SOC 582 - Sociological Theory

3 hrs.

This course is designed to give students an overview of major figures and perspectives in classical sociological theory and to examine ways in which classical theory can be applied to contemporary society. We will focus on key figures of 19th and early 20th century sociology (e.g. Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Mead, and Goffman), exploring both the key tenets of their theories and also potential applications of these works. Throughout the semester, we will be examining how the various perspectives frame major issues in sociological theory, such as social order and change, as well as the general conceptions of reality embedded in each theory. By the end of the semester, students will be acquainted with the major concepts, frameworks and theorists in classical sociological thought, which students will use to produce an original analysis of the social world.