DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
SOC 352 (UNDERGRADUATE) OR 521 (GRADUATE):
SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
3 credits
Fall 2023
COURSE SPECIFICS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The fascination of sociology lies in the fact that its perspective
makes us see in a new light the very world in which we have lived
all our lives.
Peter Berger
This course traces the intellectual history of sociology as a discipline, covering the important theoretical
contributions of established classical and contemporary theorists. As such, this course could conceivably
encompass an inexhaustible list of theorists, texts, and ideas. Since a semester is definitely not enough
time to cover the very long and rich history of sociological thought, this course includes a list of texts and
theorists that will provide a “highlight reel” of social thought. It offers students an overview of some of
the major perspectives and key debates in the field, from micro-social analysis and conceptualizations of
the individual and the relationship between “macro” and “micro” levels of the social world, to theorists
who offered new approaches to the question of structure and agency, power, change, crisis, and
modernity. Finally, it deals with contemporary theoretical approaches to the study of inequalities and
differences, including ones that address class, gender, sexuality, race, and ones that propose intersectional
approaches. Any sociologist should have a sufficient background in the theoretical foundations of the
discipline and contemporary through-lines.
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Tess Starman
starmant@cua.edu
CLASS MEETINGS
 Thursdays, 12:40-3:10pm
 Pangborn G0333
OFFICE HOURS
My office hours are by appointment and will be held over zoom. To schedule a time to connect, email me at
starmant@cua.edu
COURSE GOALS
When you have finished this course, you will be able to:
 Understand the origins of the field of sociology – the historical context in which it emerged, what it
studied and why, and how classical theorists shaped the newly emerging discipline.
 Identify key social theorists, name them as classical or contemporary, identify the paradigm of social
thought that they belong to, and their major arguments/contributions.
 To develop the capacity for ‘critical thinking’ when exploring issues of power and privilege central to
discussions about the structure of society.
 Recognize and apply social theories in situations you encounter everyday life.
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Participate in a community of inquiry which includes (a) adequately preparing for each class, (b)
participating in discussion and dialoguing with colleagues, (c) engaging, at times, in thoughtful and
respectful disagreements.
INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY
In-Person Mode: This course will take place in person in Pangborn G0333. Class attendance and
participation are key to the success of this class, both individually and collectively. If you cannot for some
reason attend a particular class period, please let me know as soon as possible.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED MATERIALS
 Garner, Roberta and Black Hawk Hancock, editors. (2014). Social Theory: A Reader, Continuity and
Confrontation. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. ISBN: 978-1-4426-0648-7.
 Additional readings provided on Blackboard as PDFs.
CLASS POLICIES
This class covers topics which will challenge your thinking and ask you to critically examine society in new
and different ways. There may be topics which you may find difficult given your unique background and
identities. You will not agree with all of the authors nor perspectives we cover in the class. My expectation is
that you see the sociological perspective as a tool. It is an analytic and a framework that you are expected to
understand and apply to various social problems through the assignments and class discussions.
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Attendance: The single largest predictor of a final grade in any course is attendance (Credé, Roch
and Kiezcynka 2010), with doing the reading following a close second. Discussion and participation
in theorizing groups is integral to your success in this class, and to your classmates’ experience.
Because we have so few sessions together, I expect you to attend every class, unless you are sick. If
you are ill, please let me know as soon as possible.
Participation and Preparation: Just being present is not enough. Members of this class are also
expected to complete the required reading prior to the meeting and to participate actively in class
discussions. Much of this will be informal participation at times that you have something to share,
but I will also randomly call on students to summarize the readings, to answer questions, and to offer
examples, so please plan to be prepared and engaged in classes. Other opportunities for participation
include sharing ideas in your workshop group, signing up for office hours, and practicing active
listening. I recognize that two and a half hours is a long time to ask for your active participation, so
we will have a stretch and bathroom break in the middle of the class.
Academic Integrity: We are here to build a learning community. A member of a learning
community actively acknowledges others’ contributions to their original ideas. I have complete
confidence in your ability to think creatively; you do not need to portray another person’s idea as
your own. If I have reason to believe that you have violated the honor code, I will follow through
with the guidelines in the academic code of honor handbook:
https://integrity.catholic.edu/index.html. You should be familiar with the most punishable forms of
cheating. If you have any questions or are in doubt, please ask me.
Class Conduct: Because of the subject matter, we are bound to cover topics close to people’s hearts
and experiences. Learning to participate in a community of inquiry is an important aspect of this
course. We are all learning to speak well and kindly. Let people have their say even if you don’t agree
with it. You will have yours. Treat the views, experiences, and opinions of others as potential
evidence for better understanding the world. Listen before responding. Following these guidelines
will make this class more enjoyable to everyone.
EVALUATION
The assignments for this course facilitate your sociological thinking outside the classroom. I expect you to
explore social life every day, not just during the three hours we have together. Because such observation and
reflection takes time, the assignments build on each other. Your participation, memos, and final paper depend
on quality reading and insightful observation.
Class Participation and Attendance (100 points, 14%)
Completion of reading assignments on time, mandatory class attendance, and active participation in class
discussion are required of all students. If you are not a big talker, push yourself to contribute at once per
class or in smaller discussion groups. Both participation and attendance will be weighted equally.
Analysis and Application Essays (100 points each, 300 points total, 14% each, 43% total)
At the end of a section of content, students will be asked to submit an essay. There are three essays in total
due throughout the semester. These essays will be 4-5 pages with normal document specs: double-spaced, 12point font, 1” margins. You will choose 2 theorists covered in the section to discuss individually in depth,
then to compare and contrast. More detailed instructions and a rubric will be provided.
Discussion Leader Presentation: (100 points, 14%)
Students will be partnered with 2-3 colleagues in the class to serve as discussion leaders for class period. You
will prepare a thoughtful and detailed summary on the readings for that week and give the class 3-4 engaging
questions for discussion.
Final Paper (200 points, 29%) – Undergraduate
Students will complete an approximately 6–8-page paper on a social problem of your choosing. You will
provide background on the social problem and compare and contrast how multiple theorists would explain
the conditions of the problem. More detailed instructions and a rubric will be provided.
Final Research Proposal (200 points, 29%) – Graduate
Students will complete an approximately 12–15-page research proposal. They will select a topic of interest to
study, provide a review of the literature, proposed methodology, and a robust theoretical framework which
incorporates two or more theories from this course and justifies their application to the proposed research.
More detailed instructions and a rubric will be provided.
GRADING SCALES
Attendance & Participation
100
Analysis and Application Essays
300
Discussion Leader
100
Final Paper or Proposal
______ 200
Total
700
A
>93%
C+
77-79.9%
A-
90-92%
C
73-76.9%
B+
87-89.9%
C-
70-72.9%
B
83-86.9%
D
63-69.9%
B-
80-82.9%
F
>63%
I will round up scores if you are at or above 0.50 away from the next grade level.
The University grading system is available at this link.
Reports of grades in courses are available at the end of each term at this link.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Date & Topic
August 31, 2023
No Class- Mass of Holy Spirit
September 7, 2023
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Overview of Course & Get to
Know Each Other
AND
Overview of Major Sociological
Paradigms & Our Theorists of
Concern
Readings
Assignments
N/A
N/A
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Introduction and Inventing the Lens, p.
3-6
1.2 Zeitlin, p. 11-13
1.3 Burke, p. 13-17
1.4 Kant, p. 17-21
1.5 Nietzsche, p. 21-27
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Wright Mills, PDF on Blackboard
Reading prior to class
Foundations of Social Theory
September 14, 2023
Classical Theory: Sociology of
Karl Marx
September 21, 2023
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Classical Theory: Sociology of
Max Weber
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September 28, 2023
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Reading prior to class
4.1 Max Weber Intro through 4.1.2
Science as Vocation Excerpt, p. 101-110.
PDF of Protestant Ethic and Spirit of
Capitalism Excerpt, on Blackboard
Reading prior to class
3.1 Durkheim Intro through Reading
3.1.3 Elementary Forms of Religious
Life Excerpt, p. 73-90
Classical Theory: Sociology of
Emile Durkheim
October 5, 2023
2.1. Mark and Engels Intro through
Reading 2.1.2 German Ideology
Excerpts, p. 35-47
Marx on Capitalism & 2.1.4 Capital
Excerpt, p. 54- 58
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Reading prior to class
Essay I Due on BB,
Sept 29th, 2023 11:59pm
Intro & American Emergence p. 173176
6.3 Du Bois through 6.3.2 Reading
from Darkwater, p. 189-196
Reading prior to class
American Theory Emergence:
Atlanta School & Chicago
School
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October 12, 2023
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Park, PDF on Blackboard, p. 65-72.
6.4 Drake & Cayton through Reading
6.4 Black Metropolis, p. 196-207.
Reading prior to class
October 19, 2023
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Contemporary Theory: Conflict,
Capitalism & Power Theories
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7.2 Horkheimer & Adorno through
Reading 7.2 Mass Culture, p. 235-248.
7.3 Gramsci Intro through Reading 7.3
Prison Notebooks, p. 248-259
Reading prior to class
American Theory Emergence:
Chicago School
October 26, 2023
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8.4 Marcuse Intro through Reading 8.4
One Dimensional Man, p. 318.
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8.2 Wright Mills Intro through Reading
8.2 Power Elite, p. 295-301
8.5 Althusser Intro through 8.5
Reading Ideology, p. 318-327.
Foucault Analysis of Power & Reading
10.1.3 Subject and Power, p. 377-386.
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Reading prior to class
Contemporary Theory: Conflict,
Capitalism & Power Theories
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November 2, 2023
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9.1 Goffman Intro through Reading
9.1.3 Interaction Order, p. 339-363.
Reading prior to class
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Bourdieu Intro through Reading 11.3
Distinction, p. 389-415.
Reading prior to class
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Chapter 13 Intro, p. 455-458.
13.1 Fanon Intro Reading 13.1
Wretched of the Earth, p. 458-462.
13.2 Omi and Winant Intro through
Reading 13.3 Racial Formation, p. 468472.
13.4 Roediger Intro through Reading
13.4 Wages of Whiteness, p. 473-480.
Reading prior to class
Contemporary Theory:
Sociology of Erving Goffman
November 9, 2023
Contemporary Theory:
Sociology of Pierre Bourdieu
November 16, 2023
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Contemporary Theory: Race &
Decolonial Theory
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November 23, 2023No class: Thanksgiving Recess
N/A
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November 30, 2023
Contemporary Theory:
Feminism and Gender Theory
December 7, 2023
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Contemporary Theory:
Globalization & Transnational
Theory
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Last Day of Class- Revisiting
Learning, Semester in Review
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Chapter 14 Intro, 14.1 Smith Intro
through Reading 14.1 Conceptual
Practices of Power, p. 485-494
14.2 Butler Intro through Reading 14.2
Bodies that Matter, p. 494-501
Combahee River Collective Statement,
PDF on Blackboard
Crenshaw, PDF on Blackboard
Hill Collins, PDF on Blackboard, p. 819
Chapter 14 Intro, p. 611
17.1 Wallerstein Intro through Reading
17.1 Modern World Systems, p. 612616.
17.2 Appadurai Intro through Reading
17.2 Disjuncture and Difference, p.
616-623.
17.3 Sassen Intro through Reading 17.3
Global City, p. 624-632.
Essay II Due on BB,
Oct 27th, 2023, 11:59pm
N/A
Reading prior to class
Reading prior to class
Essay III Due on BB,
Dec 8th, 2023, 11:59pm
Final Paper
Due December 14th, 2023
CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY POLICIES
UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL
All members of the Catholic University community have a shared responsibility to know and to abide by the
University’s policies, especially relating to:
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Academic Integrity
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Attendance
Conduct
Final Exams
Grades and appeals
All of Catholic University’s policies are detailed at https://policies.catholic.edu/index.html. Please follow up
with the instructor if you have any policy-related questions.
Of particular note are the policies regarding Academic Integrity, Accommodations for Students with
Disabilities, and Final Exams, which are described below.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic dishonesty at The Catholic University of America is not tolerated
(https://policies.catholic.edu/students/academicundergrad/integrityfull.html and
https://policies.catholic.edu/students/academicundergrad/integrityprocedures.html)
As such, academic integrity is not merely avoiding plagiarism or cheating, but it certainly includes those
things. Academic integrity means, above all else, taking responsibility for your work, your ideas, and your
effort, and giving credit to others for their work, ideas, and effort. If you submit work that is not your own –
whether test answers, whole papers, or something in-between – that is considered to be academic
dishonesty. University procedures related to academic dishonesty are conducted with respect and dignity,
while also preserving accountability, and they presuppose that all participants will treat each other with
respect and dignity.
The following sanctions are presented in the University procedures related to Student Academic Dishonesty:
“The presumed sanction for undergraduate students for academic dishonesty will be failure for the course. There may be
circumstances, however, where, perhaps because of an undergraduate student’s past record, a more serious sanction, such
as suspension or expulsion, would be appropriate. ...In the more unusual case, mitigating circumstances may exist that
would warrant a lesser sanction than the presumed sanction.”
At times, you may do group work for an in-class presentation or group project. For that specific assignment,
you are allowed to share material, ideas and information; however, for any related work that is to be
submitted on an individual basis, your submission is expected to be your own in its entirety. If there is no
group work in the class you should not collaborate with classmates on work that is to be submitted for an
individual grade.
For more information about what academic integrity means at CUA, including your responsibilities and
rights, visit https://integrity.catholic.edu/index.html.
Accommodations for students with disabilities: Any student who feels s/he may need a reasonable
accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Disability Support Services
(https://dss.catholic.edu/index.html) by email at CUA-DSS@cua.edu or call 202-319-5211 to make an
appointment to discuss possible accommodations. DSS recommends that a student with a disability meet
with DSS staff during the first week of every semester since accommodations are not retroactive. Please note
that instructors will only provide those accommodations included in the DSS accommodation letter. DSS is
located in PRYZ 127.
Final Exam: N/A to this course.
UNIVERSITY RESOURCES
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Libraries https://libraries.catholic.edu/
Center for Academic and Career Success https://success.catholic.edu/
Math Center https://success.catholic.edu/academic-support/math-center/index.html
Tutoring Services https://success.catholic.edu/academic-support/tutoring-services/index.html
Writing Center https://success.catholic.edu/academic-support/writing-center/index.html
Office of Disability Support Services https://dss.catholic.edu/index.html
Counseling Center https://counseling.catholic.edu/index.html
Student Health Services https://health.catholic.edu/index.html
Dean of Students Office https://deanofstudents.catholic.edu/index.html