Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - SA 451 E100

Issues in Anthropological Theory (A) (4)

Class Number: 2623

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Lindsey Freeman
    lindseyf@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: By appointment via Zoom

  • Prerequisites:

    Minimum of 72 units including SA 301, a GPA of at least 3.25 and consent of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A senior seminar on current perspectives in anthropological theory. Emphasis will differ from semester to semester.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is a combined Anthropology (SA 451) and Sociology (SA 450) advanced theory course* with the following calendar descriptions:

  • (A) Examines the dynamic relationship among conceptual aims, social relations in research, and the socio-political contexts of anthropological work through close study of selected classical and contemporary works in anthropology.
  • (S) Examines different historical and contemporary perspectives from the body of social theory.

*Students from other departments and faculties may enroll with permission of instructor.

More detailed notes and the particular foci for this version of the course:
Together we will undertake a serious study of social theory in the fields of Anthropology and Sociology in order to come to a greater understanding of ourselves, relationships, and the world. Readings will be drawn from major theoretical traditions and will be tailored to help us think critically and creatively about our specific historical moment coloured by the global pandemic, late-stage capitalism, neo-colonialism, ecological crisis, the #metoo movement, #blacklivesmatter, and other movements for racial justice and police reform. In order for change to happen, we have to be able to imagine it. This is the work of theory.

A Covid-19 note:
Students, we will meet virtually in a very strange and unsettling time. Many of you have likely faced added challenges due to the global pandemic and may continue to face them. I promise to offer compassion and flexibility in our time together because I am invested in you, not only as students in my class, but as people in the world. This is a moment that requires thinking, generosity, and community building. This fall, we will think together about the ways in which theory can help us to understand our lives and societies in order to imagine something better. We will engage with theory, using both our minds and our hearts through close reading, regular writing practice, and radical listening.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Weekly discussion responses 40%
  • Term paper 50%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy: The Department of Sociology & 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.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • All texts and/or films assigned for the week should be read and/or watched before our Zoom meeting.
  • Students should attend all Zoom meetings whenever possible.
  • Students must post 10 responses (out of 13 possible) during the term (one per week) in advance of our Zoom meeting.
  • Students must read their responses out loud during our Zoom meetings at least three (3) times for full participation points.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Wifi, access to a laptop or tablet with sound, a camera that would enable you to appear in a video classroom, and streaming capabilities.

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available online through SFU Library or will be uploaded as pdfs on Canvas.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).