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SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
SOC 100
Course Description:
Sociological theory addresses some of the big questions that humankind has pondered for
centuries, such as inequality and why people put up with it; social change and how it occurs;
where our sense of self and identity comes from. This course provides an introduction to central
issues in sociological theory.
Social theories are simply explanations of social things (e.g., institutions, interactions,
relationships) and why they are the way they are. Social theories are sometimes very abstract and
general--they are often more useful when they explain numerous things rather than merely one
instance. Because theories are abstract, understanding them is challenging and requires us to
think more systematically, critically and creatively. Theory and evidence build upon one another.
Theory guides research and research helps develop and refine theory. Sociologists, no matter
how methodologically skilled, need theory to guide their research so that it answers significant
and meaningful questions about social life.
Students will study original theoretical works by both classical theorists like Marx, Weber,
Simmel and Durkheim, which are roughly pre-World War 11 "roots,” as Peter Kivisto calls
them. We will also explore contemporary “branches” that are built upon the classical foundation
and correspond roughly to the post-World War 11 period, and include such theories as symbolic
interactionism, constructionism, critical, feminism, and postmodernism. The course will give
students a background in the historical content of these major social theories and schools.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcome
Assessed by….
1. Think critically about the assumptions underlying theories
and explanations.
Exams, assignments
2. Explain major theoretical perspectives
Exams, assignments
3. Apply major sociological theories
Exams, assignments
4. Communicate effectively
Assignments, class
participation
Course Materials:
Two books are required for the course and are available at the campus bookstore.
Russell Collins, editor. 1994. Four Sociological Traditions: Readings. New York: Oxford
University Press.
Peter Kivisto editor. 2008. Illuminating Social Life: Classical and Contemporary Theory
Revisted, 4th, Pine Forge Press/Sage.
Course Requirements:
This is an upper-division class and therefore the readings will be challenging and you will be
required to participate actively in class discussions. Obviously you must follow the student code
of conduct. Any students caught plagiarizing or cheating will be given a grade of F for the class.
It is important that everyone in the class treat each other with respect. Students should feel free
to express their viewpoint during class discussions without fear of incivility or rudeness from
other students. Arriving to class late, talking during lectures or movies, and allowing a cell
phone to ring all disrupt the class and interfere with the ability of other students to learn, and
therefore should be avoided.
In-class Assignments, Readings and Participation. You should come to class having done the
reading assigned for the day. This will facilitate more interesting class discussions. There will
be a number of in-class assignments, which may involve the day’s reading.
Paper assignments. You will be asked to write two 3-5 page papers for the course. One paper
will require you to analyze presentations of sexuality in the media, applying concepts from class
and analyzing differences between men and women. Another will require that you evaluate
contemporary or historic arguments on a topic related to sexuality, such as sex education or
obscenity, and explore the extent to which social research supports popular arguments. Details
will be handed out in class.
Exams. You will be asked to demonstrate your abilities in two 50-minute examinations. These
exams will include both short-answer questions asking you to define various concepts, identify
the author of a passage, explain three differences between one paradigm and another, give an
example illustrating a particular concept, and so on; and an outline-format essay question asking
you to compare and contrast specific paradigms and theorists. The material covered in the exams
will be cumulative; that is, material from early in the semester may appear on the final exam. If
you wish to challenge an exam grade, you must submit your concern in writing within one week
after the exam is returned to you. Be warned that we will re-grade the entire exam, and that you
may therefore either gain or lose points (or your score may remain the same). This process is not
necessary for simple grading errors.
READING AND ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE
ILS = Illuminating Social Life
FST= Four Sociological Traditions
Chapter(s) listed as the week expected for you to have completed the reading.
Week 1: Introduction / Perspectives
Week 2: Social Class: Marx
Reading FST Marx and Engels
FST Marx
Week 3: Marx, cont.
Reading ISL Chapter 1
Week 4: Power: Weber
Reading FST Weber
FST Dahrendorf
Week 5: Weber and McDonaldization
Reading ISL Chapter 2
Week 6: Solidarity: Durkheim
Reading FST Durkheim
Week 7: Durkheim and Surfing The Net
Reading ISL Chapter 3
Week 8:
We will probably do some review on Tuesday
MIDTERM On Thursday
Week 9 Simmel and Alcoholism/ Gangs/ Deviance in General
Reading ISL Chapters 4 & 5.
Week 10: Critical and Feminist Theory
Reading ISL Chapters 7 & 8
Week 11: Social Psychology, Symbolic Interaction
Reading FST Goffman
FST Cooley
Week 12: Social Psychology cont.
Reading ISL Chapters 9 & 10
Week 13: Postmodern Theory
No class/ Thanksgiving
Reading ISL Chapter 11
Week 14: Postmodern Turns
Reading ISL Chapters 12 & 13.
Week 15: Course wrap up
Final Exam