anthropology involves studying the diversity of human societies through comparative analyses. anthropologists develop tools that contribute to identifying and exploring a variety of social, cultural, political, economic, environmental and other important issues. anthropology is unique among disciplines because of its methodological approach, which involves in-depth qualitative field work. university of ottawa’s specialized programs in social and cultural anthropology enable students to better understand and analyze cultural changes and intercultural relations in the context of globalization, development, migration and new technologies.

sociology involves the study of societies, specifically their institutions, cultures, and transformations. sociologists seek to uncover the processes, rules, and norms that govern social relations. they seek to understand issues such as the origins and consequences of social inequalities and collective behaviors. in university of ottawa’s programs, students have the opportunity to apply theoretical approaches to real-world cases and learn how to use research tools such as interviewing, discourse analysis, surveys, and statistical analyses. the connection between theory and research enables students to understand a range of contemporary social issues, such as poverty, ethnic relations, deviance, gender relations, international development, power, and technology.