Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2016 - SA 100W J100

Perspectives on Canadian Society (SA) (4)

Class Number: 5567

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2016
    Mon, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Instructor:

    Benita Bunjun

  • Prerequisites:

    .

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of Canadian society from the perspective of the social sciences -- an introduction both to the nature of Canadian society and to the use of sociological and anthropological concepts applied to the analysis of modern societies in general. This course is meant to appeal to those who specifically wish to expand their knowledge of Canadian Society, and also to those who may be considering further work in sociology and anthropology. Topics to be considered include class structure, the nature of Canada's population, regional variation, gender relations, multiculturalism, native issues. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides a comprehensive overview and sociological perspective on Canadian society both past and present. The topics this term are designed to challenge common-sense notions about Canadian society. The course will consider the following questions: What does it mean to be Canadian? How does the Canadian nation come to be? What are the encounters involved and why? What are the emerging discourses of belonging, identity, settlement, and citizenship within Canadian society? How do State policies construct who belongs and who does not belong? We will also examine the biases and assumptions of binary thinking that have informed the study of Canadian society across gender, race, class, sexuality, Indigeneity, and citizenship.

Grading

  • Class Participation 15%
  • Seminar of Assigned Readings (presentation 10%, assignment 15%) 25%
  • Policy Analysis Paper (proposal 10%, final paper 25%) 35%
  • Final Exam 25%

REQUIREMENTS:

Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned a N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.

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:

Naiman, J. (2012). How societies work: Class, power, and change. Winnipeg: Fernwood Press. ISBN 9781552664650.

Razack, S. (2002). (Ed.). Race, space and the law: Unmapping a white settler society. Toronto: Between the Lines. ISBN 1896357598.

Library Reserve Readings on-line.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Balfour, G. (2012). Understanding societies: Readings for introductory sociology. Winnipeg: Fernwood Press. ISBN 9787552665367. (Articles correspond with Naiman's book chapters)

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