SOC 225 Introduction to Sociological Theory

School of University Arts and Sciences

SOC 225 Introduction to Sociological Theory is designed to introduce students to the major nineteenth and twentieth century thinkers who shaped the development of sociological theory. In exploring sociology's theoretical heritage, the course seeks also to foster an appreciation of what theory is and how necessary and useful it is for studying and understanding the social world.

Prerequisites: SOC 120 and SOC 121 both with a minimum grade of 60%

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – YesBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours45
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture3

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the tradition of sociological theory through the works of Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Harriet Martineu and Georg Simmel
  2. Promote the development of analytic skills in students by familiarizing them with the four explanatory perspectives used by sociologists to understand society
  3. Develop an understanding of the system of ideas which shape modern society
  4. Increase their awareness of the role society plays in shaping human experience
  5. Research and analyze evidence from scholarly and professional publications
  6. Synthesize and summarize literature and data
  7. Demonstrate developing problem solving skills
  8. Exhibit professional behaviours such as respect for colleagues, punctuality, willingness to think independently, and pride in presentation of work
  9. Demonstrate their ability to generate written arguments supported with quality academic materials from appropriate databases
  10. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and formulate your ides both verbally and in written form

Teaching and Learning Approach

Introduction to Sociological Theory is fully on-line. For every topic students will read the lecture component and the corresponding readings. Students have the opportunity to interact with other students in the course through the group discussions.

Learning Resources

Required: All reading material is online Recommended: None

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. The Historical Context of Sociological Theory 2. The development of Modern Society and Sociological Theory 3. Harriet Martineu: American Society 4. Karl Marx: Capitalism and Capitalist Development 5. Karl Marx: Alienation 6. Max Weber 7. Max Weber: Social Organization 8. Mid-term Test 9. Emile Durkheim: Division of Labor 10. Emile Durkheim: Suicide 11. Georg Simmel 12. Introduction to Micro Social Theory 13. Mead’s Theory of Mind and Society 14. Dramaturgical Approach to Social Interaction (final test week 15 chapters 8,9,10,11,12,13) 15. Final Test

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
On-line Discussions1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1115%
Journal Assignments1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1115%
Mid-term Exam1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 1125%
Research Paper1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 1120%
Final Exam1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 1125%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.