Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - SA 442 E100

Applying the Sociological Imagination (S) (4)

Troubled Lives: Outsiders in Story & Film

Class Number: 3085

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jun 29 – Aug 10, 2026: Tue, Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

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

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected Topics in Sociology. Seminar exploring the topic through discussion, and developing original ideas that engage with sociological theory and methods. Course topic varies with the instructor and section. See detailed course outline for more information. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

Special topics: Troubled Lives: Stories and Films of Society’s Outsiders

How do individuals labeled as deviant navigate a society that seeks to exclude, reform, and punish them? And how do they reclaim their agency by telling their own stories?

This course explores the making of “the outsider” through the dual lenses of storytelling and cinema. Moving beyond simple categories of deviance, we examine the specific social processes—legal, familial, and medical—that push individuals to the margins of “normal” society. We investigate how “troubled lives,” while deeply unique and personal, are often products of institutional failure, moral hysteria, or rigid societal expectations.

Through one biography and a selection of films, we will analyze how institutions, community and media-driven moral panics work together to transform individuals into outcasts. By uncovering the gap between the public perception and the lived reality of these “outsiders,” we will ultimately highlight the power of storytelling to resist isolation and reclaim resilience. 


Statement on Sensitive Material: The study of "Outsiders" requires us to confront the harsher aspects of the human condition, including deviance, 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.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Analyze how institutions construct and enforce categories of deviance
  • Identify techniques used to create moral spectacles and public pariahs
  • Evaluate the role of first-person narrative in challenging dominant social labels
  • Analyze ethical challenges researching perpetrators

Grading

  • Test 1 20%
  • Five in-class writing exercises (10% each) 50%
  • Class participation 15%
  • Leading class discussion on a film 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

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Readings for this course are provided on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING:

Lacombe, Dany. 2025. Talking Reform: Making and Unmaking a Life in Canada’s. McGill-Queens University Press Prisons

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.