Classical Sociological Theory
The aim of this course is to give an overview of classical sociological theory and a deeper understanding of some theories and perspectives
The course begins with a short sketch of the development of social theory in the history of ideas and an account of the social and intellectual background of the rise of sociology as an academic discipline in the 19th century. The main focus of the course is on, Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, but other classical sociologists, such as Alexis de Tocqueville, Ferdinand Tönnies, Georg Simmel and George Herbert Mead will also be treated. In addition to these male sociologists, a number of female pioneers in sociology, such as Harriet Martineau, Marianne Weber and Charlotte Perkins Gilman, will be presented. Courses in classical sociology usually treat the period that ends around 1920. In this course, however some attention is payed to theories of a later date, such as the phenomenology of Alfred Schutz, the structural functionalism of Talcott Parsons and Robert K.Merton and critical theory of the Frankfurt School.
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Course structure
Teaching format
The course is provided at half time basis for 10 weeks. Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminars. Seminars are mandatory.
Course PM - all you need to know
Classical Sociological Theory 2023 (177 Kb)
Assessment
Examination is in the form of two assignments.
Examiner
Professor Jens Rydgren
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course. -
Course reports
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Contact
Directors of studies, all levels
Questions about all master's courses/programmes at the Department of Sociology: master@sociology.su.se
