Social Science Program (Before Fall 2023)

All our profiles include the following six courses required by the government as part of the Social Science Program, but their timing depends on the profile (except for the last course):

• Practical Initiation to Methodology in the Social Sciences (IM)
• Introduction to Western History
• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to Macroeconomics
• Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (QM)
• Integrative Activity (IA), to be taken in the last semester

For the profiles that do not have a math requirement, the differences in the Social Science concentration courses are shown below. 

For the profiles that have a math requirement, the differences in the Social Science concentration courses are shown below. Note that these two profiles with math only have five second-level courses (rather than six for the other profiles), since the math courses have more class hours.

To see the options for second-level courses, go to the profile descriptions above and click to consult the courses. 

Graduates of the St. Lawrence Social Science Program should be able to

• Analyze and synthesize information about real-life situations by referring to theories, models and schools of thought from relevant Social Science disciplines
  Carry out all the steps of scientific research under supervision and use appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods
• Use the relevant technological tools, including computers, standard peripherals and software
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using appropriate vocabulary from the Social Sciences and referencing formats
• Understand basic Social Science documents in French
• Learn and work autonomously, by taking into account one's learning processes and by designing , planning, carrying out and evaluating projects to meet one's goals
• Work effectively as a member of a group
• Think critically, creatively and independently
• Approach issues, including those related to research, with sensitivity to ethical concerns
• Situate, analyze and understand one's cultural heritage, cultural diversity, and the role of an informed, responsible member of society within a global context

What will be assessed?

The comprehensive assessment will be completed in the IA course that you take in your last semester. See the IA course description in any of the profiles of the Social Science Program.

You must demonstrate your individual ability to integrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes developed throughout your program by preparing, writing and presenting, both orally and in writing, a social science research essay that uses scholarly sources in French and in English and that incorporates at least two disciplinary perspectives. In other words, you are expected to consolidate and demonstrate your achievement of the expectations of the graduate profile.

The subject for the senior research paper will be selected in consultation with the professor. You must do original work. It is forbidden in IA to recycle papers or to use papers prepared for another course.

You may work individually or in small groups of two to four students. For team projects, you will be required to submit a plan for team management and work schedules. Team members are co-responsible for the professional functioning of their team. They will be required to assess and grade the contribution of each team member to the final project. Thus, they will determine whether a group mark or individual marks shall apply. The professor reserves a veto right to impose individual marks for any team that has a student who is “free riding.” In the latter case, out of fairness and respect for the other team members, this student will have a lower final grade than the other team members.

Whether you work individually or in teams, your research paper or contribution to a team paper is to be at least 2,500 words in length. It must be produced using a word-processor and submitted in printed form and electronic form through Turnitin.com. A bibliography of 10 to 15 sources is required with three to five French sources. Three to four sources must be annotated.

How will it be assessed?

The comprehensive assessment will lead to a pass/fail grade based on the attainment of the elements of the graduate profile in the IA course. You must complete all required IA course work in order to pass the comprehensive assessment. Incomplete course work will result in no grade for the final paper, and thus a failing grade for both the IA course and the comprehensive assessment.