Introduction to Sociological Theory
SOC 3200-1
Fall 2024
MoWed 3:30-4:50PM CURY 210 Aug 21 - Dec 15, 2024
Professor Gabe Ignatow
e-mail: ignatow@unt.edu
office: LANG 101
office hours: MoWed 2-3:15PM or by appointment by email, or by zoom:
https://unt.zoom.us/j/9597397296
Course Description
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.
Course Objectives
Use sociological theories to answer questions about social issues from multiple perspectives.
Identify theoretical assumptions in lay explanations of social phenomena.
Critique sociological theories in terms of their logical structure and explanatory power.
Use sociological theories in the design of empirical research projects.
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
Module 1: Introduction (week 1)
Readings:
Lecture Notes
W. Mills VIII-37, Culture and Politics
Max Weber on Verstehen III-11
Marx on false consciousness I-2
Durkheim’s Suicide II-8
Module 2: Classical Theoretical Perspectives (weeks 2-3)
Readings
There are no readings from the book in this module, only the notes and embedded videos.
Module 3: Capitalism, Urbanization, and Social Conflict (weeks 4-7)
Readings:
Simmel on urban life IV-16, 17
Durkheim on mechanical and organic solidarity II-6
Marx on the proletariat, bourgeosie, and capitalists I-1,3,4,5
Weber on Class, Stande, Conflict, and Rationalization III-13,14,15
Thorstein Veblen on the leisure class V-24
Pierre Bourdieu on the forms of capital XV-70
Exam 1 Wednesday September 25 in class
Weber on Class, Stande, Conflict, and Rationalization III-13,14,15
Thorstein Veblen on the leisure class V-24
Pierre Bourdieu on the forms of capital XV-70
Module 4: Major American Theorists (weeks 8-11)
Readings:
Lecture Notes
W.E.B. DuBois V-22 (Course Objectives 1 and 3)
George Herbert Mead VI-31 (Course Objectives 1 and 3)
Robert Merton VIII-32
C. Wright Mills (notes only)
Exam 2 Wednesday October 30 in class
Module 5: Gender Theory (week 12)
Readings:
Lecture Notes
Charlotte Perkins Gilman V-23 XI-50, 5
Module 6: Cultural Theory (weeks 13-14)
Readings:
Lecture Notes
Max Horkheimer on Critical Theory XIII-62
Emile Durkheim on aboriginal religion and modernity II-9,10
Final Exam Wednesday Dec 14 1:30pm in class
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
I encourage in and out of classroom input. I am available for consultation during my open office hours (or preferably by appointment) and welcome the opportunity to assist students. To arrange for an appointment and for purposes of this course, please use the Canvas message function or email me at ignatow@unt.edu.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic dishonesty (cheating and/or plagiarism) will not be tolerated at any time. Any person suspected of academic dishonesty will be handled in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth by the University of North Texas, the College of Public Affairs and Community Service and the Department of Sociology. You will find the complete provisions of the code in the student handbook. Please note that I take academic dishonesty very seriously and the consequences will be very harsh.
Plagiarism is defined as the act of taking another's ideas, words, writings, or research findings and not giving them proper credit through quotations or citations. Even when we are paraphrasing another's ideas, we must give them credit. To do otherwise is to allow the reader to think these ideas and words are your own when they are not. This act is considered theft of intellectual property. Plagiarism is considered one of the most serious transgressions that can be committed in the educational community.
In the case of plagiarism, there are several options available to an instructor, including verbal and/or written reprimand, assignment of a lower grade with an explanation from the instructor, expulsion from the course with the assignment of a passing grade (WP), expulsion from the course with the assignment of a failing grade (WF), and/or expulsion from the university.
Therefore, all written work should be properly cited when:
Describing the ideas of another (even if it is not a direct quotation),
Describing the research of another (even if it is not a direct quotation),
Using the words, phrases, paragraphs, or pages of another, and/or
Quoting the words of another.
RELIGIOUS OBLIGATIONS AND HOLIDAYS
If you intend to miss class sessions for religious reasons sometime during the semester, you must notify me in writing by no later than 5 PM on September 14.
ADD/DROP POLICY
Please refer to the UNT Faculty Handbook or your department regarding the Add/Drop Policy.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS COMPLIANCE
To comply with immigration regulations, an F-1 visa holder within the United States may need to engage in an on- campus experiential component for this course. This component (which must be approved in advance by the instructor) can include activities such as taking an on-campus exam, participating in an on-campus lecture or lab activity, or other on-campus experience integral to the completion of this course.
If such an on-campus activity is required, it is the student’s responsibility to do the following:
Submit a written request to the instructor for an on-campus experiential component within one week of the start of the course.
Ensure that the activity on campus takes place and the instructor documents it in writing with a notice sent to the International Student and Scholar Services Office. ISSS has a form available that you may use for this purpose.
Because the decision may have serious immigration consequences, if an F-1 student is unsure about his or her need to participate in an on-campus experiential component for this course, s/he should contact the UNT International Student and Scholar Services Office (telephone 940-565-2195 or email internationaladvising@unt.edu) to get clarification before the one-week deadline.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
The University of North Texas seeks to provide appropriate academic adjustments for all individuals with disabilities. This University will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines, specifically Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with respect to providing appropriate academic adjustments to afford equal educational opportunity.
However, it is the responsibility of the student to register with and provide medical verification and academic schedules to Disability Support Services (DSS) at the beginning of each semester and no later than the second week of school unless otherwise determined by the coordinator. The student also must contact the faculty member in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate academic adjustments.
Appropriate adjustments and auxiliary aid are available for persons with disabilities. Call 940-565-2456 (TDD access 1-800-735-2989).
The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. Students are strongly encouraged to deliver letters of accommodation during faculty office hours or by appointment. Faculty members have the authority to ask students to discuss such letters during their designated office hours to protect the privacy of the student. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at: http://disability.unt.edu/. (Links to an external site.) You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.
STUDENT ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Links to all of these services can be found on the Academic Support tab within Canvas Learn:
Academic Resource Center: buy textbooks and supplies, access academic catalogs and programs, register for classes, and more.
Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities: provides Code of Student Conduct along with other useful links.
Office of Disability Accommodation: ODA exist to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability and to help students reach a higher level of independence.
Counseling and Testing Services: CTS provides counseling services to the UNT community as well as testing services; such as admissions testing, computer-based testing, career testing and other tests.
UNT Libraries: online library services
Online Tutoring: chat in real time, mark up your paper using drawing tools and edit the text of your paper with the tutor’s help.
The Learning Center Support Programs: various program links provided to enhance the student experience.
Supplemental Instruction: program for every student, not just for students that are struggling.
UNT Writing Lab: offers free writing tutoring to all UNT students, undergraduate and graduate.
Math Tutor Lab: located in GAB, room 440.
Succeed at UNT: how to be “a successful student” information.
STUDENT TECHNICAL SUPPORT
The University of North Texas UIT Student Helpdesk provides student technical support in the use of Canvas and supported resources. The student help desk may be reached at:
Email: helpdesk@unt.edu Phone: 940.565-2324
In Person: Sage Hall, Room 130