Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - SA 250 OL01

Introduction to Sociological Theory (S) (4)

Class Number: 5550

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Feb 25, 2021
    Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 20, 2021
    Tue, 6:00–6:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Evelyn Encalada Grez
    eencalad@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: We 11:00-12:00 via Zoom

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 150.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An account of sociological theory, outlining the main ideas and concepts of the principal schools of thought.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course probes social theory, its evolution, and the ways it explicates social phenomena and everyday life. We will start with science fiction to animate our imagination for alternate realities and futures and then focus on Western thinkers that have laid much of the foundation of sociology as a scholarly discipline. We will end with decentering Western thought and turn to postmodernism and critical race theory to offer alternate worldviews and centre voices that challenge the traditional sociological canons. Overall, the course will unpack question such as: what makes us human, what are the sources of inequality and how do we transform and change society? Our questions and discussions will be grounded in the contemporary context with a lens not only on Canada but on major world affairs.

Grading

  • Online discussions 10%
  • Module responses 25%
  • Critical theory response 25%
  • Final exam (take-home) 40%

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 Labour Studies Program 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

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Please see SFU Bookstore website for information on textbook purchase options.

REQUIRED READING:

Lemert, C. (Ed.). (2016). Social theory: The multicultural, global, and classic readings. Westview Press.
ISBN: 978-0-367319502

Piercy, M. (1991). He, She and It: A Novel. Random House Publishing.
ISBN: 978-0-449220603

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

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).