ClassInfo

Open (55 of 80 seats filled)

This course provides an introductory overview of major social theories ranging from the foundational sociological theories of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim to contemporary theories of change, action, identities, and the social self. We will work to understand the social and historical environments in which these theories have developed and focus on how theoretical inquiry can serve as a guide for scientific explanation of human behavior. Some of the questions explored will include: What holds societies together? How do societies reproduce themselves? How does social change take place? How are social identities created, maintained, and transformed? What are features of modern social life and where is society headed in the future?

In Spring 2022, the course will be taught by Professor Savelsberg. He describes his particular emphasis thus: "This class seeks to develop an understanding of sociological theory. Theory, together with empirical methods, is one of the pillars on which our sociological work is based, no matter if we deal with questions of criminology, family and the life course, organizations, social movements and politics, education and whatever other themes sociology addresses. In this course, we focus primarily on the questions and ideas that the classical sociologists have provided us with, including Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Georg Simmel and W.E.B. DuBois. Yet we also extend the line of thought to contemporary theory. Crucial questions we will engage with include: What basic changes did societies experience in the modernizing process? What holds society together, in other words: why do things work decently well? Yet, also, why does conflict erupt and how do societies handle it? When does repression and massive social inequality not result in open conflict? What role does "race" play? What role do rituals and symbols play when harmony or conflict unfold? What are social roles? Do we identify with social roles, or do we just perform them? Does the size of a group matter? Is society something outside ourselves, or do humans build (and change) it through their everyday interactions? Are human pursuits driven by rational action of self-interested individuals or by social norms and solidarity? What role do social networks play in which they are embedded?

(3) 35% based on a cumulative final exam, consisting of a mixture of short answer and multiple-choice questions.

(4) 20% based on writing assignments.

Open (69 of 80 seats filled)

This course provides an introductory overview of major social theories. Theory provides us with ways of seeing the world and the structures that undergird the increasingly complex world we live in. We'll read and discuss both foundational and contemporary theories of change, action, identities, and the social self. We will work together to understand the social and historical environments in which these theories have developed and focus on how theoretical inquiry can serve to explain human behavior. Some of the questions explored will include: What holds societies together? What is power, where does it come from, and how is it maintained? How does social change take place? How are social identities created and transformed?

By the end of this course, students will be able to read dense theoretical texts, compare and synthesize ideas from multiple theorists, and apply concepts from social theory to matters that interest them.

College of Continuing Education

Closed (35 of 35 seats filled)