Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - SA 304 J100

Social Control (S) (4)

Class Number: 2192

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course examines how the organization of control (formal and informal) affects both individuals and society. It will investigate how control takes form, how it functions, the ideologies supporting it, and the resistance it produces. We will ask the following questions: who are the agents of social control; who or what do they control; and how do they control?

COURSE DETAILS:

We will think about how social control permeates our lives and our social interactions. Historical and contemporary aspects of social control will frame our course in order to examine practices and ideas about order, control, punishment, social integration, solidarity, and more. We will explore, discuss and question ideas about social control in weekly topics relating to culture, religion, ritual, media, sport, medicine, addictions, and more. By reading about moral regulation, the governance of subjects, state, power, spaces, and surveillance, among others, we will delve into a variety of sociological perspectives about social control. In order to critique social control, we will also look at actions and ideas about freedom, agency, and contestation.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • The objective of this Social Control course is to expand students’ sociological knowledge by exploring means of social control globally and in Canada in the everyday world and its historical processes. Students will gain a broad understanding of the structures and agents of social control.
  • Theoretical, conceptual, and research methodological approaches will enable students to explore sociological ideas about social control, and challenges about the taken-for-granted assumptions in society and at the level of the individual about order and control.
  • Selected book chapters, articles, video clips, and discussions will help students to gain advanced sociological knowledge and in turn demonstrate their understanding of the material in assignments and examinations.The course is delivered online and therefore the traditional  components of teaching and learning, such as readings, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, in-class exercises, and audio-visual materials will be designed in a way that enables students to achieve the educational goals of this third-year sociology class.

Grading

  • Participation (2 x 10%) Q&A discussions 20%
  • Presentation (2-4 students/class) 20%
  • Midterm exam 30%
  • Final research essay - 25% (with summary presentation- 5%) 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.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

You will need access to a computer and a reliable internet connection for online/remote learning, writing exams and uploading assignments on CANVAS and ZOOM, along with access to mobile phone apps (e.g., Messenger, WhatsApp) for in person communication. I will be providing you with links to these various platforms.

Universal Access Remote learning for this semester requires a computer or tablet, camera, and internet access. Most laptops and desktops are running OSX and Windows. Tablets may be Android, iOS or Windows based. Headsets are advised but not necessary. Note that students have access to free Office 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud found here.

REQUIRED READING:

All required reading materials will be available through Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.