Download COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
2014/2015 SESSION.
Programme: Sociology
Course Code: SOC221
Course Title: History of Social Thought II
Units: 2
Course Lecturer: Dr. Ahmadu Frederick Olusola
Semester: Omega
Time: Friday 8- 10am
Location: Hall G401a CBSS Building
Brief Overview of Course
This Course is a continuation of SOC 211. It examines modern scientific postulations about man
and society. Attention will be given to the thoughts of 19th and 20th century thinkers whose
contributions set the stage for the present state of Sociology. It examines mainly the works and
contributions of the classical sociologists referred to as the founding fathers of Sociology. These
include the works and contributions of Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim,
Talcott Parsons, R.K. Merton, Karl Marx, Max Weber, etc. It will also examine the scientific
nature of sociology and humanistic view of sociology.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. At the end of the course, students are expected to know the foundational sociological
thoughts of the founding fathers.
2. Students are expected to know the different schools of thought or perspectives in
sociology especially structural functionalism, conflict theory and interaction perspective.
3. Students are expected to know the evolutionary development of the modern society.
4. Students are also expected to evaluate these classical sociological thoughts and show
their relevance to the contemporary social problems.
5. And above all students are expected to understand the scientific and humanistic nature of
sociology.
METHOD OF TEACHING
Overhead projector and public address system shall be used at lectures. Sufficient contemporary
examples shall be given. Class activity shall be interactive and lecture notes shall be provided.
MODULE 1: Social Evolutionism and Classical Sociological Theory
Week 1: Ideology and History.
Week 2: Greek cyclical thought and Christian lineal view of change.
MODULE 2: Sociology and Problems of Modernity
Week 3: France: Revolution and Collectivism.
Germany: Disunity and Idealism.
Week 4: Italy: City-State and Machiavellianism.
Britain: Industrialization and Utilitarianism
Week 5: The United States: Expansion and Voluntarism.
MODULE 3: General Sociological Orientations
Week 6: The functionalist perspective: main theme, relevance and criticisms
Week 7: The Conflict perspective: main theme, relevance and criticisms
Week 8: The interactionist perspective: main theme, relevance and criticisms
MODULE 4: Founding Fathers of Sociology
Week 9: Auguste Comte-His background, works and his contributions to sociology.
Week 10: Herbert Spencer-His background, works and contributions to sociology.
Week 11: Emile Durkheim-His background, works and contributions to sociology.
Week 12: Karl Marx- His background, works and contributions to sociology.
Week 13: Max Weber- His background, works and contributions to sociology.
Week 14: Revision.
Class behaviour: Class discussion shall be interactive.
Method of grading: continuous assessment 30% and examination 70%.
Topic for term paper
Is Sociology a scientific discipline?
RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Ashley, D. and A.M. Orenstem (1990), Sociological Theory: Classical Statements. United
States: Allyn and Bacon.
Bottom, O. and R. Nisbet (1979) A history of sociological Analysis. Heinemann:
London.
Giddens, A. (2001) Sociology. (4th Ed). United kingdom: Polity Press.
Haralambos and Holborn (2000), Sociology: Themes and Perspectives (5th Ed). London:
Harper Collings.
May, T. (1996), Situating Social Theory. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Ogunbameru, O. A. ( 2008 ) Sociology, Origins, Development and Uses. Ibadan: Penthouse
Publications.
Otite, O. and Ogionwo, W. (2006), An Introduction to Sociological Studies. Ibadan: Heinemann
Educational Books (Nigeria) Plc.
Ritzer, G. and D.J. Daublas (2004), Sociological Theory. (6th Ed). New York: Mc Graw
Hill.