Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - URB 620 G100

Urban Communities and Cultures (4)

Class Number: 4372

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Jun 19, 2023: Mon, Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course is an introduction to the anthropological and sociological study of complex urban societies in comparative perspective. It includes study of anthropological and sociological approaches to urbanization, the nature of the city as a social system, and urban communities and cultures.

COURSE DETAILS:

This seminar course will explore perspectives on and social constructions of urban communities and cultures. The course will introduce insights that will enhance critical thinking and encourage historical and cultural awareness of local and place-specific contexts.

The course literature is interdisciplinary and derives from cultural geography, cultural studies, urban studies, anthropology, sociology, and history. The course will provide insights into urban lives, activities, identities, memories, and cultural phenomena to name a few.

As this is a seminar course, participants will actively discuss and explore readings, and share urban observations and explorations with one another. Together, participants will broaden their understandings of course topics and observe the meanings and values associated with their living environments as a part of everyday life.

Grading

  • Participation 20%
  • Seminar Facilitation 20%
  • Ethnographic Observation Exercise 20%
  • Final Essay 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course readings will be made available on Canvas and through SFU library.


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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.