SOCY 360
SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
Catalog Entry
SOCY 360. Sociological Theory
Three hours lecture (3).
Prerequisites: SOCY 110 or SOCY 121
Sociological theory is the foundation of and framework for the scientific study of
human social behavior. Theory informs the questions sociologists ask and the way we
ask them, and in turn helps to explain social life. The main purpose of this course
is to introduce you to major theoretical ideas and to make clear their relevance to
sociologists, students, and society today.
Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course. Students cannot receive credit
for both SOCY 450 and SOCY 360.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
I. Theories and Theory Construction
II. Structural Functionalism
A. Durkheim and Weber
B. Merton's Contributions to Functional Analysis
C. Critiques of Structural Functionalism
D. Contemporary Developments
III. Conflict Theory
A. Marx's Social Theory
B. Critical Debates Within Contemporary Marxism
C. Critical Theory
D. World System's Theory
IV. Symbolic Interactionism
A. Cooley, Mead, and the Development of Symbolic Interactionism
B. Blumer: the Basic Principles and Methods of Symbolic Interactionism
C. Goffman: A Bridging Figure Between Functionalism and Symbolic Interactionism?
D. Other Varieties of Symbolic Interactionism
V. Phenomenological Sociology and Ethnomethodology
A. The Theories of Alfred Schutz
B. Berger and the Social Construction of Reality
C. Garfinkel's Ethnomethodology
VI. Feminist Critique
A. Gender, Reality, and the Critique in Sociological Theory
B. Varieties of Contemporary Feminist Theories
VII. Current Trends in Sociological Theories: A Review
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course will feature lectures in combination with class discussion organized around key issues raised by each theoretical perspective. Students will be encouraged through written assignments and class presentations to find examples of each perspective in current literature and to utilize these perspectives to analyze features of the modern world.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the completion of this course students will demonstrate considerable knowledge about key issues in contemporary sociological theory. Those going to graduate school will profit considerably from this preparation. All students will heighten their awareness of the distinctiveness of the sociological perspective and increase analytical abilities.
Assessment Measures
Students will be given tests which assess their command of the content of the course. In addition, class presentations and written assignments will reflect their skills at applying these perspectives to contemporary issues.
Other Course Information
None.
Review and Approval
DATE ACTION REVIEWED
January, 2004 Reviewed Peggy A. Shifflett
February 2009, Dr. Paula Brush
March 01, 2021