Soc 385: Introduction to Social Theory
Spring 2013 CRN: 31348 (3 credits)
Instructor: Bradley Zopf
Office: BSB 4126A
Office Hours: T 11:00-12:00
By appointment only please!!!
Class: BSB 211 (9:30-10:45 TR)
Cell Phone: (773) 663-0908
E-mail: bzopf2@uic.edu (for questions)
socialtheory385@gmail.com (assignments)
TA: Claire Smith
Office: BSB 4061
Email: csmit28@uic.edu
Office Hours: MR 2:30-3:30pm
(by appointment please)
Who am I as a Teacher?
I bring to teaching a belief that students like you have critical thinking skills that need to be
challenged, therefore, this class will have readings, assignments, and discussions that require you
to practice your critical reading, writing, and thinking skills.
For this class I see myself as primarily a discussion leader. Often I find that students can be
hesitant to put their ideas out there. I hope this class gives you an opportunity to explore your
ideas in a safe space. So please consider this classroom a safe place to test your ideas.
I believe many of you may be unmotivated to learn social theory. Therefore, I feel that you need
to see how this class can enhance and improve your lives in very practical ways. For this reason,
I have developed lectures and assignments that should have clear and pragmatic ways for you to
better understand your own social world.
I think learning is difficult. I believe that it is hard and uncomfortable to challenge yourself to
succeed. Asking you to think in ways that you have never thought before creates stress and
anxiety, but learning to challenge yourself in this way is good practice for whatever lies ahead.
That’s who I am as a teacher. I encourage you to write a similar statement about who you are as
a student, employee, and professional.
Why Social Theory?
We are all endowed with a social competence (Lemert 2002) that we have learned and developed
through daily living experiences. How we know when to cross the street and when to wait, when
to talk and when to remain silent, and what to do in most everyday circumstances is learned
through socialization processes. Think of how hard it would be to operate daily if we did not all
work together from some basic and shared set of rules, norms, and expectations.
While developing this social competence does not require taking a social theory course, social
theory can illuminate the patterns of rules, norms, and expectations giving you greater ability to
understand, challenge, and transform them. Ever wonder why we stand in line patiently at the
store, why when we get in an elevator we all stand facing the door, or why it is that when you
pass money down to the cotton candy/peanut vendor at the ballgame no one steals your money?
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Each of these situations is dictated by a highly circumscribed and deeply understood trust in
others, one that develops over time and can be understood only within the social and cultural
contexts in which it is embedded. One thing that sociological theory attempts to do is unravel
some of these taken-for-granted interactions and explain how it is and why it is they continue to
occur.
More generally, sociological theory attempts to explain the larger social-structural patterns that
emerge in our social world. Things like racism, sexism, discrimination, poverty, sickness,
divorce, etc. are often tackled by social theorists. Each of the theories we will read in this class
attempts to answer some key questions about the social world, some offer merely explanations,
while others provide solutions. However, all of the theories challenge your ways of thinking
about the social world.
Course Objective
This course requires a lot of reading, most of which is dense and abstract making it not only
seem boring, but also difficult. While this is a common reaction to social theory, one of the
goals of this course is to develop the ability to read, discuss, and analyze difficult material.
Social theory is not supposed to be memorized, but rather understood. This means that I am not
looking for you to merely define terms or describe concepts, but to explain, apply, and critique
highly abstract ideas about the social world.
You will analyze theories for pitfalls, gaps and/or strengths in order to understand how social
theorists attempt to advance previous social scientific knowledge. By learning to critically
analyze this material, you will gain valuable critical reading, writing, and thinking skills.
How to Read Social Theory
1. Social theory is not like introductory or substantive courses where you can memorize
textbook definitions. Therefore, you should focus on the main ideas and major themes,
arguments, and concepts utilized by each social theorist.
2. Focus on the major themes, central ideas or concepts, and arguments made in each
reading. Do not get bogged down in the details or "facts”, but rather read for the overall
framework/structure and logic of the theory.
3. Theory is not designed for quick reading, but rather theory needs to be read and then
contemplated, analyzed and then reread. So, read small sections and then think about
what you've read and then reread it. In the beginning you will read and stop and read and
stop frequently, but this is a normal process when first reading social theory. As the
semester progresses you will read longer sections before you stop and think about what
you've read and it will all become much easier to understand. By the end of the semester
you will be able to go back to earlier readings and find them easy to understand. So,
don't get discouraged if at first you find the readings difficult.
4. Respond to ideas, not politics. Remember not only the time period the theorist is writing
in, but also remember that not all theories can, or even try to, cover every possible topic.
Therefore, before critiquing the reading make sure that you first understand what the
theorist is arguing and why they argue it in the way they do.
5. Try to immerse yourself in the internal logic of the theorist before you decide whether or
not you agree. Sort of like looking at the world through their eyes. Agreement or
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disagreement should come after understanding the major components of the theory.
There is some merit in each of the theories we will study, or we wouldn't be studying
them. Don't let your own opinions, theoretical assumptions, or politics get in the way of
understanding each theory.
Structure of the Course
While everyone agrees that social theory is a highly abstract collection of concepts and ideas,
what people fail to realize is that social theory develops out of our everyday lives. Therefore, it
is important for us to understand how theory relates to what we actually see, do, and experience
in the social world. Social theory is a means, a tool of discovery, and explanation of life, not an
end in and of itself. Therefore, we must explore how social theory can be applied and used to
better understand the world in which we live.
This course is structured primarily around class discussions. For most theories/theorists we will
have 1 or 2 class of lecture(s) and/or large group discussion followed by a writing assignment
designed to facilitate in-class dialogue and debate.
Availability
I will NOT hold regular office hours this semester. I will most likely be available immediately
after class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but ALL meetings need to made through appointment
and most appointments will be on Tuesdays/Thursdays after class. You should feel free to
contact me if you need to meet with me. Emails are the easiest and quickest way to get a hold of
me, however, I request 24 hours to respond to emails. For emails received over the weekend, I
may not be able to respond until Monday morning, so please do not wait until the last minute to
email me if there is something you need to discuss. Also, often email is an insufficient means of
communication, so I may ask you to meet with me in my office to resolve the issue. I have also
given you my cell phone number in case you need to reach me immediately or in an emergency.
Please try not to call me after 8:00PM during the week. Please know that I am here to help you
succeed, so if you have questions or concerns let me know as soon as possible.
Claire is the Teaching Assistant and is also here to help. She is also very busy, so please respect
both my time and Claire’s time. If you need to meet, please make arrangements ahead of time
and be sure to show up. If you schedule a meeting and fail to show up, it is unprofessional and
highly disrespectful, so please make sure to keep your appointments.
Classroom Policies
Discussion
Sociology classes require active participation, therefore, you must keep up with the readings.
Throughout the class some of the topics may be difficult to discuss so I expect that we approach
these classes with respect. Each person is entitled to an opinion, but I also expect that when
differing opinions create a disagreement the ensuing conversation retains a respectful demeanor.
I reserve the right to ask a student to leave the class if their comments are disrespectful or
inappropriate in any way.
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When discussing theory in class or in groups, move away from the win\lose competitive model
our society teaches us. Discussions should be centered around learning, not who is right or
wrong. We can learn from people we disagree with. The point in this class is to discuss ideas,
concepts, theory, and to learn to think more critically, not to prove points or win political
discussions. That can be accomplished better with a dialogue, rather than a debate. At this point
in your learning process, debates will only lead to silencing some people. None of this means
that we shouldn't disagree; just that our focus should be on understanding the theories and each
other's interpretations of those theories rather than on proving a point. Disagreements then
should be focused on interpretations of theory or theoretical assumptions, not on politics.
Disagreements focused on theory or theoretical assumptions will add to all of our knowledge.
Cell Phones, Computers, etc.
Cell phones need to be turned off or silent during class. When you are in class be in class and
not somewhere else. Please do not work on work from other classes, facebook, chat, twitter, etc.
while in my class. Again, I reserve the right to ask students who are being disrespectful to other
students or to me to leave class.
While it is fine for you to bring in your computer to take notes, etc., please refrain from using the
computer for other uses. If you are using the computer for other classes, surfing the internet,
checking emails, or otherwise distracted by it I may ask you to close the computer or refrain
from bringing it altogether.
Writing Center
We all need help and support throughout the writing process (including me). I encourage you to
utilize the writing services available to you. If you need my help, please see me early in the
process so that we can figure out what works best for you.
UIC Writing Center
105 Grant Hall
312-413-2206
http://www.uic.edu/depts/engl/writing/tutored.html
Academic Dishonesty –DON’T CHEAT!!!
UIC Guidelines Regarding Academic Integrity:
“As an academic community, the University of Illinois at Chicago is committed to providing an
environment in which research, learning, and scholarship can flourish and in which all endeavors
are guided by academic and professional integrity. All members of the campus community—
students, staff, faculty, administrators—share the responsibility of insuring that these standards
are upheld so that such an environment exists. Instances of academic misconduct by students,
and as defined herein, shall be handled pursuant to the Student Disciplinary Policy which is
available online.”
Plagiarism: You will be submitting your papers through the SafeAssignment system, which
automatically scans every paper to check for plagiarism from a variety of sources, including
papers, books, magazines, essays, etc. on the internet.
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Be sure to familiarize yourself with the UIC guidelines and penalties for academic dishonesty.
Any student caught plagiarizing will receive a Zero for the assignment and will be reported to
the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
What Academic Dishonesty involves, including a link to the Student Disciplinary Policy,
can be found here: http://www.uic.edu/ucat/catalog/GR.shtml#qa
For further information about plagiarism: http://www.uic.edu/depts/pols/Plagiarism1.pdf
Rights for Students with Disabilities
UIC Chancellor’s Statement of Commitment to Persons with Disabilities:
“Guided by the belief that people with disabilities are assets to the university, UIC is committed
to full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of university life. We
seek to provide an academic, social and physical environment that makes disabled people
integral to the diversity of perspectives that is vital to an academic community. UIC supports the
principles of universally accessible design, alternative communication formats, and the
expression of disability community and pride. At all levels of the university, UIC promotes equal
opportunity, fair treatment, and the elimination of barriers for qualified individuals with
disabilities.” http://www.uic.edu/depts/oae/Disability.html
I am firmly committed to the above statement. If you need accommodations UIC has resources
that are available to you (see link above). Please let me know within the first 2 weeks of class if
you need any accommodations so that we can work together.
Religious Observances: Students who wish to observe their religious holidays should notify me
at least five days in advance of the date when they will be absent in order to arrange for an
alternative assignment if necessary. The UIC policy on Observance of Religious Holidays is at
www.uic.edu/depts/oae/.
Requirements:
Attendance/Participation—5% (50pts)
This class requires your active presence in the classroom. Therefore, attendance will be taken
most, if not every, class and your participation is expected. In order for you and the rest of your
classmates to get the most out of class, we will begin class promptly on time and end on time.
If you come to class late, I reserve the right to prohibit you from entering and disrupting
class…BE ON TIME!!!
I recognize that life sometimes gets in the way of our obligations. Therefore, you have three
“personal days” in which you may miss class—whether you are sick, tired, working, etc. What
this means is that I am not in the business of deciding between “excused” and “unexcused”
absences, but rather you have 3 personal days in which you can class. You may miss 3 classes
before your participation grade is lowered. Each additional missed class will result in 1% (or 10
pts) being taken off of your attendance grade.
You CANNOT PASS this class if you miss more than 8 classes!!!
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If special circumstances prevent you from coming to class for an extended period of time or you
know that you will be missing class in advance please try to contact me as soon as possible so
that we can figure out what you will be missing and what is expected of you upon your return.
What this means is that you need to contact me ASAP if you know that you will be missing any
class time.
Reading Quizzes (50pts total)
Periodically there will be “pop” quizzes on the assigned reading for the day. These quizzes will
consist of short answer questions designed to keep you up-to-date on you reading. If you did not
read for that day you will be unable to answer these questions. These quizzes will be graded as
“pass”/”fail”. Each failed quiz will result in a 10point deduction from your quiz Reading Quiz
Grade.
Social Theory Blog Entries—70% (7 required for 700 total points—100pts each)
These blogs require 2 things: a very short (no more than 1 paragraph) summary/analysis of the
theories AND a creative application of the social theory. For example, you may analyze a new
story through one of the theoretical perspectives, you could analyze a particular social (or
political) issue, you may analyze a photo, you could collect a small amount of data to help ‘test’
a theory, you could analyze song lyrics, you could create an innovative “game” or interactive
activity that demonstrates your understanding of the material, etc.
A specified assignment sheet for each this assignment will be posted on blackboard.
Each blog must be turned in via Safeassign AND emailed to socialtheory385@gmail.com,
as well as turned posted to our class website: www.uicsocialtheory.weebly.com
Blog 1: Marx: DUE Friday 1/25
Blog 2: Weber: DUE Friday 2/8
Blog 3: Durkheim/Parsons: DUE Friday 2/22
Blog 4: Micro-Sociology: DUE Friday 3/8
Blog 5: Critical Theory OR Post-Modernism: ****DUE Tuesday 3/19****
Blog 6: Bourdieu: DUE Friday 4/5
Blog 7: Foucault: DUE Friday 4/19
Blog 8: Review of Social Theory: DUE ****DUE Tuesday 4/29****
*notice that there are 8 opportunities for blogs and only 7 required…that means you may
‘skip’ a blog during the course of the semester OR you may turn in 8 blogs and we will
keep the top 7 grades
Social Theory Blog Responses (150pts total)—DUE 24hrs prior to blog discussion days
During the course of the semester you will also post responses (200-250 words; 300 max) to
blog entries from other students. You will post comments on the weebly website (DO NOT
LOG IN) for each blog discussion day. Each of these responses are graded as Satisfactory or
Unsatisfactory. (each ‘unsatisfactory’ grade will result in a deduction of 10pts from the final
Response grade). Prior to each blog discussion day, you will be asked to respond to at least 2
of the blogs to be discussed in class. These assignments are designed to create an interactive
dialogue about the topic/argument, etc on our class website, as well as facilitate class discussion
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for the blog presenters. The idea is similar to the “comments” section found on websites with
blogs, news articles, etc. You will be asked to further the dialogue created by the original author
and analyzed/discussed in class.
Social Theory Blog Discussion Leader—5% (lead discussion 1x=50pts)
Throughout the semester we will have Blog Discussion days designed for you to participate in a
discussion concerning the blogs we have all posted on the class website. For each discussion, 4
or 5 people will present their blogs. Each student will have a chance to “lead” a blog discussion
at least once. You will be asked to lead/facilitate the discussion during class (for approximately
15 minutes). In addition, you will be asked to incorporate some of the questions, comments, etc
posted under your blog as “comments”. The rest of us are required to read each of the selected
blogs and prepare questions and comments for discussion. A specified assignment sheet for this
assignment will be posted on blackboard.
All Assignments must be turned in on Blackboard, via email socialtheory385@gmail.com,
AND posted on our class website: www.uicsocialtheory.weebly.com Any blogs NOT posted
on SafeAssign will NOT be graded until posted. It is your responsibility to make sure that
you turn these in correctly, if you need guidance on how to do so please let me know.
Policy on Late Work:
Because we are prepared to give you feedback on all your writing assignments and those
comments should provide you guidance and direction on improving your writing for the next
assignment, all writing assignments need to be turned in on time. Therefore, we are inclined to
penalize late work. If you know that you are not able to turn something in on time, please
contact me early so that we can work something out, otherwise all late assignments will lose
10% per day late.
***Policy on Plagiarism***
All assignments are to be done individually, unless otherwise stated or assigned. Any student
caught plagiarizing or working with partners or in groups (see above for guidelines) will receive
a ZERO for that assignment and will be reported to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
Extra Credit:
In this class extra credit is a privilege and must be earned. You may not earn extra credit if you
have missed 5 or more classes or are missing ANY assignments, including blogs, blog
responses, and/or presentation grade. If you are missing assignments those assignments must
be turned in before Extra Credit can be applied.
1. Volunteering--50 pts
You can volunteer somewhere in the Chicago community (it can be through a UIC
organization, but the volunteer work you do must be outside of the UIC community).
You need to document your time volunteering AND write up a 5-7 page reflection on
your experience. Explain what you did, why you did it, who it affects, etc…provide
some details about who it affected and how or why you decided this particular work.
Also, you must provide some sort of sociological reflection by connecting and
analyzing your experience through 1 of the assigned theories/theorists. This needs to be
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typed and sent to socialtheory385@gmail.com before the final week of classes. Also,
YOU MUST have your volunteer work experience approved by me in advance.
GRADING
There will be a total of 1000 points for this class
A 1000-900
B 899-800
C 799-700
D 699-600
F BELOW 600
I do not round…consider the above point values the necessary criteria for
achieving your desired grade.
Questions about Grades: If you have questions about your grade or are unsatisfied with your
performance in my class please see me as soon as possible. While you may discuss these things
with Emily, it is my responsibility to assign grades for this class so if you have a question about
your grade you must wait 24 hours before contacting me about it. After 24 hours, you may
write a one-paragraph response highlighting and/or explaining your concerns. You must
schedule a meeting with me or Claire within one week of receiving the graded assignment.
However, be informed that if we re-evaluate your grade it may go up or down.
TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
See StoryBoard Below!!!
I reserve the right to change/modify the class schedule as necessary. Usually this will mean that
some readings may be cut out or replaced. I rarely add anything to your already busy workload.
Any changes will be discussed in class prior to any final decisions made by me.
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Week
(Day)
Date
1(1)
1/15
1(2)
1/17
Unit
Theme
Welcome!
Syllabus/Assignments/
Questions
What is Social Theory?
2(1)
1/22
Classical Theory:
Marx
Commodities
Use vs. Exchange Value
Commodity Fetishism
2(2)
1/24
Marx
Capital
Alienation
Labor Power
3(1)
1/29
3/(2)
1/31
Marx
Weber
Verstehen/Ideal Type
Rationality
Authority
4(1)
2/5
Weber
Power
Class/Status/Party
Ritzer (2004) (on Weber): 113-114; 116-118; 125-129;
132-135
Weber (in Runciman): (Social Action 7-32 skip 18(c)23(11))
Weber (in Gerth and Mills): Class, Status, Party (180-195)
Weber (in Runciman): Power (38-39)
4(2)
2/7
Weber
Bureaucracy
McDonaldization
Weber (in Gerth and Mills): Bureaucracy (196-239)
Ritzer (2008)— McDonaldization (1-30) (Skim)
5(1)
2/12
5(2)
2/14
Weber
Durkheim
Social Facts
Collective Consciousness
6(1)
Durkheim
Solidarity
Intro to Social Theory
Readings
Original Author (publication)
Assignments
Mills: The Promise (1-8)
Lemert: Social Theory (1-24)
Allan: Sociology, Theory, and the Modern Agenda (1-12)
Ritzer: Dialectics
Marx (in Tucker): Wage Labor and Capital (203-217)
Marx (in Tucker): Estranged Labor (70-81)
Marx (in Elster): Labor Power (75-78)
Red Paper Clip Video
Marx (Capital): Commodities (1-16)
Marx (in Elster): Commodity Fetishism (63-75)
Marx (Capital): Exchange (64-71)
Lecture/
Discussion
Blog 1 Discussion
Lecture/
Discussion
In-Class
Activity
Blog 1 Due
Fri 1/25
Small Group
Discussion
Lecture/
Discussion
Lecture/
Small Group
Discussion
Blog 2 Due
Fri 2/8
Blog 2 Discussion
Thompson (on Durkheim): Introduction (1-9; 11-17)
Durkheim (in Thompson): Rules of Sociological Method
(53-79)
Durkheim (Suicide 35-39)
Durkheim (in Thompson): Division of Labor in Society
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Lecture/
Discussion
Lecture/
2/19
Division of Labor
Anomie
Acevedo: Turning Anomie on his Head (75-85)
(23-47)
Discussion
Functionalism
Social Systems
Parsons: The Functional Prerequisites of Social Systems
(188-193);
Ritzer (2004) (On Parsons): (231-239; 241-247)
Merton: Manifest and Latent Functions (72-90)
Blog 3 Discussion
Calhoun (Intro-25-30); Calhoun (43-51)
Blumer (in Calhoun): Symbolic Interactionism (67-78)
Berger and Luckmann (Intro: 1-6; Chapter I: 19-34;
Chapter II: 47-52; Chapter III: 129-147)
Goffman (1959): Presentation of Self: 1-17
Goffman (1959): Arts of Impression Management (208238)
Goffman (1967): Face Work: (5-33)
To be Announced
Lecture/
Discussion
Blog 3 Due
Fri 2/22
Small Group
Discussion
Lecture/
Discussion
6(2)
2/21
Structural-Functionalism
Parsons
Merton
7(1)
2/26
7(2)
2/28
Durkheim
Contemporary Theory
Micro Sociology
Social Construction of
Reality
Symbolic Interactionism
8(1)
3/5
Goffman
Presentation of Self
8(2)
3/7
9(1)
3/12
9(2)
3/14
Flash Mob?
Critical Theory
Marcuse
Horkheimer
Critical Theory
10(1)
3/19
Post-Modern Theory
Featherstone
Bauman
Baudrillard
Giddens
Post-modernity
Simulations
Interpellation
Ideological State Apparatus
10(2)
3/21
11(1)
3/26
11(2)
3/28
Blog 4 Discussion
Summary on Critical Theory (skim)
Marcuse: Philosophy and Critical Theory (357-362)
Horkheimer: Traditional and Critical Theory (171-178)
Horkheimer and Adorno: The Culture Industry (1-24)
Featherstone-Modern and Post-Modern (424-433)
Bauman: Post-Modernity, Living in Ambiguity (417-423)
Baudrillard: Simulations and Simulacra (230-234)
Giddens: Consequences of Modernity (243-256) skim
Blog 5 Discussion
SPRING BREAK
NO CLASS
SPRING BREAK
NO CLASS
10
Lecture/
Discussion
Blog 4 Due
Fri 3/8
Small Group
Discussion
Lecture/
Discussion
Blog 5 Due
Tue 3/19
Small Group
Discussion
12(1)
4/2
Post-Structuralism
Bourdieu
Capital
Field
Bourdieu: Forms of Capital (241-255)
Bourdieu: Some Properties of Fields (72-77)
Lecture/
Discussion
12(2)
4/4
13(1)
4/9
13(2)
4/11
14(1)
4/16
Bourdieu
Practice, Habitus, Doxa
Taste
Bourdieu: OTP (72-87; 159-170)
Bourdieu: Distinction (Conclusion 466-484)
Blog 6 Discussion
Blog 6 Due
Fri 4/5
Foucault
Knowledge/Discourse
Foucault: History of Sexuality (135-159)
Foucault
Discipline
Foucault: Discipline and Punish: (135-169)
Lecture/
Discussion
Lecture/
Discussion
14(2)
4/18
15(1)
4/23
15(2)
4/25
Foucault
Panopticon
Foucault: Panopticon (195-228)
Blog 7 Discussion
Reviewing/critiquing
Classical and
Contemporary Theory
16 (1)
4/29
16(2)
5/2
17(1)
Finals
Week
Blog 7 Due
Fri 4/19
REVIEW OF CLASSICAL
THEORY
Sprague-Holy Men, Big Guns
Connell (1997): Why is Classical Theory Classical (Skim)
Chafetz-Feminist Theory and Sociology
Blog 8 Discussion
THERE IS NO
FINAL EXAM
ALL OUTSTANDING OR MISSING WORK MUST
BE TURNED IN PRIOR TO THE END OF FINAL
EXAM TIME
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Blog 8 Due
Tues 4/29
In-Class
Activity
Extra Credit
Due 5/2