Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - SA 150 D900

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 3089

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Instructor:

    Agnes MacDonald
    ama102@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: By appointment

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:

In this course we will examine social issues to build our understanding of the social world. Introduction to Sociology explores how sociologists study, describe, and explain social life. We will explore the “sociological perspective” which helps us see everyday issues in society. Sociology looks at interactions among individuals, relationships, along with the categories of identity, gender, race, globalization, deviance power struggles, inequalities and the social institutions that create and uphold them through concepts, theories and research. We will challenge ourselves to think critically about the world around us by asking questions such as: How do we become the persons we are? How do institutions like education, family, and media shape our lives, construct sameness and difference among us? Sociology will become familiar to us as we see its concerns about society and people, like our own lives in the world.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • The objective of this course is to introduce students to the discipline of sociology and the “sociological imagination.”
  • Students will gain working knowledge of sociological theories and concepts so that they will be able to employ them analytically and creatively.
  • By learning the various sociological perspectives students will be able to apply those to large societal events in the world and to everyday human interactions.
  • Lecture material, selected chapters in the textbook, articles, video clips, and discussions will help students to gain foundational sociological knowledge and in turn demonstrate their understanding of the material in assignments and examinations.
  • The tutorials will further foster students to deepen their understanding of the topics in a small group environment through discussions, questions, interactions with classmates and the tutor.

Grading

  • Participation (class attendance, tutorial/group work) 15%
  • Quiz 1 5%
  • Quiz 2 5%
  • Midterm Exam 1 20%
  • Midterm Exam 2 20%
  • Final Exam 35%

NOTES:

AI
The use of AI and/or ChatGPT is not permitted during class time, exams, and quizzes. You may utilize it with care for studying for the exams at home.

Your phones (and watches if they are connected to your phone) must be turned off during the exams and quizzes. They also will be collected when you come to the classroom and at kept at the instructor’s desk until you leave.

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraws from the course before the deadline, 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
*Grades will not be rounded off.

Policy on grading, late assignments, missed exams and email turn-around time:
If you anticipate that you will be late to submit your assignment, please let me and your TA know ahead of time (at least a week in advance of the due date). Unless you inform us in advance of the due date, please note there will be a 5% penalty per day (including weekends) for late assignments. Grades will not be rounded-off.

There will be no make up for missed tutorial participation, assignments, or exams unless there are extenuating circumstances for which documentation may be requested.

If you need to get in touch with the instructor, please factor in a 48-hour turn-around time on email, excluding weekends and holidays. This syllabus may be subject to minor changes. Students will be notified in advance should these arise.

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Labour Studies Program follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10.01‐S10.04). 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.

If you need accommodation, please communicate about it with your instructor and TA.


Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Pen, paper, laptop computers.
All the material of the course will be made available on CANVAS. Find the Syllabus, access to the textbook, lecture notes, additional reading materials, films/film clip links on CANVAS -> MODULES.

REQUIRED READING:

  • William, Little. Introduction to Sociology, 3rd Canadian Edition. BC Open Textbook. 2023. Online/Pdf: download it from CANVAS

RECOMMENDED READING:

TBA

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.