Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - SA 150 D100

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 3481

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores how sociologists study, describe, and explain social life. Introduces the sociological perspective and applies it to fundamental social process and everyday issues. As we consider phenomena ranging from interactions among individuals to societal and global inequalities, students critically examine social issues to build their understanding of the world. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will introduce students to the study of what we call society. Students will be challenged to think critically about their everyday lives, and develop sociological imaginations for conceptualizing the relationship between individuals, groups, social structures, culture, and power. We will explore a wide range of macro, meso, and micro social forces that structure and mediate our lives, such as colonialism, nation, race, gender, class, and sexuality. The course will introduce students to sociological theory, and social research methods, which help us to answer questions about society, but also help us to understand how knowledge and evidence about society is produced. A goal of the course is for students to apply sociological theories to social issues, and look for explanation outside of ‘common sense’ understandings of the social world.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Develop a sociological imagination and understand its centrality to sociological thought.
  • Describe, understand, and apply the theoretical traditions of sociology to the social world.
  • Develop an understanding of the various social processes and institutions that structure peoples’ lives.
  • Begin to understand the structure of sociological research and scholarship.
  • Critically analyze how sociology and social sciences in general have studied Indigenous peoples and Nations, and build a vision for how it can be different.

Grading

  • Short Assignment 1 15%
  • Short Assignment 2 25%
  • Test 1 20%
  • Test 2 20%
  • Participation 20%

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 Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). 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.

The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved!  Follow Facebook and Instagram pages or visit our website.

 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Anabel Quan-Haase and Lorne Tepperman. 2021. Real Life Sociology: A Canadian Approach. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press

 


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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