Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - SA 443 D100

Ethnographic Sensibility in Action (A) (4)

The Social Lives of the Dead

Class Number: 3270

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Instructor:

    Pamela Stern
    pstern@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-4677
    Office Hours: in person

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected Topics in Anthropology. Seminar exploring the topic through discussion, and developing original ideas that engage with anthropological theory and methods. Course topic varies with the instructor and section. See detailed course outline for more information. SA 443 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught.

COURSE DETAILS:

Special Topic: Social Lives of the Dead

The dead are everywhere, and surprisingly lively in human worlds. This advanced seminar will examine ethnographic materials concerning the dead as a tool for unpacking anthropological theory. We will investigate some of the many ways that the dead are made to remain involved in the lives and well-being of the living. Topics will include assisted dying, the missing and disappeared, the treatment of the dead bodies and body parts, memorials, the “good” death, state-led mass murder, unmarked graves, etc.

As an advanced seminar, class meetings will be largely devoted to student-led discussions of readings, films, and other course materials. Within the broad framework of the course, students will have the opportunity to propose specific topics and materials for inquiry.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the conclusion of the course, students will have

o developed a deepened understanding and appreciation for social theory and be prepared to apply it in new contexts;
o become familiar with some of the large and diverse anthropological literature concerning the treatment of the dead and dying
o developed confidence and skill for critical analysis

Grading

NOTES:

Your final mark in the class will be based on the following:

  • a weekly reading journal
  • multi-part research project related to the course topic and of the student’s choice
  • regular constructive participation and attendance

Notes: Students are expected to set their own learning goals and to work towards them through the course of the term. I will provide substantive written feedback on coursework without grades, and students are encouraged to address that feedback in ways that support their learning goals.

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or does not withdraw 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. The weekly reading journal is exempt from the requirement to avoid an N grade.

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:

All 3 books are available in digital format and available from the SFU Library. Sito can be purchased as an audiobook. If you prefer print copies, all 3 books are available from Amazon, though I encourage you to purchase through a local independent bookstore such as Iron Dog or Massy Books. There are also copies of Sito available for purchase at the SFU bookstore. Please note for Sito: our library has 1 print and digital copies for only 3 simultaneous users.


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.