Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - SA 350 D100

Classical Sociological Thought (S) (4)

Class Number: 3219

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Yildiz Atasoy
    yatasoy@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: Friday: 4:30-5:30 pm (By appointments only)

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 250.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of aspects of the work of one or more of the nineteenth or early twentieth century sociological theorists.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course covers the first one hundred years of sociological theorizing from the 1830s to the 1930s. The classical tradition of sociological thought emerged from the writings of leading theorists during and before that period. Among these theorists are Rene Descartes, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Adam Smith, Thomas Malthus, Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim. The course examines the earliest concepts, theories, and methods of sociology found in the writings of these thinkers, as well as the more recent writings of Karl Polanyi. Through a focused reading, critical analysis, in-depth class discussion, historical investigation, international news and film materials we will compare and contrast their thoughts on the processes of European capitalism (capital accumulation and rationalization), and restructuring of social classes, the organization of state power and political alliances, cultures and social inequality, and planetary life. Throughout the semester this course will provide a deep-history perspective on humans and capital within the web of life in an effort to rethink politics and address the historical and global dimensions of social change. In doing so, we will clarify the connections between the old, historically established Euro-American hegemonies and colonializations of life on earth, and today’s global processes of neoliberalization throughout the world. This should also help us to explore knowledge forms which stand outside Euro-American centric thinking and present transformational possibilities for greater biospheric coherence and integrity.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

- Students will develop the ability to recognize and use key concepts in sociological theory to describe a complex world in transition;

- Students will be encouraged to see classical sociological theory historically as rooted in global hegemonic projects and unequal power relations;

- Students will develop the ability to communicate complex ideas verbally and in writing.

Grading

  • In-class written weekly reflections on lectures & readings 5%
  • In-class written commentary 20%
  • Class presentation 30%
  • Critical journals 25%
  • Presenting the international news of the week/discussion question 10%
  • Participation in class discussions 10%

NOTES:

Students will receive an N (incomplete) grade if they do not complete any of the following assignments: In-class written commentary; class presentation; and critical journals. An N is considered an F for purposes of scholastic standing.

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

REQUIRED READING:

  • Textbook: Laura Desfor Edles and Scott Appelrouth (2021). Sociological Theory in the Classical Era: Text and Readings, edition 4. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
  • Journal Articles: Available on Canvas, online, and at SFU Library. All required journal articles are available in the modules section on Canvas.

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.