"For scientific theory is one thing to which the pragmatic formula applies; it is justified only by its usefulness in understanding the facts of empirical experience."

--Talcott Parsons

In this graduate-level course we will discuss key developments in sociological theory since the maturation of the discipline, i.e. anything following and somehow rooted in the classics. Emphasized are the conceptual tools and analytically relevant propositions that are advanced in the various schools of modern sociological thought. Because this is a sociological theory course for sociologists, not for theorists, we will also examine the fruitfulness of the introduced theoretical ideas for our understanding of substantive matters of society and otherwise relevant empirical stuff. Participants in this seminar must have taken a graduate-level course in classical sociological theory. Students who are not in the Sociology program need my explicit permission to take this course.

The selection of theoretical perspectives discussed in this course is mine and selective but not arbitrary. We will spend a fair amount of time on the ‘contemporary classics’ before going into an admittedly very small selection of the most recent developments in sociological theory. This selection, therefore, is inspired by respect for the manifold representations in the history of sociological thought. Based on interests and research needs, you can explore theoretical developments not discussed in this class through self-study. And, of course, you are more than welcome to consult me for guidance.

Nearly all writings used in this course are primary materials, i.e. written by sociologists who have been instrumental in developing the theory at hand and who offer an exposition in, rather than about, a certain theoretical school. When applicable, both theoretical and empirical writings of the same author are selected.

Every teacher and student will have certain preferences and these may not always be met in any one situation. However, I hope that we can come to a fair balance in meeting some of all sociological interests. There are two issues that are indispensable for a useful introduction to sociological theory. These will always remain central to this seminar:

1) An accurate comprehension and presentation of a given theory within the terms of that theory; and
2) A serious attempt to apply theoretical insights to various empirical social issues.

Students are expected to actively participate in the class within the framework set by the instructor. Additionally, students are encouraged to complete two take-home assignments, prepare reports for in-class discussions, and write a research paper. Here are some details (more information later):

1) Take-Home Assignments
There are two take-home assignments. These are short essays for which you will have a week time to address two or three questions about the course material. The questions will in a relatively straightforward manner measure your understanding of particular theories as well as your ability to apply theory to selected social issues.

2) Reports for In-Class Presentation
These reports are to be prepared once or twice during the semester about the theories discussed in class. The reports are minimally summaries of the readings but ideally also contain discussion topics, questions, and otherwise noteworthy and relevant comments. I will offer specific guidelines on the reports and the in-class presentations that are to be based on them.

3) Final Research Paper
The final paper for this class is a sociological work about a topic of your choice. The paper should have a very clear question of an either empirical or theoretical nature. The paper should follow the style, and strive to attain the quality, of an article published in a professional sociology journal. The following steps are to be followed in completing the research paper:

* Proposal: explain your topic in one paragraph or two.
* Bibliography: prepare a list of relevant writings.
* Outline: construct an overview of your argument.
* Paper: finalize the paper in about 20 pages.

Take-home assignments: 20% each
Participation (including reports): 20%
Final research paper: 40%

Course Readings SOC 602. This is a collection of selected articles and book chapters. For sale at Copy Mat.

Because this course emphasizes both depth and breadth in introducing central developments of modern sociological thought, all readings are taken from articles and/or book chapters. The required readings are never entire books but always shorter selections.
I have provided as many as possible on-line readings. On-line articles are indicated in blue, underlined words contain the link.

Note on printing:
There are three kinds of articles linked on-line:
1) Online versions: these can be printed as they appear, or cut and pasted into word files (to allow for reformatting). Example: Paper on-line website (Weber).

2) JSTOR articles: these are images, not text files, which have to be printed in a program: first click on print in the left-hand margin; second, choose option two, Acrobat, from which you choose economy print option, click OK and wait (about half a minute) to have the article pop up in a new window, and third, choose file, then print and change the settings (!!!) into 300 dpi, then click OK and the paper will print in about 10 seconds per page. Example: JSTOR article (Toennies).

3) Academic Search Full Text papers, these you have to look up thru either a word or author search, then print the window or cut and paste into a word program. Example: Academic Search article.

The selection of writings provides for a convenient way to do more readings while reading less. However, certain books have reached the status of a classic and may well be worth the purchase and the read. I encourage you to acquire additional books based on research needs, personal interests, financial situation, and so on. I will later give you a list of books that I personally find useful. Furthermore, I recommend that you do not waste too much time exploring secondary theoretical literature. At the same time, I also realize that it may be initially unavoidable and eventually inevitable to explore some short-hand texts with a summary introduction into the discussed theories. You can start by consulting these:
Sociological Theory Books Search One; Search Two.
Also, you will note that the link provided in the short introduction to every week's seminar provides a useful on-line background reading (also check out the images...).

 
Introduction:    Sociology, Science, and Theory

1. The Rise of Sociology
2. Paradigms, Theories, Propositions, and Concepts
3. The Multiple Styles of Sociological Theory
4. The Status of the Classics

 
Part I:    Foundations of Contemporary Sociological Theory

1. Structural Functionalism

a) Talcott Parsons: The Voluntaristic Theory of Action
b) Talcott Parsons: The Functions of the Social System
c) Robert Merton: Structuralist Functionalism
d) Lewis Coser: The Functions of Social Conflict

2. Conflict Perspectives

a) Class, Interests, and Power: Ralph Dahrendorf
b) European Marxism: The Frankfurter School
c) Marx in America: C. Wright Mills and Alvin Gouldner

3. Micro-Macro Integrationism

a) Subjectivist Micro Theorizing
b) Objectivist Micro Theorizing
c) Integrationist Perpectives

 
Part II:   Selected Recent Developments in Sociological Theory

1. Beyond and Against Modernity: Theorizing Diversity

a) Feminist Social Theory
b) Non-Eurocentrist Social Thought
c) Post-Modernism

2. The Revenge of Modernity

a) Pierre Bourdieu: Praxeology and ...
b) Michel Foucault: Power/Knowledge
c) Jürgen Habermas: Communicative Action

 
Conclusion:   Theory, Research, and Sociology

As you know, and for better or for worse, social-psychological and/or micro-sociological perspectives are excluded from this course and will be discussed in SOC 603 (next year). However, we will discuss micro-maco integration theories and subjectivism and objectivism.

Furthermore, I realize that you cannot do all the readings listed in the schedule. It should, in fact, be part of your graduate-school experience to learn what you should read and what not. As a guideline, I do encourage you to make sure to read those items which I will point out to you in class as being the most relevant.

If you would like to find out more about my teaching philosophy, you may consult the following essay:

Deflem, Mathieu. 1999. "Teaching Theory for Sociology Students: Junior Notes." Perspectives, ASA Theory Section Newsletter, April 1999, pp. 7-8.

If you want to see more about my work as well as plenty of info about various aspects of sociology, go to the start of my homepage.