Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - SA 325 D100

Political Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 8328

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the relations of power and authority. This course will analyze the interrelations of family, church, class, interest groups, etc., particularly as they influence and are influenced by the state. The relations of law and ideology to the structures of government will form the context for this analysis. The course may also focus on broad theoretical questions of contemporary political interest.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will challenge the boundaries of what is often thought to be "political." While not abandoning the state and its various tentacles from our exploration of politics, we will survey an array of mostly post-structuralist approaches to understanding traditional concepts found in political sociology, such as civil society, democracy, participation, power, and authority. We will also explore concepts such as subjectivity, discourse, and space in relation to how politics are practiced in a variety of contexts. The course is organized around some key questions: What is political? How is political power practiced? How are different political claims practiced and performed? How are political subjects constituted? How do we "know" about politics, government, and the state? Some of the empirical topics range from the cultural politics of Trump; the politics of race and queerness; elites; and taxation.

Grading

  • Reading responses 25%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Participation 15%
  • Symposium participation 5%
  • Mid-term 1 20%
  • Mid-term 2 20%

NOTES:

Grading:
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:

All readings will be made available on Canvas.

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