Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - SA 350 D100

Classical Sociological Thought (S) (4)

Class Number: 2296

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 14, 2026
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Sol Underwood
    swu3@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: by appointment

  • 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:

Durkheim, Marx, and Weber are central figures among the most significant contributors to early Sociology. They addressed fundamental questions relating to power, social change, human nature, inequality, and social cohesion. The power of their ideas reverberates throughout contemporary sociology and popular culture. Many of the debates and conflicts these thinkers responded to, and in some cases provoked, remain central to explorations of society. In this course we will examine the works of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber in relation to their historical context and relevance to Sociology and society today. We will conclude the course by reading The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. DuBois as a way of sparking a deeper discussion of the emergence of dominant modes of modern theorizing in terms of whiteness, colonialism, wealth, and hetero-patriarchal masculinity.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will develop the ability to read and analyze social theory and to communicate complex ideas verbally and in writing.

 

Grading

  • In-class critical response X 2 40%
  • In-class midterm examination (open book) 40%
  • Final test (non-cumulative, closed book 20%

NOTES:

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:

  • Durkheim, Emile. (2014). The Division of Labor in Society, Introduction and Translation by Steven Lukes, New York: The Free Press, A Division of Macmillan. ISBN: 978-1-476749730. PRINT EDITION, NO E-BOOKS
  • Tucker, Robert C., editor. (1978). The Marx-Engels Reader, 2nd edition. Norton. ISBN-13: 978-0393090406. PRINT EDITION, NO E-BOOKS

    Additional readings are available as pdfs via Canvas. Readings by Weber will need to be printed out and brought to class.

 


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.