Summer 2018 - SA 150 D100
Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)
Class Number: 1158
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Ataman Avdan
aavdan@sfu.ca
Office: AQ 5069
Office Hours: Tuesday 10:30-12:00 or by appointment
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:
Sociology is an exciting way of understanding the world. It encourages us to think critically about the people around us, our interactions with each other, and the institutions we create. It also requires questioning the things we take for granted. When “doing sociology,” first we ask questions: Why do certain things happen differently to individuals depending on their class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation? How do societies develop? How and why do they change? How do we learn and internalize the norms and values of our society? What happens when we violate them? How does culture shape the way we see the world? Who has power, who exercises authority? What are the main conflicts in society and what are the sources of these conflicts? What do people do when they are upset about certain aspects of their society? What is the role of institutions? Why do we create them and how do we change them? How do they function and what consequences do they produce? When answering these questions, we emphasize social structures. We notice how predictable patterns of social relationships among people influence their behaviour, enhance or constrain their life chances, and shape the way they view or construct reality. We explore social forces and power relations that mediate these structures and patterns.
This course will introduce students to the major theoretical models, core concepts, and analytical tools of sociology. Through lectures, readings, short videos, and discussions we will explore several topics such as culture, socialization, economic inequality and class, gender inequality, racialization, globalization, the digital divide, the world of work, the environment, and social movements and collective action. The main objective of SA 150 is to develop a “sociological imagination” through which we become aware of the relationship between personal experience and the wider society and also examine ourselves, others, and groups. This course also aims to encourage you to apply sociological concepts and theories to everyday life and develop your own questions about society.
Grading
- Short paper 1 (Due June 12) 10%
- Exam 1 (June 19) 10%
- Short paper 2 (Due July 24) 30%
- Exam 2 (July 31) 30%
- Participation 20%
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:
Quan-Haase, A. & Tepperman, L. (2018). Real-Life Sociology: A Canadian Approach. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.
ISBN: 978-0199024698
Additional required readings are available through Canvas, the SFU Library, or online.
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