Spring 2021 - SA 350 D100
Classical Sociological Thought (S) (4)
Class Number: 3167
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Yildiz Atasoy
yatasoy@sfu.ca
Office Hours: Fr 16:20-17:30 via Zoom
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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:
This course focuses on the classical tradition of sociological thought which emerged from the writings of leading theorists. Among these theorists are Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim. The course examines the earliest concepts, theories, and methods of sociology found in the writings of these thinkers. Through focused reading, critical analysis, in-depth class discussion, historical investigation, and film materials, we will compare and contrast their thoughts on the processes of commodification, capital accumulation and restructuring of social classes, the organization of state power and political alliances, social inequality, as well as the possibility of social cohesion. The course presents a space for an in-depth navigation across the long twentieth century of historical capitalism. It also offers a judicious rethinking of the twenty-first century processes of neoliberalism. Throughout the semester this course will provide a forum to rethink politics and address historical and global dimensions of social change by making connections to today’s world and by exploring alternatives to the Euro-centrism often found in these theories.
Grading
- Written summary 15%
- Written commentary 10%
- Class presentation 30%
- Critical journal 30%
- Presenting international news of the week 5%
- Participation 10%
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.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Please see SFU Bookstore website for information on textbook purchase options.
REQUIRED READING:
Desfor Edles, L. & Appelrouth, S. (2021). Sociological Theory in the Classical Era: Text and Readings, 4th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
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).