the internal structure and consistency of these works; the validity of the major claims made; and the implications for future theoretical development and research.
Offered by: Sociology
Complementary Courses (6 credits) one of the following two courses:
SOCI 515
Medicine and Society
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): The sociology of health and illness. Reading in areas of interest, such as: the sociology of illness, health services occupations, organizational settings of health care, the politics of change in national health service systems, and contemporary ethical issues in medical care and research.
Offered by: Sociology
- Prerequisite: Undergraduate students require permission of instructor
SOCI 538
Sel Top in Soc of Biomed Know
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): The seminar will examine recent work in the sociology of biomedical knowledge. It will focus on the technological shaping of biomedical knowledge, i.e., on the impact of new technologies and equipments on the development of biomedical knowledge.
Offered by: Sociology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
plus one course in the History of Medicine
Thesis Component - Required (30 credits)
SOCI 690
M.A. Thesis 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Exploratory thesis research for the selection of a thesis topic.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
SOCI 691
M.A. Thesis 2
6 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Preparation, submission and approval of the thesis proposal by the student to his/her committee.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
SOCI 692
M.A. Thesis 3
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Fieldwork and data analysis on the thesis. Progress report to the supervisor.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
SOCI 693
M.A. Thesis 4
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Fieldwork and data analysis on the thesis. Progress report to the supervisor.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
SOCI 695
M.A. Thesis 6
15 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Completion, submission, and approval of the M.A. Thesis by the committee and the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the Medical Sociology thesis program.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
M.A. in Medical Sociology (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)
This includes 27 credits of course work and a research paper based on original research (18 credits).
Required Courses (36 credits)
SOCI 504
Quantitative Methods 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Analysis of quantitative information, especially in large, survey-type, data sets. Use of computer programs such as SPSS and SAS. Topics include: cross tabulations with an emphasis on multi-dimensional tables, multiple correlation and regression, and, the relationship between individual and aggregate level statistical analyses. Special reference to demographic techniques.
Offered by: Sociology
SOCI 540
Qualitative Research Methods
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Qualitative methodology, mainly participant observation, structured and unstructured interviewing. Students begin a research project using these techniques and submit field notes once a week.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restrictions: open to Sociology Honours students, and Sociology Major Concentration students with the instructor's permission
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
SOCI 580
Social Res Design&Practice
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Asking researchable sociological questions and evaluation of different research designs used to answer such questions. Development of cogent research proposals, including data collection procedures. Principles, dynamics, strengths and practical limitations of research designs. Examples from recent publications.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open to U3 and graduate students
SOCI 603
Bibliographic Methods 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Research-related skills for the production of a research bibliography under the supervision of a faculty member.
Offered by: Sociology
- Corequisite: SOCI 604.
- Restriction: Restricted to Sociology M.A. students.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
SOCI 604
Bibliographic Methods 2
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Advanced research-related skills for the production of a research bibliography under the supervision of a faculty member.
Offered by: Sociology
- Corequisite: SOCI 603.
- Restriction: Restricted to Sociology M.A. students.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
SOCI 652
Current Sociological Theory
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Examination of works in some major areas of Sociology with a focus on: antecedent thought and research in the area; the internal structure and consistency of these works; the validity of the major claims made; and the implications for future theoretical development and research.
Offered by: Sociology
SOCI 696
Research Paper 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Exploratory research for the selection of a research topic.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
SOCI 697
Research Paper 2
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Preparation, submission and approval of the proposal by the student to his/her supervisor.
Offered by: Sociology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
SOCI 699
Research Paper 4
12 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Completion, submission and approval of the research paper by the committee.
Offered by: Sociology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
* All students must have taken SOCI 504, 540, 580 and 652, or take them during the first year of the program. Students granted an exemption from any one or more of these courses by the Graduate Studies Committee must substitute another substantative seminar in its place.
Complementary Courses (9 credits)
3 credits, one of the following courses:
SOCI 515
Medicine and Society
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): The sociology of health and illness. Reading in areas of interest, such as: the sociology of illness, health services occupations, organizational settings of health care, the politics of change in national health service systems, and contemporary ethical issues in medical care and research.
Offered by: Sociology
- Prerequisite: Undergraduate students require permission of instructor
SOCI 538
Sel Top in Soc of Biomed Know
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): The seminar will examine recent work in the sociology of biomedical knowledge. It will focus on the technological shaping of biomedical knowledge, i.e., on the impact of new technologies and equipments on the development of biomedical knowledge.
Offered by: Sociology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
3 credits, one graduate-level course in the History of Medicine
3 credits, one graduate-level course in Social Studies of Medicine
PH.D PROGRAMS
For information on the doctoral programs, please refer to the appropriate Department - Anthropology, History, or Sociology
SSOM Courses
Students preparing to register should consult the Web at www.mcgill.ca/minerva (click on Class Schedule) for the most up-to-date list of courses available; courses may have been added, rescheduled or cancelled. Class Schedule lists courses by term and includes days, times, locations, and names of instructors.
Courses with numbers ending D1 and D2 are taught in two consecutive terms (most commonly Fall and Winter). Students must register for both the D1 and D2 components. No credit will be given unless both components (D1 and D2) are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
Click course title for course credit weight
HSSM 604
History of Medicine
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Humanities & Soc Stud in Med: Tutorial.
Offered by: Social Studies of Medicine
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
HSSM 605
Medical Anthropology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Humanities & Soc Stud in Med: Seminar on a topic in medical anthropology.
Offered by: Social Studies of Medicine
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2013 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013 academic year.
HSSM 606
Course not available
HSSM 610
Sociology of Medicine
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Humanities & Soc Stud in Med
Offered by: Social Studies of Medicine
HSSM 611
Course not available