London School of
Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Modules
163 Sociological theory and analysis
Overview
This unit covers a range of sociological
theory from its roots in the seventeenth and eighteenth century
scientific revolutions and the Enlightenment through to some of the
latest developments. It looks at a number of the most important
developments in the understanding of how societies operate. It makes
links between theoretical understandings of society and their social,
economic and political context. It also looks at how an analysis of
social formations is linked to theoretical understandings of the nature
of social processes.
Prerequisite
If taken as part of a BSc degree, 21 Principles of sociology.
Exclusion
This unit may not be taken with 53 Sociological theory.
Aims of the unit
To examine the development of the main intellectual trends of
sociological theory to the present day.
To enable students to recognise key problems that sociological
theorists have addressed in the formulation of their theories.
To make links between sociological analysis and sociological theory.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the unit and having completed the relevant readings and
activities students should be able to:
recognise, describe and discuss a wide range of sociological theories
demonstrate an understanding of the importance of theory to
sociological research
recognise and discuss the way core issues continue to inform the
production of sociological theory
develop insights into the ways that social, political, and economic
change prompts revisions and new directions in theoretical
understandings
demonstrate an understanding of the links between sociological theory
and sociological analysis.
2 University of London External Programme
Syllabus
The ‘Classical’ tradition: The emergence of social theory in the
philosophy of the Enlightenment and its development through the
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in the writings of Marx,
Durkheim and Weber and in the emerging discipline of sociology.
Twentieth century developments: The development and expansion of
sociological theory in functionalism and structural functionalism social
action theory, symbolic interactionism, critical theory and the
Frankfurt School particularly in the works of Parsons, Mead, Garfinkel,
Goffman, Adorno and Horkheimer, Habermas,
Bourdieu, Giddens
New directions: The impact of post-structuralist and postmodernist ideas
and the consequences of the ‘cultural turn’ in sociological thought
along with new directions in sociological theory prompted by the
intensification of processes of globalisation and capitalisation.
Attention will be given to contemporary social thought particularly in
the work of Foucault, Lash and Urry, Castells, and Hardt and Negri.
Essential reading
Callinicos, A. Social Theory: A Historical Introduction. (Cambridge:
Polity Press,2006) second edition [ISBN 978-0745638409].
Cahoun, C. et al (eds) Classical Sociological Theory. (Oxford:
Blackwell, 2007) [ISBN 978-1405148566].
Cahoun, C. et al (eds) Contemporary Sociological Theory. (Oxford:
Blackwell,2007) [ISBN 978-1405148542].
Assessment
This unit is assessed by a three hour unseen written examination.
Students should consult the Programme Regulations for degrees and
diplomas in Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences that
are reviewed annually. The Prerequisites, Exclusions, and Syllabus are
subject to confirmation in the Regulations. Notice is also given in the
Regulations of any units which are being phased out and students are
advised to check unit availability. |
