Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - SA 150 D900

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 3034

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The study of basic concerns of sociology, such as social order, social change, social conflict and social inequality. Breadth-Social Sciences. Equivalent Courses: PSA.101 Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will introduce students to the study of society. Students will be challenged to think critically about their everyday lives, and develop sociological imaginations for conceptualizing the relationship between individuals, groups, social structures, and culture. Some of the key questions we will address include: how are people socialized? How does culture impact how we view the world? Who has power, and why? How do certain behaviours become thought of as deviant? How do institutions like education, family, and media impact how we live? How does social change happen? We will explore a wide range of macro and micro social forces and power relations that mediate our lives, such as race, gender, class, and sexuality. The course will introduce students to sociological theory, and social research methods, which help us to answer questions about society, but also help us to understand how knowledge and evidence about society is produced. In assignments, students will have the opportunity to study issues such as environment, racial injustice, religion, economic inequality, social movements, and deviance. In tutorial, assignments, and participation in lecture, students will be expected to apply sociological theories to social issues, and look for explanation outside of ‘common sense’ understandings of the social world.

Grading

  • Film analysis 1 15%
  • Film analysis 2 25%
  • Participation 20%
  • Exam 1 20%
  • Exam 2 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:

Quan-Haase, A, and Tepperman, L. (2018). Real Life Sociology: A Canadian Approach. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.
ISBN: 978-0-199024698

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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