Sociological Theory (Sociology 473) / Summer 2000

Sociology 473                                    Jim Thomas
email: jthomas@sun.soci.niu.edu                  Home:   756-3839 


This course will summarize recent  trends in contemporary theory,
beginning with Mead, Durkheim, and early symbolic interctionists.
We will focus most heavily on recent developments in interpretive
sociology, Marxism, critical theory, and post-modernism.
The class will  be run as a  seminar,  and it is  crucial that
*EVERYBODY* keep abreast of readings.

Required Texts
     Wallace and Wolf  -- Contemporary Sociological Theory
     Class handouts
     Net sources as assigned

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  1) Two short papers on selected theorists (50 points each)
  2) Two class presentations on selected theorists (50 points each)
  3) One substantial final paper   (200 points)
  4) 5 quizzes (10 points each - only highest 5 count)
  5) Two net assignments(25 points each)
  6) WebBoard / Net discussions (250 points)
  7) Class participation (100 points)
     (Note: Extra credit will be available)
  _____________________________________________

  TOTAL = 800 points

This course is designed to be substantially ONLINE.
The following assignment topics are TENTATIVE and will be revised 
after the first class meeting:

June 1:     CLASS MEETING - Introduction
            (what is a theory; ideology; Read pp 1-14 of W&W)

June 8:     Chapter Two: Functionalism (W&W, Chapter 2)

June 15:    CLASS MEETING:  Conflict Theory (W&W, Chapter 3)

June 22:    Marx and Radical theories (W&W, Chapter 4)

June 29:    CLASS MEETING: Symbolic Interactionism (W&W, Chapter 5)

July  6:    SI (con't) & Phenomenology (W&W, Chapter 6)

July 13:    FINAL CLASS MEETING: Rational Choice Theories 
            (W&W, Chapter 7 - pick one "part")
            Also read W&W Chpater 9

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