Faculty of Social Science at Western University

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London, ON
Faculty of Social Science at Western University

Offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various social science disciplines We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

Eight core Departments – Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Management and Organizational Studies, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology

Welcome to the Faculty of Social Science’s page. This page provides a place to research and events in the Faculty of Social Science, and the people behind them. We will feature posts about our departments, programs, course offerings, campus, events, breaking news and announcements, and more. The following guidelines are designed to help provide a quality environment for our community members. Please take a minute to read them and keep them in mind whenever you participate. By using or accessing this page, you agree to comply with Facebook’s Terms and Conditions. While we are excited to hear from everyone, it is important to note that postings by fans to the Faculty of Social Science page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Social Science, nor does Social Science confirm their accuracy. Here, as on Western’s campus, we welcome all questions and commentary, including constructive feedback. We expect that participants post content and commentary that is both relevant and respectful to this community as a whole. We don’t take to moderating posts all the time, but we do reserve the right to remove any posts that don’t adhere to our guidelines and will block anyone who violates them. Specifically, we do not tolerate posts that are:

- Abusive, harassing, stalking, threatening or attacking others
- Defamatory, offensive, obscene, vulgar or depicting violence
- Hateful in language targeting race/ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality political belief, etc
- Fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading posts
- Trolling or deliberate disruption of discussion
- Spamming in nature
- Any type of commercial solicitation

Thank you very much for participating in the Faculty of Social Science’s Facebook community.

10/02/2026

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

When Jessica Mark arrived at Western University as a transfer student, she knew she was stepping into a new chapter. What she did not know was how much that experience would challenge her to grow, build confidence, and discover new possibilities for her future.

As a Political Science double major in the Faculty of Social Science, Jessica found herself exploring complex questions, engaging with diverse perspectives, and learning that some of the most valuable lessons come from being willing to rethink your own assumptions.

One of the courses that had the greatest impact on her academic journey encouraged her to move beyond finding the "right" answer and instead focus on critically examining ideas, forming her own perspectives, and embracing the learning that comes from being challenged.

Outside the classroom, Jessica found a sense of belonging through the Western University Korean Students' Association (WUKSA). By helping organize events and connect students, she discovered new interests, built meaningful friendships, and developed leadership skills that enriched her university experience.

The support of dedicated professors also played a significant role in her journey. Through mentorship, encouragement, and thoughtful classroom discussions, Jessica gained the confidence to trust her abilities and pursue opportunities she might once have avoided.

Her advice to future students is simple but powerful:

"Do not feel like you need to have everything figured out before you start. Get involved, ask questions, and pursue the things that genuinely interest you."

Read Jessica's inspiring story and learn how curiosity, community, and perseverance helped shape her university experience:
https://www.ssc.uwo.ca/meetourstars/celebrating_student_stories_jessica_mark.html

09/30/2026

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 🧡

Today, the Faculty of Social Science at Western University joins communities across Canada in honouring the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, and the families and communities who continue to carry the impacts of these injustices.

This day is an opportunity to reflect on the truth of our shared history and to deepen our understanding of the lasting effects of residential schools on Indigenous Peoples across the country. It is also a time to listen to Survivors’ stories with respect and care.

As a community, we recognize the importance of education, reflection, and continued learning as part of the journey toward reconciliation.

Every Child Matters. 🧡

09/28/2026

What does the “average” municipal election candidate actually look like?

When we think about local elections, we often think about the names on the ballot, the signs along our streets and the issues that affect our communities every day.

But what do we know about the people who decide to put their names forward?

That’s the question Western University political science researchers are exploring through the Local Democracy Project, a SSHRC-funded research collaboration examining who runs for municipal office in Canada, why they run, how they campaign and how they connect with voters.

With Ontario municipal voters heading to the polls on October 26, the research offers a fascinating look behind the ballot.

Western political science professor Zack Taylor, principal investigator of the Local Democracy Project, and his research colleagues surveyed almost 900 Ontario municipal candidates running in communities with populations over 2,000. The goal? To better understand who is stepping forward to represent their communities — and what their experiences tell us about local democracy.

And some of the findings are revealing.

Among the candidates who responded, the most common first name was John. The average candidate was 56 years old, 57 per cent identified as male and 37 per cent as female. More than half had a university degree, more than half reported an annual household income above $100,000, and more than four in five were homeowners.

In other words, the researchers found that the people running for municipal office may look quite different from the average resident in the communities they hope to represent.

Money is another important part of the story.

Nearly half of respondents said they entirely self-finance their campaigns, while almost 75 per cent expect to pay for at least half of their campaign costs themselves. The median estimated campaign cost was $2,600.

That raises an important question for researchers: could the cost of campaigning discourage people with lower incomes from running for office?

At the same time, spending more money doesn't automatically translate into winning an election. Previous municipal elections have seen candidates spend substantial amounts and lose, while others spend very little and win. Name recognition, including the advantage held by incumbents, can also play an important role.

The survey also provides a window into how candidates themselves view the rules of municipal politics.

Candidates overwhelmingly supported restrictions on campaign spending, individual donations and self-financing, as well as prohibiting “war chests” that allow surplus campaign funds to be carried into future elections. They also broadly supported making donor identities and donation amounts public.

And when it comes to political parties, the picture is striking: 91 per cent disagreed that municipal candidates should run as members of political parties, while 65 per cent disagreed that municipal parties would make it easier for voters to understand candidates' ideological positions.

Most respondents described themselves as ideological centrists, and 57 per cent agreed that the main purpose of local government is to provide services to property owners.

Yet the research also uncovered some unexpected perspectives. Candidates were broadly supportive of policies that would make roads more accessible to walking and cycling, even if that meant fewer driving lanes or parking spaces.

There is still much more to learn.

The Local Democracy Project is connecting survey responses with election results and campaign-finance disclosures, creating opportunities to examine how campaign rules, fundraising, spending and advertising affect municipal elections.

For Zack Taylor and his colleagues, the bigger question is fundamental:

Who gets to participate in local democracy — and how well do the people who run for office reflect the communities they hope to represent?

As Ontario prepares for municipal elections, this research reminds us that democracy isn't only about what happens on election day. It's also about understanding who steps forward, what motivates them, how campaigns work and whose voices are represented along the way.

Read the full Western News story and explore the research behind the people on the ballot.

🔗 https://news.westernu.ca/2026/09/local-democracy-project-sheds-light-on-ontario-municipal-election-candidates/

09/25/2026

What does it take to move to a new country at 17, pursue a university degree, and graduate as a Gold Medal recipient?

In the latest edition of our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, we celebrate Meghna Dokka, a Bachelor of DAN Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS) student graduating in 2026.

When choosing a university, Meghna was drawn to Western's BMOS program because of its balance of business education and academic flexibility. While specializing in accounting, she also had the opportunity to explore courses outside of business, creating a broader and more enriching university experience.

Throughout her time at Western, Meghna benefited from inspiring professors, meaningful classroom experiences, and the support of academic advising and international student advising services. She credits her instructors with helping her navigate the CPA pathway and preparing her for future success in the accounting profession.

One of the highlights of her academic journey was MOS 4510, a course that challenged her, strengthened her skills, and helped prepare her for graduate-level accounting studies.

Beyond academics, Meghna's story is one of courage and perseverance. Moving from Dubai to Canada as a teenager required adaptability and determination, qualities that helped her thrive throughout her university experience.

Reflecting on her accomplishments, Meghna shares:

"I think my biggest achievement is moving to Canada from Dubai at 17 and building a life for myself here. It has been a journey with its share of ups and downs, but I am very grateful for how things have worked out so far and the relationships I have built along the way."

We're proud to celebrate Meghna's achievements and look forward to seeing where her journey takes her next.

Read her full story:
https://www.ssc.uwo.ca/meetourstars/celebrating_student_stories_meghna_dokka.html

09/24/2026

💜 Homecoming starts tomorrow!
📅 September 25–27, 2026

Western is ready to welcome Mustangs back to campus for a weekend of connection, celebration, and tradition.

Reunite with friends, revisit campus memories, and enjoy featured events including the Mustangs Corral, Tours & Talks, Golden Anniversary Brunch, and faculty programming happening across campus.

If you graduated in a year ending in 1 or 6, this is your anniversary year, a meaningful moment to reconnect and celebrate your Western journey.

Whether you're returning after years away or coming back as part of your tradition, Homecoming is your chance to feel that Mustang spirit again.

🔗 https://alumni.westernu.ca/events/homecoming/

We can’t wait to welcome you back. 💜

Photo Credits: Western Alumni

09/23/2026

We Have Reviewed The SSC Security Footage

Okay... there is no SSC security footage.

This is completely fictional.

But after years of observing university life, we're pretty confident the footage
would look something like this:

8:03 a.m. —> Someone running to class.
10:47 a.m. —> Someone suddenly pretending they didn't see their professor.
12:15 p.m. —> Everyone simultaneously decides they need lunch.
2:36 p.m. —> Someone has been reading the same paragraph for 14 minutes.
4:59 p.m. —> Someone remembers an assignment is due tonight.
5:02 p.m. —> Someone promises they'll definitely start earlier next time.

And then...

Camera Footage Has Been Deleted

Probably. 😂

What would YOUR SSC security-camera footage reveal?

09/22/2026

Two Social Science researchers. Two distinguished Royal Society of Canada honours. One remarkable year for Western.

The Royal Society of Canada’s 2026 cohort includes a record-breaking 12 Western scholars from across eight faculties — including nine researchers elected as RSC Fellows and three scholars elected to the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

Among them are two outstanding members of Western’s Faculty of Social Science, recognized in two different RSC categories.

Professor Ingrid Johnsrude — RSC Fellow
Professor Ingrid Johnsrude, professor of neuroscience and head of the Department of Psychology, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

RSC Fellows are distinguished Canadians who have made significant contributions to Canadian society. Fellows are elected to one of the RSC’s three academies, including the Academy of Social Sciences.

Johnsrude is a leading researcher in knowledge-guided perception of speech and sound, exploring how the brain is organized to support perception. She is also a highly awarded member of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Professor Ryan Stevenson — RSC College Member
Professor Ryan Stevenson, professor of psychology and recipient of a Dorothy Killam Fellowship, has been elected to the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

The RSC College recognizes mid-career leaders in their fields whose interdisciplinary scholarship and diverse perspectives contribute to Canadian society. College members serve a seven-year term, participating in RSC events, committees and programming and providing advice to government and the public.

Stevenson has established himself as a world leader in neurodevelopmental cognitive neuroscience. His internationally funded research program has pioneered important work on sense perception in brain development, particularly in neurodiverse brains.

The Royal Society of Canada is Canada’s national academy, recognizing distinguished scholars, scientists, researchers and artists and promoting academic and research excellence. Membership in the RSC is one of the country’s highest honours.

Western’s connection to the RSC stretches back to 1958, with more than 100 Western scholars elected as Fellows and members of the College over the years.

For our students, these achievements are a powerful reminder that the questions explored through Social Science research can contribute to a deeper understanding of people, perception, development and the world around us.

We are incredibly proud to see Social Science represented in this year’s cohort — and proud to celebrate two researchers, two remarkable accomplishments and two different paths to recognition by Canada’s national academy.

Congratulations, Ingrid and Ryan! 👏

Read the full story: https://news.westernu.ca/2026/09/western-scholars-royal-society-of-canada-2026/

09/21/2026

🌎 Around the world with Western

What if your classroom could be Vienna? 🇦🇹

As Western students return to campus for a new academic year, many are bringing back more than memories from their summer. They’re returning with new perspectives shaped by experiences around the world.

From international study trips and research projects to exchanges at universities abroad, Western students explored new places, experienced diverse cultures and discovered different ways of learning this summer.

One of those destinations was Vienna, Austria, where students took part in a two-week faculty-led study trip that combined academic learning with the experience of living in one of Europe’s most historic and culturally rich cities.

Through the trip, students earned a Management and Organizational Studies credit in a condensed format, while also experiencing Vienna’s culture and history firsthand. They also had the opportunity to collaborate with peers from the Vienna University of Economics and Business, connecting classroom learning with an international perspective.

And Vienna is just one stop on a much bigger global journey.

Western is seeing growing interest in international experiences, with international exchange applications increasing by more than 70 percent. For students, opportunities like these can open the door to new cultures, new connections and new ways of seeing the world.

Because sometimes, the most meaningful learning happens when you step outside the classroom — and into the world. 🌎
https://news.westernu.ca/2026/09/in-photos-around-the-world-with-western-2026/

09/18/2026

Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories

What happens when curiosity meets determination?

For Veer Karan, a BMOS student specializing in Finance, the answer is a university experience that helped transform broad interests into a clear career path.

Veer chose BMOS because he wanted the flexibility to explore multiple areas of business while developing specialized knowledge along the way. Rather than limiting himself to one area from the start, he embraced the opportunity to learn how finance, accounting, economics, and business work together to drive organizational success.

Throughout his time at Western, Veer found encouragement from professors who challenged him to achieve more than he thought possible. One course in particular, MOS 3311: Advanced Finance, became a turning point in his academic journey. Despite facing challenges early in the course, he received support and guidance that helped him succeed and ultimately confirmed his passion for finance.

As an international student, Veer also found valuable support through Academic Advising and the International Student Advising Office. These resources helped him navigate new systems and provided the encouragement needed to thrive academically and personally.

His hard work paid off. Veer earned a place on the Dean's Honour List, improved his academic performance year after year, and developed a stronger sense of purpose and direction for his future.

Today, he leaves Western with a clear goal of pursuing a career in finance and a deeper appreciation for the power of persistence, mentorship, and continuous learning.

Read Veer's inspiring story:
https://www.ssc.uwo.ca/meetourstars/celebrating_student_stories_veer_karan.html

09/17/2026

Coffee. CEOs. Celebrities. What do these things have in common?

They’re all part of the classroom at Western.

University is about building a strong foundation in your field — but it’s also about discovering unexpected questions, exploring new ideas and making connections across disciplines.

That’s why Western offers courses that go beyond the traditional classroom experience and invite students to look at familiar things in completely new ways.

Want to explore chemical engineering concepts through coffee? There’s a course for that.

Interested in learning how to navigate change in the business world from CEOs who have experienced it firsthand? There’s a course for that, too.

And if you’ve ever wondered why some people become celebrities while others don’t, Western’s Department of History has a fascinating new course for you.

📚 The History of Celebrity asks a deceptively simple question: what is it about certain individuals that elevates them to star status?

Taught by History professor Aldona Sendzikas, the course explores how our fascination with celebrities can reveal something about ourselves — and about the societies we live in.

Students examine changing definitions of celebrity throughout history and compare people from very different time periods and circumstances.

That includes Annie Edson Taylor, who in 1901 became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. What motivated her to take such a remarkable risk? And how does her story compare with more recent celebrity daredevils like Evel Knievel or Johnny Knoxville?

It’s history, but perhaps not quite the history you expected.

And that’s the point.

At Western, learning can begin with something familiar — a celebrity, a cup of coffee, a business challenge — and lead somewhere much bigger.

As Western Registrar Marisa Modeski puts it, innovative courses and curriculum are part of creating a “transformative learning experience” where students can think big, make meaningful connections across fields of study and develop the adaptability they’ll need in a rapidly changing world.

Because sometimes, the most memorable learning starts with a question you never expected to ask.

✨ Discover the courses that are doing things differently at Western:
https://news.westernu.ca/2026/09/cool-courses-2026/

Department of History - Western University

Address

Social Science Centre, 1151 Richmond Street
London, ON
N6G2V4

Website

http://www.ssc.uwo.ca/

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