SOCI 315 Social Theory
Social theory provides the foundation for current sociological thinking and is fundamental to the understanding of ongoing discussions within the discipline. This course intends to introduce students to theoretical work by focusing on the works of classical social theorists (or ‘the Founding Three’) such as Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim and by investigating influential contemporary approaches to understanding and explaining social life. This course analyzes the nature of theory, critically examines modern society, and reviews major sociological theories, especially structural-functionalism, conflict theory, exchange theory, and interactionism. Special attention is given to leading figures representing the above schools of thought, such as Talcott Parsons, Immanuel Wallerstein, Erwin Goffman, Dorothy Smith, Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, and others. Students will learn how classical approaches inform contemporary social analysis, how to interpret appropriate theory within a particular social context. The following questions will be addressed: What assumptions does the theorist make about society? What are the practical and political consequences and implications of such views and claims? How do social contexts shape theories? Topics include approaches to social order and change, modernity, ways of conceptualizing society and social life, institutional dynamics, class, inequality, and culture. Prerequisites:
SOCI 105