Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - SA 200W D100

Power, Conflict and Change in Canadian Society (S) (4)

Class Number: 3004

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Madelyn Prevost
    madelynp@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: Monday, 12:30-3:30, or by appointment

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines Canadian society from the perspective of the social sciences. Students apply sociological concepts to analyze issues in modern societies, focusing on Canada as a case. Topics include class structure, the nature of Canada's population, regional variation, gender relations, multiculturalism, and colonialism. Students with credit for SA 100W are not eligible to take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores and scrutinizes the myths, assumptions, and ideologies underlying Canadian society, the role of power in maintaining them, and the modes of resistance that oppose them. Through developing a “sociological imagination” and practicing critical thinking, reading, and writing skills, students will critically evaluate texts, media, and discourses that surround key issues in modern society, including: colonial legacies; racism, immigration, and multiculturalism; queer and trans rights; labour; capitalism, neoliberalism, and the meritocracy; disability justice; and the climate crisis. Using Canada as a case study, this course draws on current and local issues to understand broader structural forces using sociological and anthropological perspectives. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Recognize and explain neo/liberal ideology in the framing of current affairs in Canada
  • Critique representation of Canadian societal values in mainstream media using relevant sociological and anthropological theory
  • Challenge longstanding myths about Canadian fairness with reference to specific historical and contemporary evidence
  • Identify significant challenges facing Canadian society with reference to course material
  • Effectively write about key issues in Canadian society

Grading

  • Critical Analysis Essay #1 10%
  • Critical Analysis Essay #2 10%
  • Current events group presentation 10%
  • Participation 10%
  • Essay Proposal 10%
  • Final Essay 25%
  • Cumulative Exam (During exam period) 25%

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

A: Outstanding work, exceeding the requirements of the assignment, and demonstrating innovation, creativity, and exceptional communication skills. There is very little that can be improved in this assignment.

B: Very good work, fulfilling all requirements outlined in the assignment, and demonstrating above-average comprehension of major concepts and expectations and very good communication skills. There is little to improve in this assignment.

C: Good work that meets all of the requirements of the assignment and shows a good grasp of expectations and course materials. Work is communicated well.

D: Work meets enough of the requirements to pass the course, but could be improved in terms of communication skills and content.

F: Inadequate work that does not meet the requirements of the assignment.

FD: Failed for academic dishonesty.


Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) 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: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.

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:

  • Jessica Antony, Wayne Andrew Antony, and Leslie Samuelson, eds. Power & Resistance: Critical Thinking about Canadian Social Issues. Seventh edition. Fernwood Publishing, 2022.
  • Note: this text is available as a course reserve through the SFU Library. Other access options will be discussed in class.
  • Additional required reading, viewing, and listening available in Canvas modules each week.

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.