Spring 2018 - SA 250 D100
Introduction to Sociological Theory (S) (4)
Class Number: 1098
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Lisa Poole
lpoole@sfu.ca
Office: AQ 5079
Office Hours: TBA
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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:
“What is sociological theory?”
“Where does it come from?”
“What does it do?”
“Why is it important?”
These are some of the questions we will tackle during this course. During the course you will explore social theory and read the work of various classical and contemporary social theorists. By the end of the course you will be able to explain and critically evaluate sociological theorists throughout history including the classical theories of the “power trio” of sociology (Marx, Durkheim and Weber) as well more contemporary race, feminist, black feminist, queer, postmodern, and postcolonial theories. These theories will be examined chronologically and conceptually; highlighting the historical context in which the theories were written as well as key concepts that can be applied to social issues today. We will think about these theorists as situated in history and in their own personal stories, attempting to understand each theorist within their own time and appreciate the specific social and historical contexts which gave rise to their particular forms of theorizing. Tensions between structure and agency, power and knowledge, oppression and resistance, conformity and critique, theory and practice, will be recurring themes throughout the course. You will be asked to formulate and apply your sociological imagination and critical thinking to reading, discussing, and writing about the theories. Together we will attempt to consider sociological theory as relevant to an understanding and appreciation of social issues and apply classical and contemporary sociological theory to current social issues in Canadian society.
Grading
- Class participation 10%
- In-class presentation 5%
- Reading response x 2 (10% each) 20%
- Midterm exam 1 20%
- Midterm exam 2 25%
- Final reading response paper 20%
NOTES:
Grading: 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:
Lemert, C. (Ed.). (2016). Social Theory: The Multicultural, Global, and Classic Readings (Sixth ed.). Philadelphia: Westview Press.
ISBN: 978-0813350028
Maracle, L. (2002). I Am Woman : A Native Perspective on Sociology and Feminism. Vancouver: Press Gang Publishers.
ISBN: 978-0889740594
Any additional required readings will be available through Canvas, the SFU Library, or online.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS