136-074 Modernity Revolution to Social Movements

Formerly available as 136-251/351. Students who have completed 136-251/351 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 50 points of first-year arts subjects.

This subject is primarily concerned with the ideas about society that have anchored the disciplines of sociology and social theory in the 19th and 20th centuries. It critically assesses these ideas through an examination of the works of key social theorists. Students completing this subject should have developed an understanding of the central ideas of key thinkers in the social-theoretical tradition, among them, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel and Freud; and developed an understanding of some central issues and themes about society such as power, culture, structure and self through a critical engagement with the work of these thinkers.

• develop skills in written and oral communication;

• be able to conduct independent research;

• be able to make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

• be able to form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

A literature review of 1000 words 40% (due early in semester), a classpaper of 500 words based on tutorial discussion 10% (due at the end of semester) and an essay of 2500 words 50% (due at the end of semester).