Summer 2016 - SA 250 D100
Introduction to Sociological Theory (S) (4)
Class Number: 2857
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Cindy Patton
ckpatton@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
SA 150.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An account of sociological theory, outlining the main ideas and concepts of the principal schools of thought.
COURSE DETAILS:
Although many people consider “theory” to be developed by specialists removed from the real world, everyone uses implicit or practical theory in everyday life. When we argue about politics, or debate the merits of a movie, we are making claims and evaluations based on a set of presuppositions about how the world works – or ought to work. Each time we meet a new person, we make assumptions and judgements about their social status. When we dress, we exhibit or hide key aspects of who we believe ourselves to be – our social and individual identity.
“Doing theory” means examining these daily assumptions in a systematic way. We will ask how humans organize themselves and what implications do various organizational schemes have for individual and collective life. By comparing social theories’ explanations of specific aspects of social life – coordination of activity, state legitimation, aesthetics – we can begin to define our individual values in a more systematic way. Mastering the key concepts of social theory, and understanding why particular issues were of interest to theorists at different historical moments, will enable us to appreciate the shifting field of sociology. We will spend the first three weeks examining classical works: Émile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber. Part II will then consider the emergence of “sociology” as a distinct discipline with competing explanations for social phenomenon, and an interest in affecting policy and practice. Here, we will consider, among other minor trends, the major traditions of functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Part III will explore feminist, neo-marxist, structuralist, poststructuralist, critical race, post-colonial, and post-modern theories.
This course assumes no prior knowledge of sociological theory, but requires an eagerness to take intellectual risks. Class time will be divided into short lectures, followed by small group discussion, and collaborative activities designed to develop critical thinking and writing skills. For example, in place of a conventional written exam, students will work each week to design their own exam, asking not only “what were the important concepts this week?” but also “what does it mean to give and take ‘tests’?”
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- Identify and describe the major theoretical traditions in sociology, including major and minor theorists and the contributions to social theory
- Master and employ key vocabulary and concepts used is social theory
- Apply social theories to contemporary social problems
- Develop analytical writing skills
Grading
- Participation & Attendance 15%
- Group Presentation/Debates 15%
- Term Test 1 15%
- Term Test 2 15%
- Weekly test development activity 10%
- Socio-self analysis (where are you situated in society?) using two different theories (7 pages) 15%
- Analysis of contemporary event using a social theory (7 pages) 15%
- There will be additional assignments for extra credit.
REQUIREMENTS:
Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned an N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.
Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐ S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
All materials are posted to Canvas. They are listed by week; please ensure in advance that your browser allows you to read the materials.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site contains information on what is meant by academic dishonesty and where you can find resources to help with your studies. There is also a section on tutoring.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS