Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - SA 850 G100

Selected Topics in Social Theory (5)

Class Number: 2756

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines different historical and contemporary perspectives from the body of social theory. Students from other departments and faculties may enroll with permission of instructor.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides a forum for addressing the historical and global dimensions of social change by making connections between the old-style liberalism of the colonial era and the neoliberalism of today’s world. It presents a space for critical engagement with hegemonies of historical capitalism in the global system and historical processes and structures of oppression. This engagement includes an in-depth investigation of colonialism, primitive accumulation, dispossession, commodification and capital accumulation, organization of state power and political alliances, and multiple forms of oppression and their intersectionality within historical processes and structures of capitalism. Through focused reading, critical analysis of international news, in-depth class discussion, and historical investigation the course will stimulate a critical rethinking of emancipatory politics that is attentive to democracy and non-market values of well-being.

Grading

  • Paper Proposal & Annotated Bibliography 15%
  • Final paper 30%
  • Class presentation 30%
  • Peer review 10%
  • Presenting the international news of the week 5%
  • Participation in Class and Online-Canvas discussions 10%

NOTES:

Grading: Students will receive an N grade if they do not complete any one of the following assignments: Written summary; written commentary; class presentation; and critical journals. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Available in the modules section on Canvas, online, and at SFU Library. I have also listed some optional readings for your perusal if you wish to access additional readings.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.