Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2017 - SA 350 D100

Classical Sociological Thought (S) (4)

Class Number: 2995

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2017: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 250.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of aspects of the work of one or more of the nineteenth or early twentieth century sociological theorists.

COURSE DETAILS:

Durkheim, Marx and Weber are arguably the three most significant contributors to early Sociology.  They addressed fundamental questions relating to power, social change, human nature, inequality, and social cohesion.  The power of their ideas reverberates throughout contemporary sociology and popular culture.  Many of the debates and conflicts these thinkers responded to and in some cases provoked remain central to our exploration of society. 

In this course we will examine the works of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber in relation to their historical context and relevance to Sociology and society today. We will conclude the course by reading The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. DuBois as a way of sparking a deeper discussion of the emergence of dominant modes of modern theorizing in terms of whiteness, wealth and hetero-patriarchal masculinity.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Classroom activities will include lectures, cooperative group activities, discussions, audio-visual presentations, and an in-class midterm examination.

Grading

  • 750 word analytical response paper (due June 2) 20%
  • In-class examination (July 6; text access) 40%
  • 1000 word analytical response paper (due August 8 at 8:00 am) 40%

NOTES:

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:

UNPLUG – TURN IT OFF. Turn off all cell phones, 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. Late assignments are penalized 10% per day including weekends. Make-up midterms are available for documented medical reasons only.  

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

REQUIRED READING:

Texts: Available as PDFs via Canvas. Please print, read, and bring them to class for the date assigned.

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