Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An account of sociological theory, outlining the main ideas and concepts of the principal schools of thought.

COURSE DETAILS:

Although many people consider “theory” to be developed by specialists removed from the real world, everyone uses implicit or practical theory in everyday life. When we argue about politics, or debate the merits of a movie, we are making claims and evaluations based on a set of presuppositions about how the world works – or ought to work. Each time we meet a new person, we make assumptions and judgments about their social status. When we dress, we exhibit or hide key aspects of who we believe ourselves to be – our social and individual identity.

“Doing theory” means examining these daily assumptions in a systematic way. We will ask: how do humans organize themselves, and what implications do various organizational schemes have for individual and collective life? By comparing social theories’ explanations of specific aspects of social life – coordination of activity, state legitimation, aesthetics – we can begin to define our individual values in a more systematic way. By (1) mastering key concepts of social theory, and (2) understanding why particular issues were of interest to theorists at different historical moments, we will be able to appreciate the shifting concerns of the discipline of sociology.

Part I will examine classical works of Émile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber in order to understand the emergence of “sociology” as a distinct discipline with competing explanations for social phenomenon, and variable interest in affecting policy and practice. Part II will consider the subsequent trends, including functionalism, explanations for racial inequality, and interactionism. In Part III students can focus on any among a range of contemporary theorists – including feminist, neo-marxist, structuralist, poststructuralist, critical race, post-colonial, and post-modern theorists.

This course assumes no prior knowledge of sociological theory, but requires an eagerness to take intellectual risks. Class time will be divided into short lectures, followed by small group discussion, and collaborative activities designed to develop critical thinking and writing skills. In place of a conventional written exam, students will work each week to design their own exam, asking not only “what were the important concepts this week?” but also “what does it mean to give and take ‘tests’?”

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• Identify and describe the major theoretical traditions in sociology, including major and minor theorists and the contributions to social theory
• Master and employ key vocabulary and concepts used is social theory
• Apply social theories to contemporary social problems
• Develop close reading skills
• Develop analytical writing skills

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: