Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - SA 250 D100

Introduction to Sociological Theory (S) (4)

Class Number: 7181

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    S. W. Underwood
    swu3@sfu.ca
    Office: Zoom
    Office Hours: by appointment

  • Instructor:

    S Underwood
    swu3@sfu.ca

  • 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 offers an introduction to foundational classical and contemporary theorists whose ideas have achieved wide influence. It introduces students to a systematic method for identifying and assessing theoretical claims about society. First, the course aims to demonstrate what theory is and how theory is important to sociology. Second, it aims to help you read, make sense of, and use theory. Third, it explores how sociology is shaped by the theoretical assumptions and interests of its major thinkers, and how historical circumstances set sociological agendas.
The theorists we will study ask diverse questions: What holds society together? What is the relationship between individuals and communities? How does the physical and social world shape who we are? How do people and ideas shape society? How does power shape social relations and action? These questions, and the theories we generate to answer them, are still of great relevance today.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will develop the ability to recognize and analyze social theory and communicate complex ideas both verbally and in writing. Specifically, this course has several learning objectives:

  • Identify and assess key theoretical concepts and arguments.
  • Evaluate and understand distinct approaches central to sociological theory.
  • Write critically and analytically about sociologically theory using supporting evidence
  • Draw connections between social theory and historical/current events.

Grading

  • Response Paper –January 28th 20%
  • Midterm Test – February 11th 25%
  • Final Test – April 8th 20%
  • Final Paper – due date: TBA 35%

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:

All readings will be available through SFU Libraries via PDFs of book chapters and journal articles. All materials will be posted or linked on the class Canvas page.


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.