3 classes matched your search criteria.

Spring 2014  |  SOC 3701 Section 001: Social Theory (51099)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Delivery Medium
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
Mon, Wed 10:10AM - 11:50AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 250
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Traditions of social theory that have been basic to sociological knowledge. How they have expanded in contemporary theory. Their applications in selected areas of empirical research.
Class Description:
This course is designed to provide an overview of the major theoretical traditions in the discipline of sociology. Sociological theory is like an evolving conversation about core questions regarding the nature of society and the individual's role within it. These questions include: Are individuals rational calculators of costs and benefits, or communicators who create and inhabit symbolic universes? Is the social order shaped mostly by the economic system and how it organizes resources (e.g. capitalism), or are technologies of communication and control what matter as we transition from industrial societies to mass societies? How does increasing globalization foster new theories of how societies work? Theories of society are, of course, shaped by the social location of the theorist, so as more diverse voices have joined the conversation, theory has expanded to grapple in new ways with problems of power, difference, and inequality. In this class, we will learn how sociological theory has developed over the 20th century and explore how and why it is useful in understanding the world we live in today.
Grading:
30% Reports/Papers
10% Class Participation
60% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: 4 in-class mini-exams
Exam Format:
short answer and short essay
Class Format:
60% Lecture
40% Discussion
Workload:
35-50 Pages Reading Per Week
10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
4 Exam(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51099/1143
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
5 April 2010

Spring 2014  |  SOC 3701 Section 002: Social Theory (51100)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Delivery Medium
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
Mon, Wed 12:20PM - 02:00PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hanson Hall 1-103
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Traditions of social theory that have been basic to sociological knowledge. How they have expanded in contemporary theory. Their applications in selected areas of empirical research.
Class Description:
COURSE OVERVIEW Social theory presents a way of "seeing" the world and is itself social, in that it is created in the context of that time and circumstance. This class presents a survey of sorts of major social theorists who have contributed important ideas regarding how and why the world works in the way that they think it does. Given the limitations of a semester, we have room for just a brief encounter of a few of the many foundational social thinkers that have shaped our understanding of society. The focus of this course is necessarily placed upon those "classical" theories, from which so many others have built their ideas. The goal of this course is to familiarize you with some of these sociological ideas as a gateway to developing greater intellectual curiosity and perhaps even pursuing further investigations on your own. Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles in this intellectual endeavor is not only the complexity of the ideas but the many times cumbersome language in which it is expressed. Consequently, we will devote considerable class time to go over the ideas and specific passages together. Articulating our interpretations and trying out our questions - verbally and in written form. Obviously, this method will only work if you come to class prepared and ready to discuss the readings. Finally, regardless of your current and future goals, the capacity to critically analyze a complex theory and powerfully express your own ideas is indispensable. The assignments and exams for this course are intended to develop and strengthen your ability to do so. COURSE REQUIREMENTS This course will involve lectures, discussions, films, and a creative or service learning project. Attendance and active participation is mandatory. Missed lectures cannot be "made up". I do not provide mini-lectures during office hours or distribute my lecture notes. There will be weekly written assignments, two exams and a final paper/project. - The in-class exams will assess your comprehension of course materials. The format may include short answer, multiple choice, and/or essay questions. It will be open-book and open-notes. - The weekly written assignments are short, one-page (single space) analytical exercises that demonstrate your understanding or grappling of that week's readings. These are due at the beginning of class on Wednesday during the 10 weeks in which readings are assigned. In these exercises, you are expected to: 1) cite a particular passage or sentence that you found intriguing; 2) provide a brief explanation why you chose this passage/sentence; and 3) articulate a question for further discussion. - You will have the option of choosing a creative project or an analytic paper. The objective of this assignment is to delve more deeply into one or more of the theorists or theories discussed in class. More detailed instructions will be provided separately.
Workload:
Other Workload: book essay
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51100/1143
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
15 June 2012

Spring 2014  |  SOC 3701 Section A94: Social Theory (61330)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Online & Distance Lrng (ODL)
Class Attributes:
College of Continuing Education
Times and Locations:
ODL Open Enrl Reg Acad Session
 
01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
Off Campus
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Traditions of social theory that have been basic to sociological knowledge. How they have expanded in contemporary theory. Their applications in selected areas of empirical research.
Class Notes:
After 11:59 PM Friday of the first week of the term, registration is closed and requires instructor permission.
Class Description:
This is a fully online course offered through Online and Distance Learning (ODL), College of Continuing Education. VIsit "CIass URL" for ODL policies, including fee and financial aid restrictions. This course provides an introductory, yet thorough, background in classical and contemporary social theory in a Web-based format. We will draw upon in-depth readings of important theoretical works to gain a better understanding of how key theoretical developments in sociology can help us better understand the world we live in today. In addition to reading original theory, the other building blocks of the course include weekly quizzes, discussions, reading journals, and exams. By the end of the semester, you should be able to read, interpret, evaluate, and apply key theoretical ideas to life in contemporary society. Put simply, the purpose of this course is to develop a basic but critical understanding of the Big Ideas in social theory and why we should care about them.
Grading:
Other Grading Information: See attached syllabus
Class Format:
Online
Workload:
Other Workload: See attached syllabus
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/61330/1143
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
29 October 2013

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