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SOC 104: Understanding Society
Winter 2013
Department of Sociology
Ryerson University/
Centennial College – Morningside Campus
Tuesdays, 8:30-11:20am
Rm. 405
Instructor: Dr. Matthew Flisfeder
Office Location: TBA
Office Hours: TBA
Email: mflisfed@arts.ryerson.ca
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an introduction to some of the major issues in the discipline of
sociology. Topics include: the major theoretical debates of classical sociology;
research methods and problems; culture and socialization; the evolution of human
societies; and, the structure of Canadian society. Professionally-related examples
are used throughout the course.
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of society and
social phenomena that can be applied to professional experience and practice. This
course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the experiences of
individuals in society with particular respect to their different social locations (i.e.,
race, class, gender, disability, sexuality).
NOTE A: This course is intended to examine and question conventional
assumptions about the social world, many of which are deeply entrenched in our
thinking. Academic inquiry can be an exhilarating, but also a disorienting, process.
Students should know that without prior announcement, they may be exposed to
materials or points of view they find offensive or upsetting.
NOTE B: Some items in this course outline may be subject to change, in which case
changes will be discussed at least two weeks prior in class and posted on
Blackboard.
NOTE C: It is in the student’s interest to read this document carefully and retain it.
The instructor can assume absolutely no responsibility for difficulties encountered
by students who do not attend class and therefore are not present for the
announcement of assignments, assignment details, assignment deadlines or any
other matters of vital concern to those who would wish to obtain a passing grade.
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REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
Joanne Naiman, How Societies Work: Class, Power, and Change 5th Ed. (Winnipeg:
Fernwood, 2012).
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND EVALUATION
Assignment
Midterm Exam
Essay
Final Exam
Participation
Date
February 26th, 2013
April 2nd, 2013
TBA
Cumulative
Grade Value
30%
30%
30%
10%
RESEARCH ESSAY
Topics for the research essay must deal with any social issue discussed in course
materials (readings and lectures). Essays must be critical and analytical, from a
Sociological perspective.
Possible topics for your research essay include:
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Social inequality/poverty in Canada/unemployment
Canadian immigration policy and/or Canadian nationalism
Aboriginal peoples in Canada
Racialized minorities in Canada (choose a particular racial/ethnic community
to focus on)
The role of the Canadian state
Migrant workers in Canada
The media and images of inequality in popular culture
Racism and policing/the criminal justice system
Eugenics/Biological Determinism
Anti-racism education
The restructuring of work
The women’s movement in Canada
Domestic labour debate/gender division of labour
The feminization of work
Precarious labour/part-time labour
Gender and sports
Social construction of sex and gender
Social construction of sexuality
Research
For your essay, you must use 3-5 scholarly sources from sociological journals.
References that are not scholarly include:
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Newspapers and magazines;
Business and/or trade journals;
Government websites and statistical data (not scholarly, not analytical);
Psychology journals;
Non-academic websites and encyclopaedias (i.e., Wikipedia);
Blogs and other non-refereed online sources; or,
Any other similar sources.
Using any of these sources will not count as part of your 3-5 scholarly sources.
Acceptable Sociological sources include:
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Sociology journals;
Race and ethnicity journals;
Feminist and Women’s Studies journals;
Mass Communications and Media Studies journals;
Criminology journals;
Sociology of Education journals;
Sociology of the Family journals;
Sociology of Work and Occupations journals;
Sociology of Health and Illness journals;
Political Science journals; and,
Political Economy journals.
Make sure that your sources and your analysis are Sociological and not
psychological, medical, or derived from popular mainstream media. Papers that are
written from these perspectives will automatically be assigned a failing grade. As
well, papers that do not meet the minimum requirement of 3-5 scholarly journal
sources will automatically be assigned a failing grade.
*If you are unsure about the acceptability of a source, please check with your
Professor prior to using it in your essay.
**Students who do not submit an essay will automatically be assigned a failing
grade.
References and Works Cited/Bibliography
You must include a works cited/bibliography page at the end of your essay on a
separate (numbered) page. Including a source in your bibliography indicates that
you have cited this source in your essay. Any sources listed in your bibliography
that are not cited in your essay do not count towards the required 3-5 sources.
Citing sources does not mean only inserting quotes. If you can explain the
point/argument in your own words then it is not necessary to quote. You can
paraphrase and cite the original source instead. This is correct and preferred – and
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shows your understanding of the material that you are using for your essay. You
must also cite a source when you are referring to an argument that is not originally
yours.
Do not cite lecture material or power point slides.
Do cite course readings that you use in your essay (course readings do not count
towards your 3-5 external sources, but may still be cited in your essay).
Writing Guidelines
Length: aprox. 1500-2000 words (or 5-6 pages) not including your
bibliography/works cited.
Your essay must be double-spaced, in 12pnt Times New Roman or Cambria font,
with page numbers. Margins must be set at 1.25” (default settings in MS Word).
Please ensure that your name, student number, and section, are typed clearly on the
first page of your essay. Bibliographies or works cited should appear on a new page
at the end of your work. Sources should be formatted according to APA style
guidelines. Please use internal citations; endnotes are preferred over footnotes, and
should only be used to add detail that is not directly part of your main argument, but
which you feel adds depth to your topic. Your essay must have a title (be creative).
Do not include a title page. All pages must be stapled; essays bound by a paper
clip or folder will not be accepted.
Your essay must begin with an introduction that explains the main argument or
thesis that is going to be developed in the rest of your essay. Arguments must then
proceed logically and build upon your main argument/thesis. Your essay will be
marked based on your understanding of the assignment, your ability to synthesize
ideas from course readings/lectures and external sources, the clarity and structure
of your arguments, the originality of your ideas/arguments, and your ability to
present your own voice in written form. Higher grades will be awarded to work that
goes above and beyond the requirements for the assignment. Doing only ‘what is
required’ will earn an average grade, between 65-70%.
Grading Criteria
Topic Originality/Relevance
 Topic is current and appropriate for this level of study
 Applied theoretical perspective is appropriate for this topic
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Thesis/Main Argument
 Clear and to the point
 Demonstrates original thought
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Supporting Arguments/Examples
/25
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Data is sufficient and supports thesis
Analysis shows evidence of critical thinking, understanding, creativity
and synthesis.
Research/Referencing
 3-5 peer-reviewed journal articles are cited
 Sources are relevant and related to media and cultural studies
 Sources are cited accurately and correctly
 Recognized referencing format is used throughout
 Quotes are used only when necessary; otherwise, paraphrasing
is properly cited and attributed to external source
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Accurate Use of Course Concepts
 Course concepts used are accurate and expand upon knowledge
developed in class
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Spelling/Grammar/Clarity
/10
Organization/Structure
 Ideas and arguments proceed logically
 Conclusion links back to main thesis
 Essay follows writing guidelines thoroughly
/10
MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAM
Both the midterm and final exams will be based on material covered in class
lectures and discussions, and course readings. The format for both exams will be
multiple-choice. The midterm will be written during week 6, and will cover material
from weeks 1 to 5. The final exam will be written during the official exam period
and will cover material from weeks 7-12.
In accordance with Ryerson University policy, make-up midterm or final exams will
only be granted with accompanying appropriate documentation for one of the
following reasons:
 Medical illness accompanied by appropriate medical documentation
 Religious observance
 Compassionate grounds subject to discretion of the course director.
PARTICIPATION
You are expected to attend classes regularly, and be prepared to make informed
contributions to class discussions, having completed readings prior to the classes
for which they are assigned. Participation is also based upon timely and
appropriate submission of the essay assignment and appreciable endeavours to
improve academic and learning skills. This mark does not include attendance,
however, poor attendance will result in a lower participation mark.
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If a student is absent for a class, it is the students’ responsibility to make
arrangements to get lecture notes from another student from the class. The
professor never gives out his lecture notes to students. Please do not ask the
professor for lecture notes or power point slides in the case of a missed class.
CLASS CONDUCT AND EXPECTATIONS
You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner respectful of your instructor and
your fellow students. This includes, at a minimum:
 Arriving on time
 Turning off your cell phone upon arrival
 If late, entering the classroom with the least disruption
 Not interrupting or speaking when someone else has the floor
 Using your laptop appropriately (i.e. not for email)
EMAIL
I will only respond to email on regular weekdays, before 5pm. Please review the
course outline and online course materials before asking questions by email. I will
not respond to email questions if the answers can easily be found in course
materials. Please keep emails short. A long email indicates that it might be a better
idea to make an appointment to see me during my office hours. I will not respond
to mark/grade inquiries by email.
WEEKLY CLASS SCHEDULE:
1. January 15th, 2013
Course Introductions and Introduction to Social Theory
Chapter One: Sociology and the Study of Society
2. January 22nd, 2013
Critique of Biological Determinism
Chapter Two: Is Human Behaviour the Result of Our Biology
3. January 29th, 2013
Early Social Formations: From Foraging to Farming Cultures
Chapter Three: Culture, Society, and History
4. February 5th, 2013
The Rise of Modernity: From Feudalism to Capitalism
Chapter Four: The Basis of Modern Societies
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5. February 12th, 2013
Class and Inequality
Chapter Five: Analyzing Social Class
Chapter Ten: Inequality of Wealth and Income
6. February 19th, 2013
No Class – Reading Week
7. February 26th, 2013
Midterm Exam
8. March 5th, 2013
Essays Workshop
9. March 12th, 2013
The Culture of Capitalism
Chapter Six: Living in Capitalist Societies
10. March 19th, 2013
Ideology, Power, and the Social Construction of Ideas
Chapter Seven: The Social Construction of Ideas and Knowledge
11. March 26th, 2013
Political Economy
Chapter Eight: The Role of the State
Chapter Nine: Neoliberalism and Globalization
12. April 2nd, 2013
Race, Gender, and Sexuality
*Final Essays Due at the Beginning of Class
Chapter Eleven: Race and Ethnicity
Chapter Twelve: Gender Issues
13. April 9th, 2013
Confronting Contemporary Social Issues
Chapter Thirteen: Looking toward the future
Final Exam TBA
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Students are required to adhere to all relevant university policies, such as the
Student Codes of Academic and Non-academic Conduct, Examination Policy,
and Undergraduate Academic Consideration and Appeals.
The guide to academic integrity is available on the Academic Integrity
website: http://www.ryerson.ca/academicintegrity/.
All students must have a Ryerson email account. The instructor will only
respond to email inquiries from a Ryerson email address.
RYERSON ACADEMIC POLICIES:
For more information on Ryerson’s academic policies, visit the Senate website at
http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/.
Course Management Policy No. 145
Student Code of Conduct No. 60
Student Code of Non-Academic Conduct No. 61
Examination Policy No. 135
Policy on Grading, Promotion, and Academic Standing Policy No. 46
Undergraduate Academic Consideration and Appeals Policy No. 134
Accommodation of Student Religious Observance Obligations No. 150