Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - SA 327 D100

Sociology of Knowledge (S) (4)

Class Number: 2167

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 17, 2020
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Location: TBA

  • Instructor:

    - Travers
    atravers@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-6630
    Office: AQ 5100A
    Office Hours: By appointment only.

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of sociological theories concerning the interaction of social structures, and meaning and belief systems.

COURSE DETAILS:

The relationship between social power and privilege and the ability to say what counts as knowledge has been revealed to have a particularly damaging impact—historically and currently—for categories of people, animals, and global ecology. This course unsettles common sense frameworks of knowledge that normalize resource extraction and colonial state control of Indigenous territories. Colonialism functions in part because of the erasure of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis presence on and histories with the land. Students will have the opportunity to gain a much more nuanced understanding of B.C. and Canadian colonial history and issues relating to land and resource extraction as a result of this course.

This course will emphasize a sociological examination of western and Indigenous knowledge systems with a special focus on conflict relating to major energy extraction projects in British Columbia. We will consider the circumstances under which specific sectors of western society have been successful in claiming legitimacy as the seekers and providers of knowledge. Debates about the possibilities for objectivity and truth within science have been extended and broadened by feminist, post-modern, post/de-colonial, and queer discourses that have been particularly powerful in challenging the singular legitimacy of the scientific discourse in providing appropriate criteria for knowledge production and social policy. Lectures on traditional western vs. alternative knowledge systems based in feminist science studies, ecological, and de-colonial perspectives will be augmented by class presentations by Indigenous experts and documentary material.

Grading

  • Cooperative group research presentation* 20%
  • Individual report on research presentation 20%
  • Midterm exam 30%
  • Final exam (in-class) 30%
  • *Students will be required to fully attend four specified classes or face a 10% reduction per class missed.

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.

REQUIREMENTS:

Weekly online live stream class meeting: Monday, 10:00 – 11:30am (recorded)

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Universal Access Remote learning for this semester requires a computer or tablet, camera, and internet access. Most laptops and desktops are running OSX and Windows. Tablets may be Android, iOS or Windows based. Headsets are advised but not necessary. Note that students have access to free Office 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud found here.

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available via PDFs or links on the course outline (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 SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.

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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.