Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - SA 304 D100

Social Control (S) (4)

Class Number: 2771

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Agnes MacDonald
    ama102@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: 1:30 – 2:30 pm or by appointment in-person/Zoom

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course examines how the organization of control (formal and informal) affects both individuals and society. It will investigate how control takes form, how it functions, the ideologies supporting it, and the resistance it produces. We will ask the following questions: who are the agents of social control; who or what do they control; and how do they control?

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines how the organization of control (formal and informal) affects both individuals and society. It will investigate how control takes form, how it functions, the ideologies supporting it, and the resistance it produces. We will ask the following questions: who are the agents of social control; who or what do they control; and how do they control?

We will think about how social control permeates our lives and our social interactions. Historical and contemporary aspects of social control will frame our course in order to examine practices and ideas about order, control, punishment, social integration, solidarity, and more. We will explore, discuss and question ideas about social control in weekly topics relating to culture, ritual, media, medicine, and more. By reading about moral regulation, the governance of subjects, state, power, spaces, and surveillance, among others, we will delve into a variety of sociological perspectives about social control. In an effort to critique social control, we will also look at actions and ideas about freedom, agency, and contestation.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. The objective of this Social Control course is to expand students’ sociological knowledge by exploring means of social control globally and in Canada in the everyday world and its historical processes
  2. Through lectures, discussions and presentations, students will gain a broad understanding of the structures and agents of social control
  3. Theoretical, conceptual, and research methodological approaches will enable students to explore sociological ideas about social control and challenges about the taken-for-granted assumptions in society and at the level of the individual about order and control
  4. Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the material in assignments and examinations

 

Grading

  • Participation (incl. 10 Q&A discussions) 20%
  • Pair/Small Group Presentation (2-4 students/class) 15%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • Final Research Essay 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

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

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

You will need access to a computer for learning and uploading assignments on CANVAS. In case of switching to remote learning and teaching you will also need to access ZOOM.

REQUIRED READING:

All course material/texts are available on CANVAS -> Weekly Readings and Films


RECOMMENDED READING:

TBA in class

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.