Taiwanese indigenous peoples, Photo credit: 總統府 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/presidentialoffice/)

School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies

Welcome to the School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies!

The School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies at the University of Ottawa offers a distinctive and innovative approach to culture and society, in both French and English. In our teaching and research, we strive to follow both traditional and emerging intellectual approaches to inquiry. At the crossroads of North American and European traditions, the School offers a stimulating environment for our students, faculty and guests.

Why anthropology?

At the Faculty of Social Sciences, our students study the issues of the 21st century in two ways:

  • by highlighting the connections between local and global questions
  • by applying new critical perspectives in order to understand our increasingly complex, integrated and technologically-oriented world

Learn more about studying anthropology.

people using cellphone

Why sociology?

Sociology is about understanding societies, cultures and the various types of processes that produce them. Because the sociological perspective cuts across so many disciplines, students who study sociology can end up working in a variety of different fields, from social and market research to policy analysis and human resources and even social and community activism.

By studying sociology, students can become aware of the underlying social dimensions in political, economic and legal systems, for example. The University of Ottawa's School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies puts a strong emphasis on the acquisition of critical thinking.

Learn more about studying sociology.

Geisha walking down street

Why a Bachelor of Social Sciences?

The Bachelor of Social Sciences offers flexibility, allowing you to develop your interests in a wide range of social sciences topics. You will focus your studies in three disciplines, two of which must include Anthropology, Criminology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, or Feminist and Gender studies.

Learn more about studying social sciences.

Students walking down hallway
Nicolas Rasiulis, student
Student voices

“Humanity itself fascinates me! Learning about different socio-cultural systems allows me to conceptualise different ways of being human.”

Nicolas Rasiulis, student

Contact us

School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies

Faculty of Social Sciences
Social Sciences Building
120 University Private, Room 10005
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5
Canada (map)

Tel.: 613-562-5720
[email protected]

Office hours

Monday to Friday
8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(June to August: closed at 3:30 p.m.)

Note

Please note our services and our personnel are available by MS Teams and by email.

The Social Sciences (FSS) and Vanier (VNR) buildings are open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Indigenous Affirmation

We pay respect to the Algonquin people, who are the traditional guardians of this land. We acknowledge their longstanding relationship with this territory, which remains unceded. 

We pay respect to all Indigenous people in this region, from all nations across Canada, who call Ottawa home. 

We acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers, both young and old. And we honour their courageous leaders: past, present, and future. 

Learn more about the Indigenous Affirmation.