Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2016 - SA 150 D100

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 1980

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2016
    Mon, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 18, 2016
    Mon, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The study of basic concerns of sociology, such as social order, social change, social conflict and social inequality. Breadth-Social Sciences. Equivalent Courses: PSA.101 Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Sociologists look at humans in a different way than people do in many other fields. How do sociologists approach the study of social life, and what do they find? In this course we will start answering these questions. You will also use this to develop your own perspective on social issues, and to examine how a sociological perspective can enrich your understanding of life as you experience it.  

As we learn about the sociological perspective, we’ll cover a variety of topics that will introduce you to the discipline. The objective of this course is to deepen your understanding of everyday issues by discussing what sociologists have discovered about fundamental social processes. Here are some examples of questions we’ll address: Why do people keep wondering about what race celebrities like Kim Kardashian and singers like Tom Jones belong to? Why is providing protection to refugees so controversial? Why is inequality between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians so persistent? What are ways we might think about Trudeau’s pledge to appoint an equal number of female and male ministers, and which ministries are headed by men vs. women?

Grading

  • Participation: 15%
  • Midterm Exam: 25%
  • Final Exam: 30%
  • Critical Essays (3 x 10%): 30%

NOTES:

For this course you will need to read and consider material before the day it’s assigned for, attend lectures and tutorials, participate in class discussion, complete in-class exercises that build on readings and in-class material, and takes notes as you watch audio-visual materials. Readings and class time will complement rather than replicate each other, and you will be expected to draw on both as you complete exams and critical essays.

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 an 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:

John Steckley and Guy Kirby Lett. 2013. Elements of Sociology: A Critical Canadian Introduction, 3rd edition. Oxford University Press.

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