Unit information: Key Social Thinkers in 2011/12

Unit name	Key Social Thinkers
Unit code	SOCI10006
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Marshall
Open unit status	Open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit is an introduction to classical sociological theory, focusing on the 'founding fathers' of the discipline of sociology. Key topics likely to be addressed include the writings of Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim and George Simmel. Challenges to the tradition will also be considered, along with the legacy of the classical tradition for the contemporary world and for contemporary sociology.

Aims:

• To introduce students to key writings in classical sociological theory.

• To outline problems with and challenges to the idea of a ‘classical tradition’ in sociology.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the main trends in classical sociological theory

• Show critical awareness of main challenges to the classical tradition

• Display an understanding of the contemporary relevance of the classical tradition in relation to contemporary social thought.

Teaching Information

2 hours of lectures and 1 hour seminar.

Assessment Information

Formative: 1500 word essay or equivalent

Summative: Unseen 2 hour exam

Reading and References

• Calhoun, C. 2002, Classical Sociological Theory, Oxford: Blackwell

• Craib, I. 1997 Classical Social Theory, Oxford:OUP

• Giddens, A. 1973 Capitalism And Modern Social Theory, Cambridge:CUP

• Morrison, K. 2006, Marx, Durkheim and Weber, London:Sage

• Tucker, K. 2001, Classical Social Theory: A Contemporary Approach, Oxford: Blackwell

• Turner, B. 1999, Classical Sociology, London:Sage