Theorizing Social Life

Undergraduate

This course introduces students to theoretical work by focusing on classical social theorists such as Marx, Weber, and Durkheim and showing how classical approaches inform contemporary social analysis. Students learn how to interpret and persuasively appropriate theory, think conceptually, reflect on the basic assumptions of social analysis, and assess explanations. Topics covered typically include approaches to social order and change, modernity, ways of conceptualizing society and social life, methodology, institutional dynamics, class, inequality, and culture (Prerequisites: SACR-1100 ; students must be in Semester 3 of their program to register for this course).