Spring 2017 - SA 461 D100

Special Topics in Sociology (S) (4)

Mobilities After the Car

Class Number: 8463

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Minimum 72 units including SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An advanced seminar devoted to an in-depth examination of a topic in Sociology not regularly offered by the department.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course offers an advanced introduction to the mobilities paradigm. We will cover the
mobilities paradigm by examining its theoretical foundations and empirical debates over the car,
cycling and the city, as well as the suite of ‘mobile methods’ that offer an innovative and
practical set of tools for social scientists. We will also apply these tools to understand mobilities
in the rich empirical context of Vancouver during trips into the field. Informed and inspired by
Vancouver’s mobility landscape, this seminar will analyze critical (im)mobility problems, such
as the system of automobility, urban sprawl and gentrification, and investigate the production of
ecologically sustainable mobilities such as cycling, walking and public transit. Each seminar will
feature in class dialogue related to weekly readings and mobility field trips. Be prepared to leave
the classroom and explore Vancouver’s dynamic mobility landscape: in order to complete course
evaluations, students are required to conduct independent research outside the classroom. These
activities may require travel by vehicle, public transit, cycling, or on foot.

Grading

  • Seminar Participation, Facilitation, & Critical Reflection Papers 30%
  • Book Review Essay & Presentation 20%
  • Research Projects 50%

NOTES:

All evaluations will be submitted through CANVAS. 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. If you fail to complete
40% (or more) of course evaluations, you will receive an “N”, which for purposes of academic
standing is equivalent to “F”.

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:

All readings will be on accessible 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