History of Social Theory

Pre-requisites: English language reading skills

Course objectives: introduction to and understanding of the most recent currents in social/sociological theory and fresh interpretations of the classics, acquiring insight into research implications of particular theoretical approaches and developing skills in independent theoretical analysis

Course description: The course offers a critical introduction to a set of topics from social and sociological theory not included in theoretical courses at previous levels of study. At the same time, the approach is detailed, systematic and analytical so as to enable mastering of various types of theoretical arguments, their comparison, critique, appraisal of their scope and implications, as well as understanding of epistemological bases of particular theoretical traditions. From the classical period, the emphasis is on formal sociology, while from contemporary period the topics included are micro/macro syntheses and three recent approaches articulated over the past two decades (cultural sociology, analytical sociology, relationsim).

Learning Outcomes: Students will become familiar with the current state of sociological theory, acquire a comprehensive insight into the classical heritage and its contemporary reflexes, and be able to conduct independent analysis of selected theoretical problems.

Literature/Reading:

• Alan Swingewood, A Short History of Sociological Thought, Palgrave, 2000
• Gerard Delanty (ed.), Handbook of Contemporary European Social Theory, London: Routledge, 2006
• Jonathan H. Turner, Theoretical Principles of Sociology, vols. 1-2, Springer, 2010
• Tom Bottomore and Robert Nisbet (eds), A History of Sociological Analysis, London, Heinemann 1979