Spring 2022 - SA 250 OL01

Introduction to Sociological Theory (S) (4)

Class Number: 2759

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2022
    Wed, 6:00–6:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Evelyn Encalada Grez
    eencalad@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: Wed 11am-12pm 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.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course students you will be able to ...
• Distinguish key sociological theorists and their contributions
• Employ critical analysis in your writing and thinking
• Develop and expand your vocabulary for sociological theorizing
• Apply sociological theories to contemporary social problems

Grading

  • Online discussions 10%
  • Module response 25%
  • Critical theory response 25%
  • Final take home exam 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 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:

Lemert, C. (Ed.). (2016). Social theory: The multicultural, global, and classic readings. Westview Press. (Available digitally through the SFU Library)
ISBN: 978-0-813350028

Piercy, Marge. (1991) He, She and It: A Novel. Penguin Random House Publishing.

Must be purchased and read in its entirety.
ISBN: 978-0-449220603

Any other materials will be made available digitally through canvas.

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 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.