Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - SA 260 D100

Individual and Society (S) (4)

Class Number: 4893

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 4, 2025
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of how self and identity (e.g. race, class, gender, sexual orientation) are socially derived within contemporary western culture, and of the ways that individuals shape their social environment.

COURSE DETAILS:

As a cornerstone of the discipline, sociology is fundamentally interested in unpacking the relationship between the individual and society. This course delves deeply into the intellectual roots of this foundational concern, drawing on key scholarly perspectives, theories, concepts, debates and tensions. We will learn how identity, agency, structure and culture intersect within systems of power and domination, sometimes reinforcing and at other times contradicting one another. We will examine the different ways in which individuals shape societal norms, customs and practices, and equally, how societies exert enduring influences on individual action. Students will gain critical tools to analyze the complex tensions and synergies between personal experience and broader social forces.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Develop a sociological understanding of the self and society as both distinct and interconnected units of analysis.
  • Engage critically with classical and contemporary sociological perspectives on the self, identity, and social life.
  • Understand identity as a socially constructed phenomenon, shaped by and shaping broader social processes and structures.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 10%
  • In class writing (x 3) 45%
  • Group Presentation 20%
  • Final exam 25%

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 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 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.