Sociology 410
Contemporary Social Theories
Fall 2015
Instructor: Professor Sing C. Chew Office: BSS 528 Teaching Associate: Rudolph Bielitz Office
(BSS529)
Office Phone: 826-4554
Office Hours Chew: Tuesday (9:30-10am) and Thursday (9:30-10:30am)
Email: Chew: SCC1@Humboldt.Edu Bieleitz: rab634@humboldt.edu
Course Description
This senior course is designed to discuss “contemporary” sociological theories. The aim of this course is to
familiarize the student with the major contemporary theoretical perspectives, and to assess critically the
issues and problems associated with each theoretical perspective in terms of explaining social reality or
global reality in a hyperactive/hyperinterconnected world. Specifically, we will cover thematics on how
social reality is generated and reproduced, thematics on structures, thematics on long term change,
thematics on postmodern realities, and thematics on globalization.
Required Texts:
1) Scott Appelrouth, Sociological Theory in the Contemporary Era, Pine Forge
and readings on reserve or oncores
2) Jan Nederveen Pieterse, Globalization and Culture, Rowman and Littlefield
Course requirement:
I do not bell up or down
1) 3 Papers (15-20 pages each) @30% each
2) Attendance @10%
CLASS ATTENDANCE IS COMPULSORY. ABSENCES UNLESS SUPPORTED BY MEDICAL
OR VALID LEGAL REASONS (Court Appearances, Detox, Funerals, etc.) WILL COUNT
AGAINST YOUR FINAL GRADE. MISSING CLASSES FOR MORE THAN FOUR TIMES
WITHOUT A VALID REASON WILL AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE A “D MINUS’ OR A NONCREDIT FOR CREDIT/NONCREDIT MODE.
Topics:
A) Thematic on the Reproduction of Social Reality and Intersubjectivity
- Symbolic Interactionism and Dramaturgy
-
Feminist Theory (Dorothy Smith)
Readings:
1) Appelrouth, Chap 5 Pp174-233, Chap 7 Pp 313-332
B) Thematic on Social Action and Structures
-
Theory of Social Action
Structures and Functions
Action Complexes of Jurgen Habermas
Exchange Theory
Readings:
1) Appelrouth, Chap 2 Pp20-74
2) McCarthy, T, The Critical Theory of Jurgen Habermas, Chap 4 (Foundations: A Theory of
Communication/Thomas McCarthy) Oncores
3) Appelrouth, Chap 3 Pp 76- 92, Pp 99-119, Chap 9 Pp 484- 519, Chap 4 pp120-155
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C) Thematic on Postmodernity
-
Poststructuralism
Postmodernism
Signs and Simulacra
Readings:
1 Appelrouth, Chap 8 pp 382-443
2 Time-Space Compression and the Post Modern Condition –David Harvey (Oncores).
D) Thematic on Long Term Historical Change, Ecology, and Globalization
-
World Systems Analysis
World System History
Dark Ages and Ecological Long Term Change
Globalization: Clash of Civilizations, McDonaldization, Hybridization
Readings:
1)Appelrouth, Chap 10 pp 556-585, 585-601
2) A Structural Theory of the Five Thousand Year Old System (Oncores)
3) Ecology in Command (Oncores)
4) Globalisation, Ecological Crisis and Dark Ages (Oncores)
5) Pieterse Chaps 1, 3
E) Applying Globalization Theories to the Understanding of Social Processes and Structures.
-
Globalization and Human Integration
Migrations
Hybridity
East West Osmosis
Hybrid China as an example
Readings:
1) Pieterse Chaps 2, 4, 5, 6, 7
Information below are included as required by the authorities, they are not developed by the instructor.
This course explicitly contributes to students’ acquisition of skills and knowledge relevant to HSU Learning Outcomes:
HSU graduates will have demonstrated:
1. Effective communication through written and oral modes.
2. Critical and creative thinking skills in acquiring a broad base of knowledge and applying it to complex issues.
3. Competence in a major area of study.
4. Appreciation for and understanding of an expanded world perspective by engaging respectfully with a diverse range of
individuals, communities, and viewpoints.
HSU graduates will be prepared to:
5. Succeed in their chosen careers.
6. Take responsibility for identifying personal goals and practicing lifelong learning.
7. Pursue social justice, promote environmental responsibility, and improve economic conditions in their workplaces and
communities.
University Policies.
Academic honesty: Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding academic honesty. For more information, visit: Academic
Honesty Policy or HSU Catalog.
Students with Disabilities: Persons who wish to request disability-related accommodations should contact the Student Disability
Resource Center in House 71, 826-4678 (voice) or 826-5392 (TDD). Some accommodations may take up to several weeks to arrange.
Student Disability Resource Center .
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Add/Drop policy: Students are responsible for knowing the University policy, procedures, and schedule for dropping or adding
classes. Schedule Adjustments (Adding or Dropping) .
Emergency evacuation: Please review the evacuation plan for the classroom (posted on the orange signs) , and review Campus
Emergency Preparedness http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/emergencyops/campus_emergency_preparedness.php for information on
campus Emergency Procedures. During an emergency, information can be found campus conditions at: 826-INFO or Emergency
Conditions .
Attendance and disruptive behavior: Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding attendance and disruptive behavior:
Class Attendance and Disruptive Behavior.)
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