Introduction to Social Theory

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
SOCI 2235
Discontinued
No
Course Code
SOCI 2235
Descriptive
Introduction to Social Theory
Department
Sociology
Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
35
Course Designation
None
Industry Designation
None
Contact Hours

Lecture: 2 hours/week

and

Seminar: 2 hours/week

Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Learning Activities

The course will employ a variety of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives, including some or all of the following:

  • Formal lectures
  • Class discussions
  • Audio-visual presentations
  • Guest speakers
Course Description
This course introduces classical and contemporary social theories by examining their social and historical development. The connection between sociological research and the development of sociological theories is emphasized as well as the relevance of theory to the critical examination of current social issues.
Course Content

 

Topics will include some or all of the following:

  1. Introduction: the aims of Sociology and the role of theory within the discipline
  2. The origins of social theory (i.e. Auguste Comte; Harriet Martineau)
  3. Colonialism's impact on modern social theory
  4. Emile Durkheim and the origins of functionalism
  5. Karl Marx
  6. W.E.B. DuBois
  7. Max Weber
  8. Classical and contemporary interactionism
  9. Contemporary functionalism
  10. Neo-Marxism
  11. Classical and contemporary feminism
  12. Critical race theory
  13. Theories of modernity
  14. Post-Structuralism
  15. Postmodernism
  16. Theories of globalization

 

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course the successful student will be able to:

  1. Outline the historical development of sociological theory.
  2. Distinguish between the different schools of thought within sociological theory.
  3. Identify major sociological theorists and the theoretical concepts associated with them.
  4. Compare and contrast different types of sociological theory.
  5. Evaluate and discuss sociological theories critically.
  6. Analyze sociological concepts and issues using various forms of sociological theory.
  7. Discuss the relevance of sociological research to the development of sociological theory and vice versa.

 

Means of Assessment

Evaluation will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will provide a written course outline with specific criteria during the first week of classes. Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in the course as part of the student’s graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.

 An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:

Three Exams

 60%

Research Outline

  5%

Term Paper Assignment

 25%

Class Participation

 10%

Total

100%

Students may conduct research with human participants as part of their coursework in this class. Instructors for the course are responsible for ensuring that student research projects comply with College policies on ethical conduct for research involving humans.

 

Textbook Materials

Examples of textbooks that may be used in this course include:

  • Ritzer, G. (2022). Contemporary Social Theory and Its Classical Roots. New York: McGraw-Hill
  • Bhambra, G. and Holmwood, J. (2021). Colonialism and Modern Social Theory. Cambridge: Polity Press.
  • Sears, A. and Cairns, J. (2015) A Good Book in Theory: Making Sense Through Inquiry. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.

 

Prerequisites

SOCI 1125 or SOCI 1145 or SOCI 1155