Sociology 351
Sociological Theory
Tuesdays and Thursdays
FG 1pm-2:55pm
Instructor: Dr. Leslie Cintron
Course Overview:
The main goals of the course are:
· to introduce the major themes in classical and contemporary sociological theory
· to help students develop the skills needed to read, write and think about complex theoretical issues
· to give students a critical understanding of the relationship between sociological theory and sociological research
The course begins with a focus on the emergence and development of sociological theory. This first half of the course provides a foundation in the classical social theories of Comte, Spencer, Toqueville, Marx, Weber, Simmel, Durkheim, Simmel, Cooley and Mead. Our aim will be to understand what each theorists ideas can teach us about the basic forces that shape our social world. In the second half of the course we examine current sociological theory with an eye to understanding the development of sociological thought over the past century.
Students should finish the course with an understanding of the variety of themes, issues, debates, and questions that are of concern to sociologists and an awareness of the broad diversity of theoretical perspectives in our discipline.
Required Texts:
The readings below are the required texts for the course. These can be purchased at either the W&L University Bookstore or your friendly neighborhood or web bookstore. These will also be available on reserve at Leyburn Library:
· Randall Collins and Michael Makowsky, The Discovery of Society (7th Edition), Boston, Massachusetts: Mc-Graw Hill, 2004.
· Coursepack for Soc351, available in Week 2 from Karen Lyle, Department Secretary, Newcomb Hall N-29, x8798, lylek@wlu.edu
Explanation of Course Requirements:
The course consists of one weekly lecture and one weekly class discussion. The lectures are meant to supplement rather than replace the readings. As a result, students are expected to attend the lectures, read assigned texts prior to our class discussions, and attend and actively participate in class discussions.
Mid-term Examination: There will be one mid-term exam given on Thursday, October 22nd, 2004. The exam will cover the lectures, assigned readings, and discussions for the first half of the term, up to Week 6.
Final Examination: The final exam will cover the lectures, assigned readings and discussions and from the second half of the semester. The final exam is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14th.
Course Essay: Students are required to write a course essay that applies one or more sociological theories to an empirical case of their choosing. Papers should be approximately 10-12 pages in length. More information about term papers will be provided as the term progresses.
Class Discussions: Students are required to attend and actively participate in the weekly class discussions. These are an opportunity to learn from each other and to reflect on the themes in both the readings and lectures. It is imperative that you complete the weekly reading prior to attending the class discussion.
Class Presentation and Discussion-leading: Each student will be asked to do one short (5-10 minutes) presentation introducing the key themes and concepts for one week’s readings. Presenters will also prepare 3-5 questions that will help generate class discussion and they will lead the discussions in both the class and on the course website for that week. One of the discussion questions should be posted on the course website by 5pm two days prior (usually a Tuesday) to our class discussion. Sign-up for the presentation and discussion leading will take place in class on Tuesday, September 14th.
Blackboard Online Discussion: Each week every student will be required to post at least one response message on the Blackboard Online Discussion for Soc351 by 7pm one day prior (usually a Wednesday) to our class discussion. These messages should be 2-3 paragraphs, carefully-constructed and cogent responses to the question raised by the discussion-leader(s) and should reflect a thoughtful analysis of the week’s readings.
Final grades are determined as follows:
Class participation 15%
Class Schedule
PART I. CLASSICAL SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
September 14: Lecture
September 16: Class Discussion of Readings
Reading:
September 21: Lecture
September 23: Class Discussion of Readings
Reading:
September 28: Lecture
September 30: Class Discussion of Readings
Reading:
October 5: Lecture
October 7: Class Discussion of Readings
Reading:
October 12: Lecture
October 14: No Class. Undergraduate Reading Day. Study for Midterm!
Reading:
October 19: Class Discussion on Week 6 Readings
October 22: Mid-term Exam
October 26: Lecture
October 28: Class Discussion of Readings
Reading:
November 2: Lecture [Also Election Day. Remember to VOTE!]
November 4: Class Discussion of Readings
Reading:
Week 10 The Chicago School; W. E. B. Du Bois
November 9: Lecture
November 11: Class Discussion of Readings
Reading:
PART II. CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
Week 11 Functionalism, Structuralism and Conflict Theories
November 16: Lecture
November 18: Class Discussion of Readings
Reading:
November 22- 26: No Class, Have a great Thanksgiving!
November 30: Lecture
December 2: Class Discussion of Readings
Reading:
December 7: Lecture *Course Essays are due by 5pm*
December 9: Class Discussion of Readings; Course Wrap-up
Reading:
December 14: Final Exam