Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - SA 150 D900

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 3497

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Surrey

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:

Sociology is defined as the systematic study of society. It seeks to understand the social world by examining society in its entirety. In this respect, sociologists examine everything: from social institutions (such as family, religion, the media, politics and the economy), to social processes (e.g. socialization, social mobility and globalization), to social inequality (e.g. racism, homophobia; classism; sexism; ableism and others). This course invites students to think critically about Canadian society and its institutions, and by extension the global world, and to question taken-for-granted assumptions about how society works. We will grapple with sociological questions such as: Who is most likely to be poor or incarcerated? How does socialization happen? Why does social inequality exist, and how might social institutions and processes contribute to its existence? What factors cause societies to change? In asking these questions and critically evaluating ‘common-sense’ understandings of society, the course strives to introduce students to a ‘sociological imagination,’ and to illustrate the connection between personal experience and broader social-politico issues. Overall, this course aims to provide students with a broad overview of the discipline of Sociology by exploring its major schools of thought, central concepts, theories and methods.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 10%
  • Mid-term Exam 30%
  • Article Review 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

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:

Brym, Roberts, Lance W. Roberts and Lisa Strohschein. 2021. Sociology: Compass for a New Social World, Seventh Edition. Toronto: Nelson

(N.B// Students may purchase the 6th edition of the text above if available)

Additional Readings may be available through the library or on Canvas

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