Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - SA 150 OL01

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 6385

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Oct 20, 2021
    Wed, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 14, 2021
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Suzanna Crage
    scrage@sfu.ca
    Office: AQ 5081
    Office Hours: We 12:30-13:30pm on Zoom or Th 13:00-14:00 in AQ 5081

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:

Sociology’s relevance is becoming clearer every day. The sociological term “structural racism” is becoming part of mainstream discussions, and people are seeing how inequality affects not just what people can buy, but also how likely people are to be infected by illness, or lose their job, or find a new one. The pandemic’s effects have shined a light on aspects of social life that people often either don’t see, or take for granted. Many of us are becoming more aware of how differently other people experience social life, or more aware of problems that others experience.

This all means that right now is a particularly interesting and useful time to take Introduction to Sociology. Sociologists focus on how dynamics among groups and societies affect individual lives, and vice versa. This dual focus means we look at humans in a different way than people do in many other fields. In this course, you will learn how sociology’s research findings and theoretical perspectives help explain social life. You will learn to see life through the sociological lens, and use it to explore big phenomena that shape societies, and individual-level experiences that shape everyday life. We will also explore how the two are related. You will use course material to develop your own understanding of social life.

This class is designed to be online. Course material will be a mix of assigned texts, written material and short video lectures I have posted online, and updates and responses to your discussion that I will add during the term. Another important part of the class is structured small-group discussions. You will participate in these through posts and responses during the week.

Grading

  • Two essays 38%
  • Midterm exam 18%
  • Discussions 20%
  • Final exam 24%

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.

Available on course site.

Additional readings and other materials, available on course site.

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 FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.