Module Code - Title:
SO4073
-
CLASSIC SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module introduces students to classic social theory. Key work is reviewed, incorporating various perspectives from classic thinkers who continue to have an enduring influence on the sociological imagination. The module will consider some of the major works of: Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, Schutz and Mead.
Syllabus:
The module begins by outlining the socio-historical transformations (industrialisation, urbanisation, expansion of capitalism) that gave rise to classic social theory. Key thinkers, who sought to make sense of modernity and 'the problem of social reality', are then discussed; such as: Mark, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, Mead and Schutz. Discussion will focus on their different analyses of, among other things: the development of capitalism and the money economy; the division of labour; social solidarity; class conflict and ideology; rationalisation; religious life; the structures of the life-world; the dynamics of symbolic interactions and the self. The module considers analyses of historically unfolding macro-social structures, meso-social formations (e.g. bureaucratic organisation) and the vicissitudes of everyday life. The import of classic social theory to the discipline of sociology - including its aims, scope and analyses of modernity - is a theme that runs through the module.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Upon successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
Identify and outline classic social theory with reference to writers such as Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, Mead and Schutz.
Make a case for the enduring relevance of such thinking.
Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts, issues and themes as formulated within classic social theory (e.g. the relative significance of economic interests, religious beliefs, rationalisation, class conflict and ideology, human agency and interaction, the structures of the life-world and the role of interpretive understanding).
Evaluate classic social theory.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Develop critical thinking as well as analytical skills.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Ritzer, G. (2002)
The Blackwell Companion to Major Theorists
, Oxford: Blackwell
Harrington, A. (ed.) (2005)
Modern Social Theory: An Introduction
, Oxford: Oxford
University Press
Best, S. (2003)
A Beginner¿s Guide to Social Theory
, London: Sage
Other Relevant Texts:
Durkheim, E (1970)
Suicide
, London: Routledge and Kegan Paul
Durkheim, E. (1976)
The Elementary Forms of Religious Life
, London: Routledge
Durkheim, E. (1982)
The Rules of Sociological Method
, Basingstoke: Macmillan
Frisby, D. and M. Featherstone (1997)
Simmel on Culture: Selected Writings
, London: Sage.
Giddens, A. (1987)
Social Theory and Modern Sociology
, Cambridge: Polity
Giddens, A. (1991)
The Consequences of Modernity
, Cambridge: Polity
Marx, K. and Engels, F. (1963)
The German Ideology
, New York: International Publisher
Marx, K. and F. Engels (1976)
Collected Works
, London: Lawrence and Wishart
Mead, G.H. (1964)
Mind, Self and Society
, Chicago: Phoenix books
Schutz, A. (1973)
The Problem of Social Reality
, The Hague : Martinus Nijhoff
Simmel, G. (1978)
The Philosophy of Money
, London : Routledge and Kegan Paul
Simmel, G. (1964)
The Sociology of Georg Simmel
, Free Press of Glencoe; Collier-Macmillan.
Turner, B. (ed) (2000)
The Blackwell Companion to Social Theory (2nd ed)
, Oxford: Blackwell.
Weber, M. (1977)
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism
, London: Allen and Unwin.
Weber, M. (1968)
Economy and Society
, New York: Bedminister Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
lindsey.garratt@ul.ie