166-087 Sociological Theory in Contemporary Society

Availability

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Usually Sociology 1A and Sociology 1B.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject provides students with the opportunity to explore both classical and contemporary sociological theory, and to analyse how those theories attempt to explain social relations. The subject proceeds from a critical perspective, providing students with the tools to evaluate sociological theories. It examines the development of sociological theories which seek to explain questions of power, structure and agency in contemporary societies. As the subject proceeds, we examine how researchers construct, evaluate, and modify theory to respond to empirical evidence. The development of social capital as a concept will be used as one example of a theoretical development arising from changing social realities. In this way, it will become evident that sociological theory is a constantly evolving phenomenon which responds to transformations in social relations and experience. Students have the opportunity to explore one or more theoretical approaches in depth through a research paper in which they engage with theory in the context of a contemporary sociological issue of their choice.

Assessment

Two classpapers of 500 words each responding to specific readings, and a research paper of 3000 words.

Prescribed Texts

A subject reader will be available. A subject text will be announced in lecture.