Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - SA 250 D100

Introduction to Sociological Theory (S) (4)

Class Number: 2918

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jun 29 – Aug 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Dany Lacombe
    lacombe@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: By appointment

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 150.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An account of sociological theory, outlining the main ideas and concepts of the principal schools of thought.

COURSE DETAILS:

Are you the architect of your life, or just a character in someone else’s script?

Most of us believe the choices we make and the actions we take––from the food we crave to the people we love and the careers we chase—are deeply personal. But are they? How much of "you" is actually you? This course is an interrogation of the invisible forces that shape who we are—our bodies, our consciousness, and our identities.

We will ask: Is our pursuit of happiness an act of freedom, or is it how society governs us from the inside out? Are institutions like the family, education, the economy, and the law natural foundations of life, or are they social inventions designed to serve specific interests? Is power something that happens to us, or is it woven into the minute, intimate details of our private lives?

We will answer these questions through an exploration of the theories of thinkers who have influenced contemporary thought, both inside and outside the traditional canon of sociology, along the work of “classical” theorists such as Marx and Durkheim. With their help, we will learn to decode the social scripts that have been written for us—examining how they govern our behaviour and limit our possibilities.

By the end of this term, you won’t just study theory; you will have the tools to decide whether to follow the script you’ve been given—or start writing your own.


Statement on Sensitive Material: Sociological theories often require us to confront the harsher aspects of the human condition, including deviance, stigma, violence, trauma, and societal rejection. While these topics are essential to our learning goals, they can be emotionally taxing. My goal is to foster an environment where we can analyze these topics critically while remaining sensitive to the fact that they are often deeply personal. I encourage you to review the reading list early and to prioritize your mental well-being as you engage with the material. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have concerns.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Identify key sociological theories and their authors
  • Utilize specialized sociological terms in academic writing
  • Analyze current issues using at least two different sociological lenses

Grading

  • 2 Tests (one at 35% and one at 15%) 50%
  • Short presentation to introduce the theorist and a few concepts 20%
  • In-class exercises 15%
  • Class Participation 15%

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.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

N/A

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.