Fall 2017 - SA 850 G100

Selected Topics in Social Theory (5)

Class Number: 8347

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

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:

Whose Lives Matter?  Social theory that troubles western constructions of the human

The purpose of this course is to provide space for us to engage with social theorizing that troubles the Eurocentric, white supremacist, colonial and capitalist constructions of the human that traditionally anchor the origin story of Sociology as a discipline. Our project involves reading against the grain of whiteness and is necessarily multidisciplinary, drawing as it does on critical race, postcolonial, cultural studies, black feminist, indigenous and biopolitics/assemblage theorizing. We will do this by focusing on socio-historical context and applying analytical questions to explore the ways in which various activist/intellectuals have framed their critiques of the West.

Classroom Activities  

Classroom activities will include lectures, cooperative group activities, discussions, student presentations and media samples.

Grading

NOTES:

 

3 critical summaries combined with in-class presentations - 10% each for a total of 30% of final grade (750 words; 10 - 15 minutes) by Oct 27

Thematic analysis – 70% of final grade
1.  Detailed outline of Final Paper (2-3 pages single-spaced) - 10%
2.  Final Paper - 30% (4000-5000 words) by December 8 
3.  Poster presentation (10 minute overview + 20 minute facilitated discussion) – 30% on November 24 or November 31

Grading System

Undergraduate Course Grading System is A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N (N standing to indicate the student did not complete). Intervals for the assignment of final letter grades based on course percentage grades are as follows:
A+  95 – 100               B+  80 - 84                  C+  65 - 69
A    90 - 94                  B    75 - 79                  C    60 - 64
A-  85 - 89                   B-  70 - 74                   C-  55 - 59
D    50 – 54                 F      0 - 49

Centre for Student with Disabilities
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Students with Disabilities (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

REQUIREMENTS:

Class Policies

KEEP IT FRAGRANCE FREE. Many people are allergic to the scents found in perfume and body care products. Please make the classroom a space where all can breathe without breathing in these chemical toxins.
UNPLUG – TURN IT OFF. Turn off all cellphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices before coming into the classroom. You will be given two breaks during each class, at which point you may exit the classroom to check for messages if you need to do so.
PLAN AHEAD. Readings are to be completed prior to the class indicated on the syllabus. Extensions for assignments are to be negotiated in advance.
BE ORIGINAL (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

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

 

REQUIRED READING:

 

W.E.B. Dubois, Illustrated Souls of Black Folk

In lieu of purchasing a physical copy of this text, you may choose to either rent or purchase the eTextbookfrom https://www.vitalsource.com/products/illustrated-souls-of-black-folk-w-e-b-du-bois-v9781317257844 
ISBN: 978-1594510304


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