Modern Sociological Theory
This course gives an overview of modern sociological theory and a deeper understanding of some modern sociological theorists and perspektives.
The aim of this course is to give an overview of modern sociological theory and a deeper understanding of some modern sociological perspectives. With ”modern sociological theory” is understood the period after the decline of functionalism around 1960 and until today.
To the most prominent theoretical sociologists in the latter half of the 20th century belong Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, Anthony Giddens, Erving Goffman and Jürgen Habermas.
The list is made up of male sociologists and reflects the male dominance we have seen in sociology until recently. Among the more significant developments in modern sociological theory has been the rise of feminist perspectives to challenge this male dominance. Other important fields and perspectives in recent sociology are cultural theory, rational choie and structural analysis.
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Course structure
The course is provided at half-time basis over 10 weeks. The instructor will give a lecture the first class, but the remaining classes will primarily be based on student presentations and discussions. During these classes, a group of student will give a presentation of aspects in the course readings (first hour), followed by a discussion of the course readings based on questions provided by another group of students (second hour). The structure of the last hour will vary, but generally include in-class assignments, discussions, and/or concluding remarks from the instructor.
Course PM - all you need to know
Modern Sociological Theory 2024 (386 Kb)
Modern Sociological Theory for Doctoral Students 2024 (330 Kb)
Teaching format
The classes rely on active student participation. Attendance is required for all classes and absence must be compensated by assignments.
Assessment
To pass, students are required to participate actively during the discussion, participate in the evaluation of a group presentation and together with the group, provide questions for one class. Examination is in the form of two assignments: a course paper and an oral presentation
Examiner
Professor Mikaela Sundberg
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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
