Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - SA 150 D900

Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Class Number: 4430

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 5, 2025
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Surrey

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:

This course will introduce the discipline of sociology, exploring key topics, concepts, and methods. We will learn what it means to “think sociologically” – that is, to understand the interrelationship between society and individual behavior. Students will be challenged to critically examine their social lives in relation to groups, culture, power, and social structures. We will draw on numerous contextual examples from Canada, North America and the world over to critically examine and understand the social forces that shape our society in both historic and contemporary terms. Students should approach this class as a preparation for more advanced work in the sociological sub-fields.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Examine the content, practical application, and pitfalls of various theoretical traditions of sociology
  2. Understand the role of power in the creation and sustenance of inequality and discrimination
  3. Develop an understanding of macro, meso, and micro institutions, as well as their dialectical relationship to individual behavior
  4. Understand the relevance of sociological thinking to contemporary national and international issues

Grading

  • Mid-term 25%
  • Assignment 30%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Tutorial participation 15%

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. This means that you must write the midterm exam, participate in at least half of the seminars, complete at least half of the discussion questions, give a presentation, and submit the proposal and essay. 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:

Quan-Haase, A and Tepperman, L. (2021). Real Life Sociology: A Canadian Approach. Don Mills, ON: 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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.