SOC 205 Contemporary Sociological Theory
This course introduces the most influential sociological paradigms of the 20th and 21st century. These include the structural-functionalist paradigm, rational choice theory, various neo-Marxist theories (for example “world systems,” “globalization” or the “Frankfurt school’s critical theory”), as well as the symbolic interactionist paradigm. I will introduce postmodernist theory, as well as works from Giorgio Agamben and Achille Mbemebe. Learning Outcomes: Students will learn to critically evaluate the theoretical propositions of thinkers in the field. They will also write papers that articulate an original thesis with supporting evidence.
Prerequisite
SOC 101, SOC 102, or SOC 105