University of Delaware

Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice

THEORIES OF SOCIETY Fall 2005

SOCI312-010 TR 9:30 – 10:45

Dr. Anne Bowler

Office: 310 Smith

Telephone: 831-2583

Electronic mail: abowler@udel.edu

Office Hours: T 2:30 – 4:00

and by appointment

I. COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed with the following two objectives: (1) to introduce students to the basic concepts and principles of classical sociological theory and (2) to critically assess the relevance of these theories for understanding contemporary social issues and problems.

II. REQUIRED TEXTS

Turner, Jonathan H. et al., The Emergence of Sociological Theory. Fifth Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Thompson Learning, 2002.

Selected short readings, to be distributed in class.

III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

There will be four, in-class essay question examinations. Each will count for 25 percent of a student’s final grade. Dates are listed in the schedule below. In addition, several short optional assignments will give students the opportunity to earn extra credit toward their final grade. Students should be advised that examinations will cover material from assigned readings and lectures. Regular class attendance is therefore essential. WARNINGS: Repeated, unexcused absences may be the basis for lowering a student’s final grade. Make-up examinations are available only in the event of a documented “excused absence,” as defined by University policy. Consult your undergraduate catalog for further information. In accordance with University policy, any act or attempted act of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Judicial Affairs.

IV. COURSE SCHEDULE

Date Topic and Assignment

August 30 Introduction: Why Study Social Theory?

September 1, The Historical and Philosophical Origins

6, 8 of Classical Sociological Theory

reading: Nisbet, “The Two Revolutions;”

Turner, et al., Chapter 1

September 13, 15, Durkheim

20, 22, 27

reading: Turner, et al., Chapters 16, 17, 18;

Durkheim, “The Problem of Anomie” and “Anomic

Suicide”

September 29 EXAM ONE

October 4, 6, Marx

11, 13, 18

reading: Turner, et al., Chapters 7, 8, 9;

Marx, “Wage Labour and Capital”

October 20 EXAM TWO

October 25, 27, Weber

November 1,

3, 8

reading: Turner, et al., Chapters 10, 11,12

November 10 Special Topic: The Marx/Weber Debate

reading: Weber, “Class, Status, Power”

November 15 EXAM THREE

November 17, Simmel

22, 29, December

1, 6

reading: Turner, et al., Chapters 13, 14, 15;

Simmel, “The Stranger”

Exam Week EXAM FOUR