Summer 2016 - SA 260 D100
Individual and Society (S) (4)
Class Number: 3688
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
John Bogardus
bogardus@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
SA 101 or 150 or 201W .
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An examination of how self and identity (e.g. race, class, gender, sexual orientation) are socially derived within contemporary western culture, and of the ways that individuals shape their social environment.
COURSE DETAILS:
“Who am I?”
“What are my responsibilities to other people, to the natural world?”
“What can I expect from others in return?”
“What do I value?”
“What do I want society to value?”
Do you ever ask yourselves these questions and wonder how to go about answering them? Do you start from an expectation that life is about pursuing a meaningful and joyful existence while bringing into being a world which is humane and sustainable? Do contemporary threats like climate change, resource wars, global inequalities and rising tyranny make realizing these objectives seem less likely yet all the more urgent? Do you wonder if conventional explanations fall short of equipping you to realize your aspirations?
If any or all of these questions -- or quests -- resonate with you, this may be the course you’ve been looking for!
Together we explore the belief of Gandhi and many others that we must become the change we want to see in the world. As “humans becoming,” we are dynamic beings capable of consciously transforming not only our selves but also simultaneously challenging oppressive and exploitive structures which contribute to social problems, both local and global.
Our journey is anchored in stories, our own and those of others like and unlike us. Creating an inclusive community of critical, independent thinkers, we take the road less traveled, drawing lessons from Marxism, feminism and anarchism. In so doing, we strive to make sense of concepts as diverse as addiction, neo-liberalism, alienation, love, capitalism, democracy, corporate globalization, identity, social justice and much more. We do so by fashioning spaces of empowerment and hope, combating passivity and despair. Oh, and by the way – we have fun while we do it!
Grading
- Critical Reflections 5%
- Small Group Workshops 5%
- Critical Annotations 20%
- Auto-ethnography 35%
- Individual Project 35%
NOTES:
Attendance during the first class is critical for the successful completion of this course.
REQUIREMENTS:
The critical annotations, auto-ethnography and individual project 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:
Course readings will be available online.
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