SO426 Half Unit
Classical Social Thought
This information is for the 2014/15 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof. Nigel Dodd S277
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Culture and Society, MSc in Political Sociology, MSc in Sociology and MSc in Sociology (Contemporary Social Thought). This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Course content
A review of classical social theory. The origins and development of classical sociological theory; exploring the work of Marx, Weber, Simmel and Durkheim through a close reading and interpretation of primary tests. It is not assumed that students have a basic grounding in classical social theory, although it is expected that students who register for this course will be prepared to develop their understanding through primary readings, and not rely on textbooks.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the MT.
Indicative reading
Relevant books that provide an overview include: A Callinicos, Social Theory; N Dodd, Social Theory and Modernity; A Giddens, Capitalism and Modern Social Theory; G Ritzer, Sociological Theory. The reading list for each seminar will be divided up into essential and additional reading. Students will be asked to read between 50 and 100 pages of primary text per week. The following is a sample list of readings: Marx, K: The Communist Manifesto & Capital (sections of vols 1 & 3); Weber, M: The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism & 'Science as a Vocation'; Simmel, G: The Philosophy of Money (various sections) & various essays such as 'The Metropolis and Mental Life', 'The Stranger', etc.; Durkheim, E: The Division of Labour in Society & The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life (various sections from each).
Assessment
Essay (100%, 5000 words) in the LT.
Attendance at all seminars and submission of all set coursework is required.
Student performance results
(2010/11 - 2012/13 combined)
Classification | % of students |
---|---|
Distinction | 26.9 |
Merit | 50.7 |
Pass | 16.4 |
Fail | 6 |
Key facts
Department: Sociology
Total students 2013/14: 23
Average class size 2013/14: 12
Controlled access 2013/14: No
Lecture capture used 2013/14: Yes (MT)
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Specialist skills