Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - URB 620 G100

Urban Communities and Cultures (4)

Class Number: 7542

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course is an introduction to the anthropological and sociological study of complex urban societies in comparative perspective. It includes study of anthropological and sociological approaches to urbanization, the nature of the city as a social system, and urban communities and cultures.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will explore the social construction of lives, cultures and communities in urban and suburban settings.  Its point of departure is provided by recent ethnographic investigations that seek to take account of not only the structural features of cities, but also the varying everyday practices that people devise in attempts to shape more or less satisfying lives within complex locales.  A continuing search for identity, sociality and community lies at the heart of urban and suburban experiences, juxtaposed to the mundane tasks of obtaining livelihoods and making homes.  The broad but critical definitions of "community" and of "culture" to be developed in this course oblige us to take account of the processes by which individual lives may be reconciled with participation in formal and informal groups, including occupational, residential, lifestyle, life-cycle, gendered, ethnic and recreational communities.  

The reading materials for this course combine contemporary anthropological and sociological theories of urban lives, cultures and communities with ethnographic accounts drawn from cities and suburbs around the world.

Grading

  • Seminar participation 25%
  • Ethnographic observation exercise 5%
  • Group class presentations 25%
  • Term paper 45%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Most required readings for the course are journal articles that can be accessed through the Electronic Journals selection on the SFU Library website. A few other items are available as electronic resources or Reserve Desk readings through the SFU Library  

The instructor will provide additional suggestions concerning supplementary reading.

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