The purpose of this module is to introduce you to the thought of the classical sociologists of the 19th century - Marx, Weber, Durkheim and Simmel. Apart from considering the central works and key ideas of these foundational sociologists, we also focus on the enormous changes that took place in the historical period we call modernity. In the introductory sessions you are introduced to the idea of $ùthinking sociologically&©. Following these classes, lecture and tutorial topics include modernity, Marx and Marxism, Weber and the state, Durkheim and anomie, and Simmel and urban life.
Why do we still study classical social theory?
What did it have to say about the nature of modernity?
How did Sociology develop as a subject?
Are classical approaches still relevant today?
What is distinctive about modernity?
What is the relationship between sociology and modernity?
Why read the classics today?
The lectures will focus on
The Sociological imagination
Modernity
Karl Marx and Communism
Karl Marx Alienation
Max Weber and the Protestant Ethic
Max Weber and Methodological Individualism
Emile Durkheim and the Division of Labour
Emile Durkheim and Anomie
Georg Simmel and Urban Sociology
Exam Preparation
Formative Assessment and Tutorial Activities
15 minute student presentation
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/soc-10014/lists
- To familiarise students with the $ùclassical&© sociology of the 19th century (Marx, Weber, Durkheim)
- To enable students to critically examine these thinkers&© key works and understand how they relate to sociological conceptions of historical change expressed by notions such as feudalism and modernity
- To explore the impact these writers had on future research and assess the degree to which their analyses and findings remain relevant to contemporary society
Identify specific sociological agendas and discriminate between sociological and common-sense views will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Rehearse classical social theories and ways of theorizing will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Formulate connections between sociology and modernity, in terms of conceptual links and an awareness of related historical developments will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Question the role of sociological theory, recognising that theorizing is a means of simplifying complexity will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Recognise that the consequences of theorizing inevitably creates new uncertainties and complexities will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
10 contact hours (seminars)
40 hours preparation and writing of essay
50 hours preparation and writing of portfolio
40 hours tutorial preparation time
The portfolio will comprise: Details of a library search fully referenced (i.e., 3 key sources on Karl Marx) Lecture notes from 1 lecture 1 page summary of a key reading Essay plan 1 page presentation report 1 exam answer produced in class under exam conditions 1 page account of the relative value of a piece of internet research Students complete any 5 of the 7 elements listed above
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.