Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - SA 304 D100

Social Control (S) (4)

Class Number: 3168

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

The subject of social control has been a staple of sociological thought since the discipline’s very inception, boasting incisive contributions from several foundational scholars. A central concern lies at the core of their works: understanding how societies develop and maintain systems of order, whose interests, values, and livelihoods are privileged or compromised by such systems, and the processes involved in changing these systems to achieve a different outcome. Social control permeates virtually every aspect of our lives. It influences the time we choose to wake up in the morning, the academic courses we select, our clothing preferences, dietary habits, musical tastes, and even our perceptions of financial security. My goal with this course is to empower you to critically examine how such influences occur. In other words, I want you to understand the mechanisms that structure the decisions (and indecisions) that govern our lives.

Throughout this course, we will engage in a rigorous examination of the intricate mechanisms and structures that shape the development and sustenance of societies. We will explore essential concepts, theories, and practices that define how individuals exercise authority, mold behavior, and maintain order within both individuals and communities. Moreover, we will explore the profound impact of legal, social, and political frameworks on human conduct. While our analysis will encompass discussions of pivotal systems of social control such as the legal and criminal justice systems, we will also explore the subtler yet potent realms of societal influence. Additionally, we will embark on a deep exploration of the power dynamics and ethical considerations that underlie social control, anchoring our discussions in real-life examples and case studies. Our discussions primarily focus on historical and contemporary events within the Canadian context, but we will also broaden our scope to include happenings in the international and global scene.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Develop a deep understanding of the sociological, psychological, and ethical aspects of authority, power, and control in society.
  2. Analyze the historical and contemporary contexts of societal development and change, with a focus on Canadian and international perspectives.
  3. Develop an understanding of major concepts, arguments, and perspectives within the sociological study of social control.
  4. Engage in critical discussions and debates on topics related to social norms, ethics, and social justice.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations through case studies and practical exercises.

 

Grading

NOTES:

Contact Policy

Please contact me using your SFU email only. I will usually respond within 24 hours. However, please use your discretion when determining the nature of request, you are putting forward to me via email. In some cases, requesting a meeting might be a better option, so either see me during my office hours or request an alternative time for a meeting.

Grading: Grades in this class will be based on a percentage scale. Reading responses will not be accepted after 3 p.m. the Tuesday before class; Late submissions for all assignments will result in a grade reduction of 5 percentage points per day, unless due to a medical reason or other significant emergency. The four research assignments must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.

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

REQUIRED READING:

No required textbook.


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.