Summer 2019 - SA 150 D100

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 2530

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 7, 2019
    Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores how sociologists study, describe, and explain social life. Introduces the sociological perspective and applies it to fundamental social process and everyday issues. As we consider phenomena ranging from interactions among individuals to societal and global inequalities, students critically examine social issues to build their understanding of the world. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Sociologists look at humans in a different way than people do in many other fields. How do we approach the study of social life, and what do we find? In this course we will start answering these questions. You will use this to develop your own perspective on social issues, and to explore how a sociological perspective can enrich your understanding of life as we experience it.

The sociological perspective allows us to perceive fundamental social processes that are often hidden. We will apply this perspective to everyday issues and phenomena. Here are some questions we’ll address: Why is inequality between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians so persistent? What’s up with gender reveal parties? What do recent changes in Mark Zuckerberg’s way of dressing tell us? Why did Tiffany & Co. support a lawsuit by Christian Louboutin, and why is that interesting? Oh, and what does it mean to be Canadian, anyway?

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Papers (2 x 15%) 30%
  • Final exam 35%

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.    

REQUIREMENTS:

For this course you will need to read and consider material before the day it’s assigned for, attend lectures and tutorials, participate in class discussion, complete in-class exercises that build on readings and in-class material, and takes notes as you watch audio-visual materials. Readings and class time will complement rather than replicate each other, and you will be expected to draw on both as you complete exams and critical essays.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Suzanna M. Crage and Julia Smithers. (2019). Introduction to Sociology: Canada and the World. Open Educational Resources.

This textbook will be available for free via Canvas. Print options may be available.

Other readings will be announced and disseminated through Canvas.

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