SOCI 311: Sociological Theory

SOCI 311-001: Soci Theory
(Fall 2023)

10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR

Innovation Hall 208

Section Information for Fall 2023

This course is a survey of sociological theory, which focuses on the connection between classical and contemporary sociological theory. Readings and class discussions will focus on the major themes of the discipline, with an emphasis on such important concepts as social order, conflict, the transformation of society and the relation between self and society, whether sociology needs a moral imperative, and the role of the public sociologist. SOCI 311 is required of sociology majors and minors and will improve reading, writing and analytical skills by emphasizing the relationship between sociological theory and empirical research.Sociological theory provides a set of frameworks for organizing empirical observation of the social world and conceptualizing its possibilities.  In practice, sociological theory has also posed the broad questions that animate the discipline.  For instance, how do we explain the persistence of structured inequality in societies with extensive liberal rights? How do we develop and sustain solidary social groups in an era marked by excessive individualism on the one hand, and increasing diversity on the other?  How should we conceptualize and address the promises and the failures of democracy in practice?  How has neoliberal capitalism restructured labor and what are the consequences for workers across class, race, gender and age differences?  This course is an introduction to sociological theory that spans the classical and the contemporary periods.  We will read (deeply) both primary and secondary sources while considering the possibilities and limitations of this material with respect to sociological analysis today.

Course Information from the University Catalog