David MacGregor, PhD
David MacGregor, PhD |
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Modern Sociological Theory - Soc 404
This course surveys the key sociological contributions to nineteenth and twentieth century social theory. It looks at the foundations of modern social theory in Marx, Hegel, Durkheim and Weber; and explores the multi-cultural avenues of social thought, emphasizing feminist and black issues, as well as post-modernism. The object of the course is to help students apply social theory to everyday life. Social theory is a survival skill, a way to comprehend the world and get along in the social universe. One of the key social thinkers studied in this course is Georg Simmel, who teaches about fashion trends and living in the city, and how to treat a stranger. Marx shows what to expect from those whose only interest is wealth and power. W. E. B. Du Bois illustrates the phenomenon of doubleness, a way of living two existences while inside the same dark skin. Donna Haraway elaborates the human-machine complex that may constitute social life in the next millennium. Hegel suggests that the property relationships we have grown used to in the late capitalist era may yet evolve into more democratic and loving means of getting along together in the new world.Format: 3 hour lectures.
Evaluation:There are three components used for the course evaluation. Students are graded on class participation, including attendance, a journal; an essay, and two in-class quizzes.
Grading Structure:
Class Participation
Your grade depends on your contribution to each class. Participation includes attendance, questions asked, and dialogue with seminar members. Students should be prepared each week to address one question to the class, and help begin a class discussion on the week's topic, following the lecture. Each week you should prepare a one-page journal. In the journal you should comment on the readings for that week, and anything from the lecture or the presentation that you think were interesting or controversial. At the end of term you hand in the journal. The journal will be used for evaluation purposes.
Essay
You are expected to write a paper. This paper may be written entirely by yourself; or you may submit a joint paper with one other student. The topic of the essay must be approved by the professor on the day indicated in the Schedule. The essay grade is computed as follows: proposal/topic=5%; outline=10%; final paper=35%. In the case of joint papers, thirty percent of the final mark (.30 X35=10.5 %) will be based on style and integration of the two parts of the paper. Seventy percent of the final mark (.70 X 35= 24.5 %) will be for the contribution of each student to the essay.
Class Quizzes
Two class quizzes will be held during class on the dates indicated in the Schedule. These will take place at the beginning of class, and will last 20 minutes. They will consist of 20-30 multiple choice questions.
Required Reading:
The following texts are required reading for this course:
See more details on Readings for this course which narrows down the
selections from each text
Other Courses:
| Survey of Sociological Thought - Soc 240E |
| Modern Sociological Theory - Soc 404 |
| Modern Sociological Theory II "EVIL" - Soc 405 |
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