Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - SA 450 E100

Advanced Sociological Theory (S) (4)

Class Number: 3440

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Fri, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Minimum of 72 units including SA 350, a GPA of at least 3.25 and consent of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A senior seminar on current perspectives in sociological theory. Emphasis will differ from semester to semester.

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

  • Class attendance and participation 15%
  • Skill modules 15%
  • Asynchronous group activities (2 projects) (7.5 points x 2) 15%
  • Key term essays (5 points x 4) 20%
  • Key term comparison essay 10%
  • Application of a key term essay 10%
  • Double key term application essay 15%

NOTES:

Those enrolled in SA 450 have the option of replacing assignment 5 with two additional assignment 4; and replacing assignment 7 with another assignment 6. Page expectations will be shorter.

No late papers. All papers have a due date. There will be an amnesty at about mid-term during which students may submit one missing item for comment and partial score. After submitting assignment 6, students may submit one additional missing assignment for partial score, but no comments.

 

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 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