Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2019 - SA 350 D100

Classical Sociological Thought (S) (4)

Class Number: 2531

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 250.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of aspects of the work of one or more of the nineteenth or early twentieth century sociological theorists.

COURSE DETAILS:

Durkheim, Marx, and Weber are central figures among the most significant contributors to early sociology. They addressed fundamental questions relating to power, social change, human nature, inequality, and social cohesion. The power of their ideas reverberates throughout contemporary sociology and popular culture. Many of the debates and conflicts these thinkers responded to, and in some cases provoked, remain central to our exploration of society. In this course we will examine the works of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber in relation to their historical context and relevance to sociology and society today. We will conclude the course by reading Goodbye Snauq by Lee Maracle and The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. DuBois as a way of sparking a deeper discussion of the emergence of dominant modes of modern theorizing in terms of whiteness, wealth, colonialism and hetero-patriarchal masculinity.

Grading

  • Analytical response paper (1000 wd) 30%
  • In-class midterm exam (open book) 40%
  • In-class final exam (non-cumulative) 30%

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:

Classroom activities will include lectures, cooperative group activities, discussions, audio-visual presentations, an in-class midterm examination and an in-class final test.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Durkheim, Emile. (2014). The Division of Labor in Society, Introduction and Translation by Steven Lukes, New York: The Free Press, A Division of Macmillan.
ISBN: 978-1-476749730

All other texts available as pdfs via Canvas. You will need to print them out and bring them to class for the date assigned.

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