Classical Sociological Theory

Sociological theories are many. But the foundation of contemporary theory lies in the transition to modernity, i.e., to modern industrial capitalist society. In this class, we will cover, through a combination of primary and secondary literature, the core authors that sociology considers to be its founders: Karl Marx, Émile Durkheim, and Max Weber. Throughout, we will also consider what these scholars “missed,” aspects they did not consider. To this end, we will also take time to understand what is now often discussed as the colonial context of sociological theory. To that end, we will also incorporate important thinkers like W.E.B. DuBois and Feminist critiques. Also, a strong point of this class will be to understand that method and theory are not opposed. In fact, I will put forward to you through your readings, that methodology was a vital interest for these thinkers. So, as we move through the course, we will always be asking ourselves: (1) what is this theorist telling me about society and the way it developed, but also (2) how can we study and understand society, even in a contemporary context through the approaches we use? As this is the classical theory course, we will largely focus on the “canon” though, to make sure you have strong footing to move forward into future theory classes and sociology courses.