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Sociology 192 Social Theory Classical and Contemporary Theory: its not what you think Taught each semester. click here for a .pdf version of this syllabus. click here for a .pdf file of the essay guidelines readings and lecture notes on webCT
The ideas of the ruling class are in every epoch the ruling ideas. Karl Marx, 1846 Not ideas, but material and ideal interests, directly govern men's conduct. Yet very frequently the 'world images' that have been created by 'ideas' have, like switchmen, determined the tracks along which action has been pushed by the dynamic of interest. Max Weber, 1915 Society cannot make its influence felt unless it is in action, and it is in action only if the individuals who comprise it are assembled and acting in common. It is through common action that society becomes conscious of and affirms itself; society is above all an active cooperation. Emile Durkheim, 1912 Postmodernism is not what you think. Charles Lemert, 1997
This course in social theory will examine a series of theorists, from the founders of Sociology to the most current practitioners of social theory in both the US and abroad. We will focus on broad theories about society as a whole, on general theories of social existence, and on the interrelations between theories, theorists, and the present day. The course will ask students to examine the world with a critical eye from a theoretical point of view: questioning assumptions and thinking creatively about analysis and explanation. Students will be evaluated based on several paper assignments and written lecture responses. There are two required texts, the book is available at the Hornet Bookstore, and thye online reader which can be access from the link above. A copy of the reader and all texts will also be on reserve at University Library. Students are expected to keep up on the readings and come to lecture , where we will discuss the readings. There will be no exams. Instead, students will be given the opportunity to explore ideas and issues in a series of response papers: The emphasis of the course is on ideas.
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click here for a .pdf version of this syllabus.