Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2016 - SA 150 D900

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 1930

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2016
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Surrey

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:

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the ‘sociological imagination’ and to illustrate how it allows us to connect our personal experiences to broader social issues, and how personal choices and individual lives are shaped by larger social forces. This course will challenge students' perspectives on a wide range of topics and provide them with the tools to critically evaluate ‘common-sense’ understandings of society. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on asking students to think critically about the global world, as well as Canadian society and its institutions, and to question their taken-for-granted assumptions about how society works. These objectives will be accomplished through introducing students to some of the major theoretical perspectives, concepts and methods of the discipline of sociology. We will cover many topics including: culture, socialization, globalization, gender and sexuality, race and ethnic relations, religion, social stratification, work and the economy, deviance and crime, and social movements.

This course will be organized as a mix of lectures and tutorials.  Lectures will include definitions and discussions of topics and in-class activities (video-viewing and team discussions). Tutorials will include discussions of weekly readings and topics. Students are required to read course material. Lectures and tutorials will provide disciplinary and social contexts for the reading material as well as introduce concepts, which may not be in the course material.   Tutorials will also help students apply a sociological perspective to their own everyday lives.

Grading

  • Mid-Term Exam: 20%
  • Final Exam: 30%
  • Participation: 20%
  • Critical Response Paper: (2 x 15%) 30%

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:

J. Steckley and G. K. Letts (2013). Elements of Sociology: A Critical Canadian Introduction. Third Edition. Don Mills, Ontario: 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