Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2017 - SA 150 D100

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 2994

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2017: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 12, 2017
    Sat, 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 enriches our understanding of life as we experience it.

The sociological perspective allows us to perceive many fundamental social processes that are hidden to many. We will apply these to everyday issues and phenomena. Here are some examples of questions we’ll address: Why is inequality between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians so persistent? Does Black Lives Matter have anything to do with the Canada? What to think about Trudeau having appointed an equal number of female and male ministers? Does it really matter if we associate blue with boys and pink with girls? What does it mean to be Canadian? What do the names of streets tell us about changes in the world?

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Your final mark in the class will be based on the following:
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.

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.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Mid-term exam 30%
  • Final exam 30%
  • Papers (2 x 15%) 30%

NOTES:

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.

The above 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