Throughout its six-decade history, Trent’s Sociology department has experienced growth, development, and innovation, with future expansion on the horizon. 

“Any academic discipline is an ongoing project, and we’re an ongoing project, as we continue to try and reflect the social movements happening in the world around us,” says Dr. Momin Rahman, Trent Sociology professor, past Sociology department head, and chair of the 60th anniversary organizing committee.  

The department is committed to addressing contemporary societal issues within the field of Sociology, 

Today, Trent Sociology runs degree programs at both campuses in Peterborough and Durham, as well as a unique Criminology degree program. Three unique specializations are also available to students including Social Justice and Equity Studies, Health Studies, and Socio-Legal Studies 

Looking to the future, the Department is developing a Black Studies option, led by two Trent University Durham GTA professors, Dr. Adwoa Onuora and Dr. Nadiya Nur Ali. 

“The main motivation for us to do this is to acknowledge our longstanding existence and contribution to Trent, but really to focus on this period of renewal and it being an exciting time for us,” said Professor Rahman, “The next 10, 15 years is going to be even more exciting for us.” 

To mark the milestone anniversary, the Department is planning a series of events, including:  

• Fun Sociology: A Panel on Understanding and Critiquing Leisure and Pleasure (Durham) – February 5 
• Developing Black Studies at Trent, featuring a keynote presentation from York University Professor Carl James (Durham) – February 5 
• Panels on Health, Social Justice and Equity Studies (Peterborough) – February 6 
• Panels on Critical Criminology and Socio-Legal Studies (Peterborough) – February 6 
• Sociology’s Annual Endowed Kennedy Lecture, featuring Mr. Victor Madrigal-Borloz of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council and the inaugural UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (Peterborough) – February 7 
• Panel on Resistance to Neo-Liberal Inequality (Peterborough) – February 8 
• Roundtable Discussion on EDI in our Profession and Workplace: Calling in our Colleagues (Peterborough) – February 8 
• Panel on Sustaining Shared Futures Through Equitable Work Trajectories for International Migrants in Canada (Peterborough) – February 8 
• Panels on Student Engagement and Careers (Peterborough) – February 9 

Learn more about Trent Sociology’s 60th anniversary celebrations.