Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - SA 150 D100

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 4795

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2017
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 13, 2017
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.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 is providing protection to refugees so
controversial? Why is inequality between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians so persistent?
Does Black Lives Matter have anything to do with the US? What are ways we might think about
Trudeau having appointed an equal number of female and male ministers, and which ministries
are headed by men vs. women? What do the names of streets tell us about changes in the world?

Grading

  • Participation: 10%
  • Midterm Exam (2 x 20%) 40%
  • Final Exam: 30%
  • Papers (2 x 10%) 20%

NOTES:

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.
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:

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:

Suzanna M. Crage and Julia Smithers. 2017. Introduction to Sociology: Canada and the World. Open Educational Resources. This textbook will be available for free via Canvas. Print options may be available.

Other readings will be announced and disseminated through 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