Introduction

Welcome to Sociological Theory. This course is intended to provide an overview of the classical social theory of Malthus, Marx, Durkheim, and Weber as well as modern expressions of these perspectives. I will do this through two mechanisms. First, I will provide a summary and critique of one of the four major classical traditions in sociology. Rather than discussing the theory as history, the course will focus upon elements of the perspectives that have proved useful in understanding sociocultural systems. Then, I will provide an overview and critique of the perspective of two or three contemporary social scientists writing within each tradition. There will be a unit exam after completing each group of theorists. We will begin with Marx and two of his followers, have an exam, then Durkheim and his followers, Weber, and finally Malthus. The overarching goal of the course is to provide the student with a general understanding of each of the classical sociological traditions and their usefulness in understanding contemporary societies. Through study of contemporary social scientists such as Lenski, Braverman, Merton, and Mills students will truly come to appreciate the breadth and depth of classical social theory as well as its usefulness in understanding contemporary and historical sociocultural systems.

We will be spending about one week on each of the theorists. You will be asked questions over your studies. Some of these questions will be addressed in class in our discussions. Others will be given to you as a guide to your studies. It is important that you answer these questions fully and completely in your notes. The intent of these questions is to help you master the material as well as prepare for the examinations. You will see many of these questions again!

Again, I welcome you and sincerely hope you get the grade you deserve in this course.

Study Questions: Address the following questions fully and completely in your own words and voice; save your answers electronically. You will see at least one of these questions on your next unit exam in which you will be asked to demonstrate that you have read and mastered the material. Prepare your answers now.  What is the difference between micro-sociology and macro-sociology? Why does this course focus exclusively on macro-sociology? What is a paradigm? Explain the following quote: "Facts discipline reason; but reason is the advance guard in any field of learning"?  Of what relevance is this quote to social theory? Please explain the title of the Prologue to Macrosociology. Why is the past relevant in social theory? Of what use is social theory?

Read:

"Prologue: The Past" in Macrosociology: Four Modern Theorists

"Introduction" in Macrosociology: The Study of Sociocultural Systems. Resources:

Great Classical Theorists

In the Classical Tradition