SOCI 311: Sociological Theory

SOCI 311-001: Classical Soci Theory
(Spring 2017)

03:00 PM to 04:15 PM MW

Music Theater Building 1007

Section Information for Spring 2017

Why is it that as workers become productive, they become more impoverished?   Why does growing individualism foster social solidarity?  Why is conflict a positive form of social life?  Should politicians embrace an ethic of responsibility or an ethic of ultimate ends?  Why are the memories that shape our lives the ones most difficult to recall?

These are just some of the questions we will explore in this course, drawing on the classic writings of the founding European sociologists that retain their guiding influence to this day.  Writing at a time of social turmoil comparable to our own, these thinkers explored the transformation of society and the changing relations of self to society, establishing the central themes of the discipline.  This course, required of sociology majors, will improve your skills of reading, writing, and inquiry, by emphasizing the importance of research problems and the fit between ideas and methods.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Explores sociological tradition through readings and discussions of ideas drawn from writings of selected sociological thinkers from classical to contemporary. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: 6 credits of upper level (300 or 400 level) sociology courses, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.