Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - SA 150 D100

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 3037

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2020
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores how sociologists study, describe, and explain social life. Introduces the sociological perspective and applies it to fundamental social process and everyday issues. As we consider phenomena ranging from interactions among individuals to societal and global inequalities, students critically examine social issues to build their understanding of the world. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Sociologists look at humans in a different way than people do in many other fields. How do we approach the study of social life, and what do we find? In this course we will start answering these questions. You will use this to develop your own perspective on social issues, and to explore how a sociological perspective can enrich your understanding of life as we experience it.

The sociological perspective allows us to perceive fundamental social processes that are often hidden. We will apply this perspective to everyday issues and phenomena. Here are some questions we’ll address: Why is inequality between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians so persistent? What’s up with gender reveal parties? What do recent changes in Mark Zuckerberg’s way of dressing tell us? Why did Tiffany & Co. support a lawsuit by Christian Louboutin, and why is that interesting? Oh, and what does it mean to be Canadian, anyway?

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 35%
  • Papers (2 x 15%) 30%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy: The Department of Sociology & 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.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (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.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Suzanna M. Crage and Julia Smithers. (2019). Introduction to Sociology: Canada and the World. Open Educational Resources.

This textbook will be available for free via Canvas.
Print options may be available.

Additional readings will be available on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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