Summer 2023 - SA 150 D100
Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)
Class Number: 2289
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Nerida Bullock
nbullock@sfu.ca
Office: AQ 5069
Office Hours: Tuesday 4-5 pm or by appointment
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:
Whether we know it or not, we are all amateur sociologists doing our best to make sense of a complicated world. It is almost impossible to ignore debates related to social behaviour and social inequality, as we are bombarded with a torrent of public dialogue on complex social issues daily. Recent examples include contested conversations about police violence, trans inclusion in sport, access to reproductive technologies, and the decriminalization of drugs. Our social media, news feeds and lived experiences create countless opportunities to reflect upon the relationship between social institutions and hierarchies of sex, gender, race, and class in society. This introductory course will help students develop a toolbox for raising their sociological game. By developing an understanding of the ways in which the discipline of Sociology approaches the systematic study of society, students will be given the opportunity to develop a more sophisticated approach to engaging in complex conversations about social justice and society.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
1. To demonstrate an understanding of the key ideas, theories and methodologies that underpin the discipline of Sociology.
2. To describe the “sociological imagination” and demonstrate an ability to apply it to social phenomena and our lived experience.
3. To critically examine and describe the ways in which social institutions perpetuate hierarchies of sex, gender, race and class.
Grading
- Short Assignment #1: Sociological Case Study 20%
- Short Assignment #2: Cultural Artifact Presentation 15%
- Exam #1 25%
- Exam #2 25%
- Tutorial Participation 15%
NOTES:
*In order to pass this course, you must submit all assigned work and complete both exams otherwise a final grade of N will be assigned.
*To create a strong learning environment, complete the assigned weekly readings/podcasts before class.
*Students are not allowed to record lectures and tutorials on cell phones, laptops or other digital recording devices without the prior consent of the instructor and/or the tutorial instructor.
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 Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). 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.
The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved! Follow Facebook and Instagram pages or visit our website.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Steckly, John. 2020. Elements of Sociology: A Critical Canadian Introduction 5th Edition. Oxford University Press.
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.
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.