Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - SA 350 D100

Classical Sociological Thought (S) (4)

Class Number: 2543

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Yildiz Atasoy
    yatasoy@sfu.ca
    Office: AQ 5082
    Office Hours: Friday: 4:30-5:30 pm (In-person. By appointments only)

  • 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 covers the first one hundred years of sociological theorizing from the 1830s to the 1930s. The classical tradition of sociological thought emerged from the writings of leading theorists during and before that period. Among these theorists are Rene Descartes, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Adam Smith, Thomas Malthus, Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim. The course examines the earliest concepts, theories, and methods of sociology found in the writings of these thinkers, as well as the more recent writings of Karl Polanyi. Through a focused reading, critical analysis, in-depth class discussion, historical investigation, international news and film materials we will compare and contrast their thoughts on the processes of European capitalism (capital accumulation and rationalization), and restructuring of social classes, the organization of state power and political alliances, cultures and social inequality, and planetary life. Throughout the semester this course will provide a deep-history perspective on humans and capital within the web of life in an effort to rethink politics and address the historical and global dimensions of social change. In doing so, we will clarify the connections between the old, historically established Euro-American hegemonies and colonializations of life on earth, and today’s global processes of neoliberalization throughout the world. This should also help us to explore knowledge forms which stand outside Euro-American centric thinking and present transformational possibilities for greater biospheric coherence and integrity.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Students will develop the ability to recognize and use key concepts in sociological theory to describe a complex world in transition;
  • Students will be encouraged to see classical sociological theory historically as rooted in global hegemonic projects and unequal power relations;
  • Students will develop the ability to communicate complex ideas verbally and in writing.

Grading

  • In-class written weekly reflections/questions on lectures & readings 10%
  • In-class written commentary 15%
  • Class presentation 30%
  • Critical journals 25%
  • Presenting the international news of the week/discussion question 10%
  • Participation in class discussions 10%

NOTES:

Students will receive an N (incomplete) grade if they do not complete any of the following assignments: In-class written commentary; class presentation; and critical journals. An N is considered an F for purposes of scholastic standing.

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:

Textbook: Laura Desfor Edles and Scott Appelrouth (2021). Sociological Theory in the Classical Era: Text and Readings, edition 4. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.

Other Course Readings: Available on Canvas, online, 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.

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.