Fall 2021 - SA 850 G100

Selected Topics in Social Theory (5)

Class Number: 5339

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Cynthia Patton
    ckpatton@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: By appointment only

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines different historical and contemporary perspectives from the body of social theory. Students from other departments and faculties may enroll with permission of instructor.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course reviews some of the classic works in social/sociological theory and then moves quickly into mid-to-late 20th century frameworks from the German, French, and Anglo-American traditions, including social construction theory, social interaction theory, functionalism, post-structuralism, postmodernism. Students will select themes or concepts to follow through the works, and select two theorists from different traditions (Anglo-American, French) and develop a comparison in relationship to their own topical interests.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Identify major trends in the history of social theory;
  • Developed advanced skills in reading theoretical texts;
  • Understand and properly use commentaries, applications, and biographical materials related to theory and theorists;
  • Develop strong exegetical writing skills, including the comparison of terms and concepts;
  • Apply competing theorist to the same issue, using a comparison structure.

Grading

  • Attendance and participation 15%
  • Skills modules 15%
  • Asynchronous group activities (2 x 7.5%) 15%
  • Key term essays (4 x 5%) 20%
  • Key term comparison essay 10%
  • Application of key term essay 10%
  • Double key term application essay 15%

NOTES:

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.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available through Canvas, the SFU Library, or otherwise online as noted.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.