Introduction to Sociological Theory
SOC 3200-2
MWF 10-10:50 GAB 406
1/20/2014 - 5/15/2014
Associate Professor Gabe Ignatow
e-mail: ignatow@unt.edu
Office: Chilton 390E
office phone: 940 565 3616
office hours: MW 2-3 pm or by appointment (email works best)
This course provides an introduction to sociological theory from the 1840s to the present day, though it concentrates on the classical era of sociological theory from the Industrial Revolution through World War I. The course provides a foundation for taking 3000- and 4000-level sociology courses, and is intended primarily, although not exclusively, for sociology majors and minors.
Requirements
Two exams: 20% and 25%
Quizzes: 25%
Final exam: 30%
In special cases a student may substitute an 8-page final paper for the final exam. However, consent of the instructor is required, and students must discuss the paper topic with the instructor at least several weeks before handing it in.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory, and active participation in class discussion is encouraged. Attendance will not be taken, but absence will be noted. I will give at least 3 pop quizzes during the semester, worth approximately 5 points each. There will be no make-up pop quizzes, but if you take all of them, you can be awarded as many as 3 extra-credit points.
Course Readings
Peter Kivisto (ed.) Social Theory: Roots and Branches (this is the “Reader”)
Syllabus
1) Introduction
Read INTRODUCTION: What Is Social Theory?
C. W. Mills VIII-37
Weber on Verstehen III-11
1a. Two classical theories:
Durkheim’s Suicide II-8
Marx on false consciousness I-2
2) Functionalism and Social Darwinism
3) Capitalism and Urbanization
3a. The Transition to Modernity
Toennies on Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft (lecture only)
Simmel on urban life IV-16, 17
Durkheim and mechanical and organic solidarity II-6
3b. Conflict Theory
Weber on Class, Stande, Conflict, and Rationalization III-13,14,15
Thorstein Veblen on the leisure class V-24
Exam 1 Friday February 21
Pierre Bourdieu on the forms of capital XV-70
Film: "Class Dismissed" in class (media library DVD 5799)
4) Cultural Theory
Max Horkheimer on Critical Theory XIII-62
Durkheim on aboriginal religion and modernity II-9,10
Weber on Calvinism and capitalism III-12
Exam 2 Friday April 11
5) Major American Theorists
History of American sociology (lecture only)
W.E.B. DuBois V-22
George Herbert Mead VI-31
Exam 2 Tuesday July 30
Talcott Parsons VII-33
Robert Merton VIII-32
C. Wright Mills (lecture only)
6) Social Constructionism
Berger and Luckmann (lecture only)
Harold Garfinkel IX-44
7) Feminist Theory
Charlotte Perkins Gilman V-23
XI-50,52
Final Exam