Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - SA 150 D100

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 2564

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

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:

We are already amateur sociologists when we reflect on mundane, temporary interactions or gestures in our daily lives or significant, lasting social issues, asking why and how things happen. Sociology is a discipline that pushes us to question what seems obvious and is taken for granted about society. This course is designed to introduce you to sociology, where you can activate your sociological imaginations to develop a critical understanding of contemporary society and the world. Throughout the semester, we will read and think about culture, self and identity, deviance and crime, consumption and popular culture, work and economy, power and authority, social class and inequality, racism and sexism, and resistance and change.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Develop your own sociological imagination and critical thinking
  • Gain an understanding of different sociological lines of thought and approaches
  • Describe, understand, and apply sociological theories and concepts
  • Develop a critical understanding of how social institutions and processes structure the society and lives

Grading

  • Participation 20%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Essay 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraws 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 A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N (N standing indicates student did not complete course requirements). Intervals for the assignment of final letter grades based on course percentage grades are 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

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Quan-Haase, A. & L. Tepperman (2024). Real-Life Sociology: A Canadian Approach. Don Mills: Oxford University Press. Third edition.

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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.