Course
Description:

This course introduces students to contemporary developments in sociological theory with a foundation in the classical roots of sociological theory.  Students will read and critically evaluate interpreted works from various theoretical perspectives.

1. Students will demonstrate compentency in the core areas of sociology and
    critical thinking.
2. Students will demonstrate competency in the various subfields of sociology.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply sociological theories to a variety
    of sociological phenomena and human behavior.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing (including
    following directions, the use of proper grammar, spelling, and citations).

Contemporary Sociological Theory, 5th Ed. by Ruth Wallace and Alison Wolf.

A Guide to Writing Sociology Papers, 3rd. Ed., by The Sociology Writing Group.

1. Class attendance and participation in class discussions are required.  Students will
    be called upon periodically throughout the semester.
2. Read all material assigned for each week.
3. Take 3 in-class essay exams.
4. Write a research paper explaining a particular social phenomenon (of your choice).
    The paper is due in class on April 19, 2001.

        Final grades will be determined by the following:

            Exams: 75%         A= 90%-100%     D= 60%-69%
            Paper:  25%         B= 80%-89%       F= 59% or less
            Total=100%         C= 70%-79%

Make-up Exams:

        They will only be given in cases of illness or extenuating circumstances.

Late Policy:

A paper turned in late will be marked off one-half a letter grade per day.  Please feel free to come to my office to discuss your ideas and progress on your paper.

Any student who cheats on an exam or plagiarizes a paper will be dealt with according to University policy.

If you believe you have a disability and think you need special accommodations, please advise me immediately.  I will work with you and the University's Office of Multicultural and Disabled Services to provide you with reasonable accommodations.

MWF: 10:00-11:30, MW: 3:00-3:30,
TTh: 11:00-11:30, 2:00-4:00, or by appointment.

Week:

1             Introduction; Theory Building/Conceptualization (Chapter 1)
2-3         Karl Marx (Pages 70-71, 78-99)
3-4         Emile Durkheim (Pages 16-25)
5            Max Weber (Pages 71-74) Test #1: Feb. 8th
6-7         Functionalism, Neofunctionalism, and Conflict Theory (Chapter 2; pages 105-110, 118-153,
              163-169)
8            Symbolic Interactionism (Chapter 5)
9            Symbolic Interactionism, cont.(Chapter 5); Social Exchange Theory (Chapter 7)
10          Spring Break
11          Review and Test #2: March 22nd
12          Social Exchange Theory, cont. (Chapter 7)
13-14     Neo-Marxism and Critical Theory (Pages 100-105, 110-117, 169-187)
15           Phenomenology and Ethnomethodology (Chapter 6)
16           Feminist Theory

Final Exam: Monday, April 30th, 2001 (8:00 - 10:00 AM)