Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - SA 350 J100

Classical Sociological Thought (S) (4)

Class Number: 2188

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Instructor:

    Agnes MacDonald
    ama102@sfu.ca
    Office: TBD
    Office Hours: WE 15:30-17:30 or by appointment

  • 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:

This course examines classical sociological theorists’ works. The primary goal is for students to develop a way of looking at the past by the means of sociology and seeing how and why the first theorists thought about human interactions in society and the social world around them. Through focused reading, critical analysis, in-depth class discussions, pair-presentations, historical investigation, and film materials, we will compare and contrast their thoughts on the processes of commodification, restructuring of social classes, the organization of the sate and the individual, women’s positions in society, social inequality, and more, as well as the possibility of social cohesion. In doing so, we will discuss how theory can be utilized as a tool for organizing existing knowledge about the world. In turn, we can grasp the internal logic of a theory and how that theory applies to real social processes and to history. Throughout the semester this course will provide a forum to rethink the social world and address historical and global dimensions of social change by making connections to contemporary issues.

Grading

  • Pair presentation on weekly readings 20%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Research paper 30%
  • Take-home final exam 25%

NOTES:

Grading: 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.

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:

Lemert, C. (Ed.). (2017). Social Theory: The Multicultural, Global, and Classic Readings. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
ISBN: 978-0-813350028

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