Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - SA 443 D100

Ethnographic Sensibility in Action (A) (4)

The Social Lives of the Dead

Class Number: 4809

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Pamela Stern
    pstern@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-4677
    Office: AQ5066
    Office Hours: Mondays, 2-3:30p & by appt.

  • Prerequisites:

    Minimum of 72 units including either SA 101 or SA 150.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected Topics in Anthropology. Seminar exploring the topic through discussion, and developing original ideas that engage with anthropological theory and methods. Course topic varies with the instructor and section. See detailed course outline for more information. SA 443 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught.

COURSE DETAILS:

The dead are everywhere, and surprisingly lively in human worlds. This advanced seminar will examine ethnographic materials concerning the dead as a tool for unpacking anthropological theory. We will investigate some of the many ways that the dead are made to remain involved in the lives and well-being of the living. Topics will include assisted dying, the missing and disappeared, the treatment of the dead bodies and body parts, memorials, the “good” death, state-led mass murder, unmarked graves, etc. As an advanced seminar, class meetings will be largely devoted to student-led discussions of readings, films, and other course materials. Within the broad framework of the course, students will have the opportunity to propose specific topics and materials for inquiry.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • developed a deepened understanding and appreciation for social theory and be prepared to apply it in new contexts;
  • become familiar with some of the large and diverse anthropological literature concerning the treatment of the dead and dying;
  • developed confidence and skill for critical analysis

Grading

NOTES:

Your final mark in the class will be based on the following:
  • a weekly reading journal
  • multi-part research project related to the course topic and of the student’s choice
  • regular constructive participation and attendance
 
Notes: Students are expected to set their own learning goals and to work towards them through the course of the term. I will provide substantive written feedback on coursework without grades, and students are encouraged to address that feedback in ways that support their learning goals.



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:




Podcasts, videos, journal articles and book chapters. Available through CANVAS.

All 3 books are available in digital format and are downloadable from the SFU Library. Sito is also available as an audiobook. If you prefer print copies, all 3 books are available from Amazon, though I encourage you to purchase through a local independent bookstore such as Iron Dog or Massy Books.


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.