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. Read: "Prologue: The Past" in Macrosociology: Four Modern Theorists "Introduction" in Macrosociology: The Study of Sociocultural Systems. Glossary: Look these words up in your chapter reading or in the Glossary of Social Science; study them and be ready for fill-in-the-blanks on the next exam: functionalism cultural anthropology sociology sociological imagination specialization hunting and gathering societies agrarian societies horticultural societies division of labor world-systems theory ideology social class macrosociology microsociology empiricism sociocultural systems democracy capitalism corporations industrial societies postindustrialism secondary sources communal societies totalitarianism social evolution materialism idealism Essays: On your next exam you will be asked to demonstrate that you have read and mastered the course material. You should take the time now to answer the following essay questions to create your study guide for that exam. Address the questions fully and completely in your own words and voice. Prepare your answers now. Why does this course focus exclusively on macro-sociology? Of what use is social theory? Short Answers: The following short answer questions are from your readings and may well appear on your next exam. Each can be answered with a short paragraph of three or four sentences; please use your own words and voice. You are encouraged to answer these questions now to create your study guide for that exam. What is a paradigm? What is the difference between micro-sociology and macro-sociology? Explain the following quote: "Facts discipline reason; but reason is the advance guard in any field of learning"? Why is the past relevant in social theory? What is postindustrialism? What is postmodernism? Of what relevance is the Faulkner quote to this course: "the past isn't dead. It isn't even past"? What are the common elements of all societies? What are the four main classical theoretical traditions in sociology? According to your professor, what are the major features of the sociological paradigm? Of what use is empirical study? Of what relevance is the parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant?
Read:
"Prologue: The Past" in Macrosociology: Four Modern Theorists "Introduction" in Macrosociology: The Study of Sociocultural Systems.
Essays:
On your next exam you will be asked to demonstrate that you have read and mastered the course material. You should take the time now to answer the following essay questions to create your study guide for that exam. Address the questions fully and completely in your own words and voice. Prepare your answers now.
Why does this course focus exclusively on macro-sociology?
Of what use is social theory?
Short Answers:
The following short answer questions are from your readings and may well appear on your next exam. Each can be answered with a short paragraph of three or four sentences; please use your own words and voice. You are encouraged to answer these questions now to create your study guide for that exam.
Links:
Great Classical Theorists In the Classical Tradition
In the Classical Tradition
Features | Syllabus | Theorists
