Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - SA 150 D100

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 2654

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 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:

By the end of this course, you should:

  • 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 Exam 20%
  • Essay 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw 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 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

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved!  Follow Facebook and Instagram pages or visit our website.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.