Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - SA 350 D100

Classical Sociological Thought (S) (4)

Class Number: 2703

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Agnes MacDonald
    agnes_macdonald@sfu.ca
    Office: AQ 5068
    Office Hours: Wed 13:30-14:20, or by appointment (via remote/in-person)

  • 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 engages classical sociological theorists’ works. Students will gain a broader understanding of sociological theories, concepts and meaning-making through focused reading of original texts by some of the most important figures from the beginnings of the discipline. We will compare and contrast their perspectives of functionalism, conflict, symbolic interactions, feminist thoughts, and the self on the processes of commodification, restructuring of social classes, the organization of the state and the individual, women’s positions in society, social inequality, as well as the possibility of social cohesion and more. Through our critical analyses of these texts and in-depth class discussions, pair-presentations, researching and writing, students will develop a deeper sociological understanding of the historical times and contexts of these thinkers and their works. In doing so, we will discuss how theory can be utilized as a tool for organizing existing knowledges about the world. In turn, we can grasp the internal logic of a theory and how that theory applies to real social processes and to history, especially given the recent shifts in political cultures across the globe. The aim of this course is to foster critical reflection and independent thought grounded in classical sociological ideas.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The objective of this Classical Sociological Thought course is to further build students’ knowledge about sociological theory -

  • To foster ability for critically reading original texts by classical sociologists which will enable students to deepen their sociological understanding of the given historical contexts
  • To question assumptions underlying classical sociological thought
  • To enhance students’ ability for articulating theoretical frameworks in their own works

Grading

  • Participation (1x10 Q&A discussions) 15%
  • Reading Responses (3 x 5%) 15%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • Pair Presentation 10%
  • Final Research Paper 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

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

You will need access to a computer for additional online/remote learning and uploading assignments on CANVAS and ZOOM. I will be providing you with links to ZOOM when needed.

REQUIRED READING:

Lemert, Charles, ed. (2017). Social Theory: The Multicultural, Global and Classic Readings. Sixth Edition. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.

Print ISBN: 978-0-367319502
VitalSource eText ISBN: 978-0-429974267

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 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.