Advanced Sociological Theory (Soc 6305)
Spring 2016
Instructor: Dr. Neema Noori
Class Time and Place: Tuesdays from 5:30 pm – 8:00
Office: Pafford Hall 209 A
Email address: nnoori@westga.edu
Office hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 2-5pm; Tuesdays from 4-5:30pm
Prerequisite: SOCI 4053 (5053)
Office phone: 678-839-6329
I.
Course Description
Sociology 6305 is designed as an advanced seminar in social theory. Though we will briefly
cover the dominant theorists that comprise the classical tradition, the purpose of this class is to
introduce students to new trends in contemporary theory. The following questions will inform
our analysis of the readings. What empirical research agenda or methodology follows from each
of these theorists? What is each theorist’s broader conception of the contemporary era? How
does each theorist engage classical sociological theory? Aside from examining current trends in
contemporary theory, the class will be geared towards helping you integrate theory into your
own research projects. The bulk of your grade will be based on eight weekly memos and two
essay assignments.
II.
Course Requirements
Memos(8): Your memos must be two to three pages in length (double-spaced). Your papers
should briefly summarize and react to the argument or main points advanced by the assigned
reading. If a particular reading assignment covers more than one theorist, please focus on one
for your memo. The key to writing an effective reaction paper is to succinctly summarize the
main argument in your own words. The reaction should take the form of a critique and/or
elaboration of the author’s argument. All papers must be turned in to the instructor before the
class begins. Memos will account for 30% of your overall grade. You can only turn one memo
in at a time. The first set of four memos must be turned in by March 10th. The second set
of memos (3) is due by April 2st.
Essay Assignments: Over the course of the semester, you will write two 5-7 page essays that
engage course readings and respond to assigned questions.
III. Overall Class Evaluation
Participation
=
10
Memos (4 points each)
=
30
Essay 1
=
30
Essay 2
=
30
IV. Dates:
Exam 1: Assigned on February 25th and Due on March 3rd
First Set of Memos (4): March 10
Exam 2: Assigned on April 21st and Due on April 28th
Second Set of Memos (4): April 21
Required Textbooks
Jon Bratton, David Denham, and Linda Deutschmann, Capitalism and Classical Sociological
Theory
Karl Polanyi, The Great Transformation
Dalton Conley, Elsewhere, USA
David Stark, The Sense of Dissonance
V. Schedule of Lectures, Discussions, Films/Slides and Readings
Overview of Classical Theory
January 21
Januar 28
February 4
February 11
February 18
**February 25
Introduction
Bratton, Denham, Deutschmann, pp. 1-63 (The Origins of Sociology)
Bratton, Denham, Deutschmann, pp. 63-139 (On Marx)
Bratton, Denham, Deutschmann, pp. 63-139 (On Durkheim)
Bratton, Denham, Deutschmann, pp. 139-201 (On Weber)
Bratton, Denham, Deutschmann, pp. 201-247 (On Simmel)
Essay 1 is Assigned
Overview of Contemporary Theory
March 3
Methodological Individualism and Symbolic
Interactionsim (Available on CourseDen)
Essay 1 is Due
March 10
Bourdieu and Network Theory
March 14 – March 19 Spring Break
March 24
Post-Modernism and Post-Structuralism
**March 31
Polanyi, (Selections)
April 7
Polanyi, (Selections)
April 14
Conley, Elsewhere U.SA.
April 21
Stark, David
Essay 2 is Assigned
April 28
Final Essay is Due
Essay 2 is Due