Sociology 400 - Theories of Social Structure
Fall 2013: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00-4:15 in Winston 004
Instructor: Dr. Martha Crowley (martha_crowley@ncsu.edu) (during office hours, call 919-515-9022)
Office hours: Tuesdays 10:30am-12:30pm and by appointment in the 1911 Building, Room 325
Teaching assistant: Ms. Laura Greenberg (llgreenb@ncsu.edu) (during office hours, call 919-513-0034)
Office hours: Tuesdays 12pm-1pm and Thursdays 11am-12pm in the 1911 Building, Room 313
Course Description
This course focuses on classical macro-level sociological theories and development of functionalist and conflict
approaches to understanding social life. Students will be introduced to the work of Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile
Durkheim as well as contributions made by the “women founders” and W.E. B. Du Bois. By the end of the course,
students should be able to: 1) understand theorists’ concepts and ideas about society and social change, 2) understand
differences among and relationships between the theories addressed, and 3) apply theories to understand contemporary
issues in the social world.
Required Reading Materials
1. Book: Classical Sociological Theory, 3rd edition (2012), edited by Craig Calhoun, Joseph Gerteis, James
Moody, Steven Pfaff and Indermohan Virk.
2. Book: Social Class and Stratification, 2nd edition (2006), edited by Rhonda Levine.
3. Book: Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion (2012), by Elizabeth Cline.
4. Book: The Women Founders, edited by Patricia Madoo Lengermann and Gillian Niebrugge (any edition).
5. Book: The Souls of Black Folk, by W.E.B. Du Bois (any edition).
6. E-Reserves via the NCSU library and/or Moodle (an online subscription to the New York Times will likely be
necessary to access some of the e-reserves readings).
Expectations/Requirements
1. Attendance is fundamental to learning the material. If your name appears on the course roster and you are not
in class, you will be counted absent. Students are allowed three unexcused absences. Each additional
unexcused absence will result in a one-percentage-point drop in your final grade (with a maximum of a tenpercentage-point reduction). Excused absences may only be secured in a limited number of situations, and
documentation is required. Documentation must be provided within two weeks of the absence in question,
and the documentation must specify the exact dates to be excused. See this website for information about
which kinds of absences are excused and how to document them: http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-0220-03 (please note that non-emergency doctor appointments are not excused under this policy). Students
with zero unexcused absences will receive a bonus of two percentage points toward their final grades. The
last day of class is the deadline to check your record of attendance with the T.A.
Cancellations: I will notify you by e-mail at least 45 minutes in advance (much earlier if possible) if class is
cancelled due to inclement weather or another emergency. Otherwise, class will occur as scheduled. I
reserve the right to adjust the attendance policy and I have sole discretion in deciding what adjustments may
be made.
2. Participation enhances your own and others’ learning. My lecture style is highly interactive and is driven by
student participation. Students who do not feel comfortable contributing to the general discussion can make
valuable contributions in small group activities, so long as conversations remain on topic. Students who
speak a lot can contribute to others’ learning both through their contributions and by holding back a bit so
others can contribute. All contributions to large and small group discussions are to be made in a respectful,
professional and constructive fashion. Unprofessional, argumentative and disrespectful comments and/or
behavior debase the classroom environment and impede student learning. Name-calling and denigration,
whether directed at an individual or a social group, will not be tolerated regardless of whether a member of
the social group is actually present in the classroom. Alternative perspectives offered in a respectful,
professional and constructive manner are always welcome.
3. Professionalism is required, not only in classroom discussion (as described above), but in more general
classroom comportment. Contrary to popular belief, students and their behavior are highly visible to both
their instructors and to other students. Conversations during class and use of class-time for non-class
activities, especially (email, internet and texting) are highly visible to your instructor, your TA and other
students. Because students have too often used laptops in ways not related to course material, they will not be
allowed in this class. Be aware that holding conversations during class or texting may result in an invitation
to take your activities elsewhere without prior warning. Excessive tardiness, leaving early, and
exiting/reentering class are also disruptive and disrespectful. If you must come late, leave early or exit/reenter
during class, notify both the TA and myself before class begins (or afterward if necessary). Apart from an
occasional incident, dealt with by the student in a professional manner, the behaviors listed here will factor
into the professionalism component of course grades.
4. Readings must be completed before class on the day for which they are assigned. They provide an important
foundation for learning and participation, and students must do the reading on time in order to pass the course.
5. Frequent unannounced quizzes on the readings and other course content (these may include in-class
assignments) will determine a significant portion of your course grade. Your two lowest quiz scores will be
dropped. All other scores will count toward your final grade. Students who miss a quiz due to an excused
absence will have the opportunity to substitute a detailed written summary of that day’s reading assignment
for the missed quiz score (2-3 double-spaced typed pages, 12-point font, 1-inch margins). This summary must
be turned in to the TA no more than two weeks from the date of the missed quiz, and must be accompanied by
documentation for the excused absence. Refer to the attendance policy (above) for more information. Please
note: Quizzes are not meant to make the course more challenging. On the contrary, quizzes are meant to
operate as a structured incentive to complete your readings on time, come to class, participate, etc. Doing so
will make it easier to understand course material and participate in discussion, and will reduce the need for
cramming prior to exams. Be aware that quizzes may also serve other purposes. For example, they may
gauge participation or in-class reflection on materials presented in class.
6. Two Exams (a Midterm and a Final) will consist of objective, short answer and essay questions (no particular
ratio of question format is implied). Detailed study guide questions closely paralleling lectures and the exams
will be available and routinely updated via Moodle. You must study for exams in order to pass this class.
Only students with a documented excused absence will be allowed to take a makeup exam, the format of
which may differ significantly from the original (e.g., essay examination).
7. Writing assignment (to be described in detail at a later date) will be due late in the semester. Late paper
policy: Papers handed in late but on the date they are due will receive a penalty of 10 percentage points (a
full letter grade). Additional penalties of 10 percentage points will be deducted each day thereafter.
8. Use of e-mail and Moodle. I frequently send useful information via e-mail and assignments, handouts, etc.
will be made available via Moodle.
9. Seek out assistance if you need it. Your TA and I are here to help. Academic assistance is also available
through the Undergraduate Tutorial Center (http://www.ncsu.edu/tutorial_center/). Assistance for students
with physical or learning disabilities may be arranged through the Disability Services Office
(http://dso.dasa.ncsu.edu/welcome). I encourage you to contact the Counseling Center
(http://healthcenter.ncsu.edu/counseling-center/) if personal, academic or vocational problems are
interfering with your coursework. Resources are also available at the Women’s Center
(http://www.ncsu.edu/womens_center/), the Student Health Center (http://www.ncsu.edu/student_health/),
and the Career Development Center (http://www.ncsu.edu/career/).
10. No begging. The terms of this course are outlined in full and every student can expect the policies outlined
here to be applied consistently. I will not provide extra work at the end of the semester for students who are
failing the course, as it would be unfair to give any student an opportunity that is not available to all. If you
are unable to meet the expectations/requirements listed here, I recommend that you drop this course and take
it another time. If problems arise during the semester, be certain that you make arrangements complying with
the course policies noted above. If you have serious problems warranting withdrawal after the drop deadline,
you can learn more about your options by contacting the Counseling Center (information above).
***Notice***
To pass this course, you absolutely must attend class, complete readings on schedule, and turn in
assignments on time. If you are unwilling or unable to make these commitments, I strongly recommend
that you take this course another time. By remaining in this class, you are acknowledging that you
understand and will adhere to the expectations/requirements noted on the syllabus.
Grades
Quizzes (20%) + Midterm Exam (25%) + Final Exam (25%) + Writing Assignment (20%) + Participation and
Professionalism (10%) = 100%.
Note: Final scores will be rounded. Perfect attendance (no unexcused absence or equivalents) will result in a bonus of
two percentage points added to your final grade. Excessive unexcused absences will result in deductions from your
final grade (up to 10%, depending on the number of absences). See expectations outlined above for more information.
A Range:
B Range:
C Range:
D Range:
Failing:
A- (90-92%) A (93-96%)
B- (80-82%) B (83-86%)
C- (70-72%) C (73-76%)
D- (60-62%) D (63-66%)
(59% and below)
A+ (97% and above
B+ (87-89%)
C+ (77-79%)
D+ (67-69%)
Notecard
Turn card sideways, like this:
On one side,
a. write in large, black print (in marker if possible) the first and last name you want me to use when I take
attendance.
b. Below that, glue or staple a color photograph (or a color copy of a color photograph of yourself
(no paperclips). There is a color copier at the library if you need it.
On the other side, write the following
a. your full name
b. your year in school
c. your major
d. anything you think I should know about you
e. a fun fact about yourself (something your classmates can know about you)
COURSE SCHEDULE
Session 1. Thursday, August 22
Introduction to class
KARL MARX (1818-1883)
Session 2. Tuesday, August 27 (Notecard Due)
Topic: Marx - Background and Approach
Contemporary Sociological Theory (CST) Introduction to Part III
Session 3. Thursday, August 29
Topic: Marx - Primitive Accumulation, Class and Exploitation
E-Reserves, Marx Capital Volume 1, Part VIII, Chapter XXVI “The So-Called Primitive Accumulation” (Tucker pp.
431-434)
Social Class and Stratification (SCS), pp. 1-4 (finishing the paragraph ending on p. 5)
E-Reserves, Marx “Wage Labor and Capital” Part V (Tucker pp. 203-205)
Session 4. Tuesday, September 3
Topic: Marx - Ideology
CST Chapter 9, Marx “The German Ideology”
SCS Chapter 13, Cox “Race and Class”
E-Reserves, NPR “The History of The FBI's Secret 'Enemies' List” (main page only, listening/transcript not required)
E-Reserves, Bowles and Gintis “Education and Personal Development” (pp. 228-240 only)
Session 5. Thursday, September 5
Topic: Marx - Alienation
CST Chapter 10, Marx “Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844” (pp. 147-152 only, ending after point 4)
E-Reserves Milkman Farewell to the Factory (pp. 22-27, 43-50)
Kandel and Parrado “Restructuring of the U.S. Meat Processing Industry and New Hispanic Migrant Destinations” (pp.
450-460 only)
Session 6. Tuesday, September 10
Topic: Marx - Work Intensification
E-Reserves, Marx Capital, Volume 1, Chapter X, Section 1 “The Limits of the Working Day” (Tucker, pp. 361-376)
E-Reserves, Marx Capital, Volume 1, Part IV, Chapter XII, “The Concept of Relative Surplus Value” (Tucker, pp.
376-384) (but skip the first four paragraphs)
E-Reserves, Fraiser White-collar Sweatshop, Chapter 2 “Working Three Times Harder and Earning Less”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “Our Economic Pickle”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “Sympathy for the Luddites”
Session 7. Thursday, September 12
Topic: Marx – Accumulation, Crisis, Revolution
E-Reserves, Marx Wage Labor and Capital, Part IV and V (Tucker pp. 210-217)
E-Reserves, Marx Capital, Volume 1, Part IV, Chapter XV, Section 3 “The Proximate Effects of Machinery on the
Workman” (Tucker, pp. 403-407).
CST Chapter 13, Marx “Wage-Labor and Capital”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “Fighting Back Against Wretched Wages”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “Behind the Rise in House Prices, Wall Street Buyers”
Session 8. Tuesday, September 17
Topic: Global Production
Overdressed Chapters 2, 6 and 7
E-Reserves, Foster et al “The Global Reserve Army of Labor and the New Imperialism” Monthly Review (p. 3-4, 9-18
finishing paragraph that ends on next page, 20-21)
E-Reserves, The New York Times “Clothed in Misery”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “Halfhearted Labor Reform in Bangladesh”
Session 9. Thursday, September 19
Topic: Overproduction and Consumption
Overdressed Introduction and Chapters 1, 4 and 3
Session 10. Tuesday, September 24
Topic: Corporations and the Environment
Overdressed Chapter 5
E-Reserves, The New York Times “A Cancer Cycle, From Here to China”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “As OSHA Emphasizes Safety, Long-Term Health Risks Fester”
E-Reserves, The New York Times, “Saving Money, Poisoning Workers”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “Living with Less. A Lot Less.”
MAX WEBER (1864-1920)
Session 11. Thursday, September 26
Topic: Weber - Background and Approach
CST Introduction to Part V
CST Chapter 19, Weber “‘Objectivity’ in Social Science”
Session 12. Tuesday, October 1
Topic: Weber - Types of Action, Rationality
CST Chapter 20, Weber “Basic Sociological Terms”
E-Reserves, Ritzer, The McDonaldization of Society, pp. 9-15, pp. 28-46
E-Reserves, Harper’s Magazine “Swine of the Times: The Making of the Modern Pig”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “Hog Farms Battling to Contain Deadly Virus”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “Tracing Germs through the Aisles”
Session 13. Thursday, October 3
Topic: Weber - Domination and Bureaucracy
CST Chapter 23, Weber “The Types of Legitimate Domination”
CST Chapter 24, Weber “Bureaucracy”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “Chavez Dies, Leaving Sharp Divisions in Venezuela”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “How a U.S. Citizen Came to Be in America’s Cross Hairs” (Skim)
E-Reserves Dobie “One Woman Takes a Brave Stand Against Factory Farming”
Session 14. Tuesday, October 8
Topic: Weber - Class, Status, Party
CST Chapter 22, Weber “The Distribution of Power within the Political Community: Class, Status, Party”
E-Reserves, Moss, Salt, Sugar, Fat
Fall break. No class Thursday, October 10
Session 15. Tuesday, October 15
Topic: Weber - The Protestant Work Ethic
CST Chapter 21, Weber “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism”
E-Reserves, Fraiser White-collar Sweatshop, Chapter 7 “Raising the Bar”
Session 16. Thursday, October 17
Topic: Weber - Closure and Credentialism
Weber “Status Groups and Classes”
Weber “Open and Closed Relationships”
SCS Chapter 7, Parkin “Marxism and Class Theory: A Bourgeois Critique”
E-Reserves, The New York Times, “It Takes a B.A. to Find a Job as File Clerk”
Session 17. Tuesday, October 22
Midterm Exam
EMILE DURKHEIM (1858-1917)
Session 18. Thursday, October 24
Topic: Durkheim – Background and Approach
CST Introduction to Part IV
Session 19. Tuesday, October 29
Topic: Durkheim – Division of Labor, Solidarity
CST Chapter 16, Durkheim “The Division of Labor in
Society”
Session 20. Thursday, October 31
Topic: Durkheim – Anomie, Deviance, Suicide
E-Reserves, Durkheim “Anomie and the Moral Structure of Industry” (Giddens 173-188)
CST Chapter 18, Durkheim “Suicide”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “The Solitary Leaker”
Session 21. Tuesday, November 5
Topic: Durkheim – Morality, Social Facts, Sanctions
Film: Devil’s Playground
CST Chapter 15, Durkheim “The Rules of Sociological Method”
E-Reserves, Durkheim ‘Forms of Solidarity’ (Giddens pp. 123-140)
Session 22. Thursday, November 7
Topic: Functionalist and Conflict Perspectives on Poverty and Inequality
SCS, p. 7 (Introduction)
SCS Chapter 5, Davis and Moore “Some Principles of Stratification”
SCS Chapter 6, Tumin ‘Some Principles of Stratification: A Critical Analysis’”
Session 23. Tuesday, November 12
Topic: Functionalist and Conflict Perspectives on Credentialism
E-Reserves, Collins “Functional and Conflict Theories of Educational Stratification”
Additional E-Reserves, TBA
THE WOMEN FOUNDERS
Session 24. Thursday, November 14
Topic: Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Marianne Weber
Women Founders, pp. 112-129, 131-134, 140-141, 144-146 (Charlotte Perkins Gilman)
Women Founders, pp. 200-211, 215-224 (Marianne Weber)
Session 25. Tuesday, November 19
Topic: Jane Addams, The Chicago Women’s School
Women Founders, pp. 71-83, 103-104 (Jane Addams)
Women Founders, pp. 233-252, 259-261 (The Chicago Women’s School of Sociology)
W.E.B. DUBOIS
Session 26. Thursday, November 21
Topic: Double-consciousness, the Veil, Education of Black Men
DuBois Chapters I, III and VI
Session 27. Tuesday, November 26
Topic: Sociological Studies of the Black Community
DuBois Chapters VIII, IX and XI
E-Reserves, The New York Times “A Paean to Forebearance”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “The ‘Soul Sisters’ in the Kitchen”
E-Reserves, The New York Times “Paula Deen’s Cook Tells of Slights, Steeped in
History”
Thanksgiving break. No class Thursday, November 28
Session 28. Tuesday, December 3
Race and Gender
E-Reserves, DuBois “Damnation of Women”
Women Founders, pp. 149-154, 177-179, 182-183 (Ida B. Wells-Barnett)
E-Reserves, Billie Holiday, “Strange Fruit” (recording)
E-Reserves, Billie Holiday, “Strange Fruit” (lyric)
E-Reserves, The New York Times “When Cold Cases Stay Cold”
Session 29. Thursday, December 5
Course Wrap-up
Last day to check/correct your record of attendance with the TA
Final Exam. Tuesday, December 10, 2-4pm
(Exam will not be given early or late)