Fall 2016 - SA 850 G100
Selected Topics in Social Theory (5)
Class Number: 2038
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Mon, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Yildiz Atasoy
yatasoy@sfu.ca
1 778 782-5520
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Examines different historical and contemporary perspectives from the body of social theory. Students from other departments and faculties may enroll with permission of instructor.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course covers the first one hundred years of sociological theorizing from around the 1830s to the 1940s. The classical tradition of sociological thought emerged in the writings of leading theorists of that period. Among these theorists are Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber. This course examines the earliest concepts, theories, and methods of sociology found in the work of these thinkers. Their critical engagement with what is often termed ‘the Enlightenment’ largely shaped sociology as a discipline. Therefore, the course will also include a brief review of the intellectual premises of the Enlightenment as evident in the writings of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Adam Smith. Through focused reading, critical analysis, in-depth class discussion, and historical investigation we will compare and contrast leading classical theorists’ thoughts on the processes of capital accumulation and restructuring of social classes, the organization of state power and political alliances, and hegemonies of historical capitalism. Throughout the semester this course will provide a forum for rethinking politics and addressing the historical and global dimensions of social change by making connections to today’s neoliberal world, including the current economic and ontological crises.
Grading
- Two sets of written summaries (each worth 15%) 30%
- Class presentation 30%
- Critical journals 25%
- Presenting the international news of the week 5%
- Participation (details will be discussed in class) 10%
REQUIREMENTS:
Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐ S10.04). 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: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Giovanni Arrighi (2010) The Long Twentieth Century, London: Verso
ISBN: 9781844673049
Karl Polanyi (1944) The Great Transformation, Boston: Beacon Press
ISBN: 9780807056431
Selected Readings (you will have access to these readings in the reference library)
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS