SDS 331RSocial Inequality, Social Justice, and Social Action
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Arts
- Subject
- Social Development Studies
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 7 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
In this course students explore the relationship between structural power and social inequality through engagement with historic and contemporary social justice movements. Students will critically analyze economic, social, and cultural factors that perpetuate inequality and develop tools to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and seek meaningful social change.
Prerequisites
- Students must be in level 2A or higher
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
No course lists it as a requisite.
Fall 2026 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 081 | 6905 | 58 / 60 | Online or by arrangement |
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 081 | 6553 | 0 / 60 | Online or by arrangement |
| LEC 701 | 2455 | 26 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
73% liked it44% easy53% useful
From 11 ratings and 3 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
Took this course with Katie Cook. Pick another professor if you have the option. Doesn't answer questions on the forums. Quite disengaged. Actually takes marks off discussion forums. Who does that? As long as you participate, you get full marks in my 2 years of uni experience. Would recommend Professor Fortier if you can swap.
Aug 2024 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
This course is incredibly informative. The assignments were challenging because you really have to apply your knowledge, but it was so worth the effort. I learned a lot in this course. I just wish the information had been presented in lecture format - that probably would have made it even more engaging
Aug 2021 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
This course was interesting and had some strong assignments that I found enjoyable. It's the kind of course for people who overthink things such as social issues.
Sep 2017 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
8 posts and comments in 8 threads mention SDS 331R, July 2017 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Winter 2024
SDS 331R vs SOCWK 300R 1 point, 0 comments
u/LostinEmotion2024: “… SDS 331R sounds interesting though I may not share the same philosophies. Has anyone taken this courses? What did you like and dislike? …”
Fall 2023
SDS331R/SWREN 331R Prof Change 1 point, 0 comments
u/Key_Painting4782: “Anyone taking SDS331R/SWREN know why we have another prof change… just with a week left of classes??”
which course should I take SDS 331R or SOCWK 120R? 1 point, 1 comment
u/Serious_Rough_2735: “I have to add one more course to my schedule in order to graduate, and I'm deciding between these two because they don't require prereqs but they seem similar... if anyone has taken these courses before, can u plz give me advice”
Winter 2023
Experience with SDS 331R (social inequality, social justice and social action)? 2 points, 3 comments
u/ThoughtJumble: “Hey everyone, has anyone taken SDS 331R? If so, what was your experience like? I have the course online now with Craig Fortier and I am debating if I should drop it or not.”
Spring 2019
Has anyone taken SDS 331R (social inequality, social justice, public policy)? 3 points, 2 comments
u/zzzaaammm3434: “Hey guys, was just wondering if anyone has taken SDS 331R and what was your opinion about it? THANKS”
Spring 2018
Returning student for second degree, need suggestions between SOC, SDS and SOCWR 0 points, 1 comment
u/fly_girl85: “… SOCWK 300R Canadian Social Welfare Policy SOC 224R Poverty in Canada and it's Social Consequences SDS 331R Social Inequality, Social Justice and Public Policy Any suggestions or feedback on the courses?”
Fall 2017
Any way to disable UWCourseLinker from posting? 16 points, 26 comments
“posting a reply to my comment I find the bot annoying.”
u/Jackhofmann: “… SCI 395 SDS 131R SDS 150R SDS 205R SDS 210R SDS 231R SDS 242R SDS 250R SDS 251R SDS 312R SDS 331R SDS 353R SDS 354R SDS 355R SDS 358R SDS 398R SDS 399R SDS 400R SDS 405R SDS 425R SDS 440R SDS 449R SDS 450R SDS 451R SDS 490R SDS 495R SDS 499A SDS 499B SE 101 SE 201 SE 212 SE 302 …”
Spring 2017
What courses are you taking this fall? 28 points, 129 comments
“With course selection and add/drop happening this week I figured this would be a cool discussion post. …”
u/psychwaterloo: “PSYCH 389 - Advanced Research Methods - Social Psych PSYCH 391 - Advanced Data Analysis PSYCH 448R - Close Relationships SDS 499A - Honours Thesis PSYCH 264 - Research Apprenticeship SDS 331R - Social Inequality, Social Justice & Public Policy”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them