SOCI-202 Sociological Theory

Faculty:

Wickham-Crowley, Timothy

This course examines major theories of society exemplified in the work of sociological theorists. We will give special emphasis and at least half of the term to those classical theorists whose insights form the foundation of sociology: Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. In the latter part of the course we will survey and also "map out" a variety of contemporary perspectives on society, including symbolic interactionism and its variants, structural-functionalism, conflict and exchange theories, various neo-Marxisms and critical theory, postmodernism and the sociology of knowledge, and feminism. In addition, we will give some attention to the social and organizational contexts in which classical and contemporary theory have emerged.
Grading
Eighty percent of the final grade will be based on a series (8 out of a total of 11) of short (3[+]- pages) paper/writing assignments. There will be no exams. The remaining 20 per cent of the final grade will be based on intelligent, critical, and informed contributions to classroom discussion, based on reading assigned materials before each class meeting, as well as at least one readings-based presentation made to your classmates.
Readings
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, The Marx-Engels Reader 2d ed., Robert C. Tucker, ed.;
Max Weber, From Max Weber, eds. Hans Gerth and C. Wright Mills;
Émile Durkheim, Suicide: A Study in Sociology;
Peter Kivisto, ed., Social Theory: Roots and Branches, 3d ed. only (2008).
Plus A large selection of required readings placed on Blackboard

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: SOCI-001

Course syllabi
The following syllabi may help you learn more about this course (login required):

Fall '09: Wickham-Crowley, Timonthy (file download)

Additional syllabi may be available in prior academic years.

Other academic years
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• 2004-2005 Fall and Spring
• 2005-2006 Fall and Spring
• 2006-2007 Fall and Spring
• 2007-2008 Fall and Spring
• 2008-2009 Fall and Spring
• 2010-2011 Fall and Spring
• 2011-2012 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring
• 2013-2014 Fall and Spring

More information
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