Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - SA 442 E100

Applying the Sociological Imagination (S) (4)

Sociology of Sociology

Class Number: 2892

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected Topics in Sociology. Seminar exploring the topic through discussion, and developing original ideas that engage with sociological theory and methods. Course topic varies with the instructor and section. See detailed course outline for more information. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

Special Topic: Sociology of Sociology

This is a course about how sociologists study, know, and act. We consider sociology as an empirical and theoretical object, and turn the tools of sociology onto the discipline itself. As defined here, the sociology of sociology will be grounded in the sociological analysis of sociology as a discipline, practice, and institution. Locating the course at the intersection of sociology of knowledge/science, sociological theory, and critical history of sociology, the seminar will be grounded in analysis of key sites of internecine controversy, external political contention, and epistemological ruptures. Through these sites, we will examine how and why sociological research and theory is the way it is, how we can think about its history and present, and what it even means to make claims about the social. We will read about historical and contemporary visions for the discipline, conceptual disputes over core ideas like objectivity, the use of public sociology, the making of the canon, the status of scientificity, and the institutional social struggles central to feminist, decolonial, and critical race critiques of disciplinary knowledge practices. In engaging with description, analysis, and critique of the sociology, we consider what sociology is, and what it could be.

Grading

  • Seminar participation and leadership 50%
  • Memos and Questions 25%
  • Paper/Presentation 25%

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.

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.