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Bart van Heerikhuizen
and
Danny de Vries
This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) will offer the participants an introduction into the most important classical sociological readings between the 18th and 20th century. Highly influential social science scholars, such as Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, will be discussed during 8 sessions. Combined with small tests, based on the video’s and recommended readings, the participants will be encouraged to dive deeply into the complex texts and get familiar with classical sociological concepts that are still very relevant today.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/espomw/classical
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Syllabus
Session 1: Classical Sociological Theory - An Introduction
In this session the field of classical sociological theory will be introduced. It explains the historical roots of sociology. It shows you why classical sociological theories are still important in modern societies and it explains the Aims and Claims of this Course.
Read more
Syllabus
Session 1: Classical Sociological Theory - An Introduction
In this session the field of classical sociological theory will be introduced. It explains the historical roots of sociology. It shows you why classical sociological theories are still important in modern societies and it explains the Aims and Claims of this Course.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a deep dive into the complex texts of classical sociological theory
Taught by Bart van Heerikhuizen and Danny de Vries, renowned scholars in the field
Covers a wide range of influential scholars, including Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim
Suitable for students and professionals seeking an introduction to classical sociological theory
Complements academic studies in sociology, history, or political science
Requires familiarity with basic sociological concepts
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Reviews summary
Introduction to classical sociological thought
According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to the most influential classical sociological thinkers like Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. Students generally find the lectures informative and a good starting point for understanding complex theories. While the course provides a strong conceptual foundation, many learners note that the assigned readings are challenging and can be demanding, sometimes requiring external resources for full comprehension. The course structure and assessments, including quizzes and a final test, are often viewed as helpful for reinforcing learning, though some find the final test extensive. Overall, it's considered a valuable course for gaining historical context in sociology, although navigating the primary texts can be a significant hurdle for some.
Introduces major figures in classical sociology.
"This course gives a great overview of classical sociological theory, hitting all the big names like Marx, Weber, and Durkheim."
"I appreciated learning about the foundational thinkers covered in this course. It lays out their main ideas clearly."
"The course content systematically goes through the most important classical sociologists."
"Excellent job of introducing the core concepts from the key classical theorists."
Quizzes and tests help review material.
"The small tests after each session were great for checking my understanding."
"I found the quizzes and the final test helped consolidate what I learned."
"The assessments were fair and covered the material well."
"The final test is quite extensive but a good review of everything."
Provides strong basis in classical sociology.
"This course provided a solid foundation in classical sociological theory that is essential for further study."
"I feel like I have a much better understanding of the origins of sociological thought after taking this."
"Excellent foundational course for anyone interested in social theory or sociology."
"It's a valuable course for getting a grasp on the historical context of sociology."
Video lectures provide a good foundation.
"The video lectures were clear and helped me grasp the main concepts before tackling the readings."
"I found the lectures very informative and well-explained by the instructors."
"The lectures provide a solid overview of each theorist's work."
"The instructor's delivery in the videos is engaging and easy to follow."
Course challenging for absolute beginners.
"This course is probably best suited for someone with at least some prior exposure to sociology."
"As a complete beginner, I found it quite challenging to keep up, especially with the readings."
"If you haven't studied sociology before, be prepared for a steep learning curve."
"It seems easier for students who already have an academic background in the field."
Assigned texts are difficult and time-consuming.
"While the lectures are good, the assigned readings are very difficult and dense."
"I struggled with the primary source readings; they require significant effort to understand."
"The sheer volume and complexity of the readings were overwhelming at times."
"Be prepared for challenging readings that might require supplementary resources."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Classical Sociological Theory with these
activities:
Review historical context of classical sociological theory
Show steps
Establish a solid foundation by recalling the historical backdrop that shaped the development of sociological thought.
Show steps
-
Review lecture notes or textbooks on the subject
-
Explore historical documents and primary sources
-
Create a timeline or mind map to visualize the sequence of events
-
Discuss with classmates or a tutor to clarify any doubts
-
Complete quizzes or practice questions to test your understanding
Organize and compile notes, assignments, and study materials
Show steps
Enhance your learning by organizing and consolidating your course materials for effective revision.
Show steps
-
Gather all relevant notes, assignments, and study materials
-
Sort and classify materials based on topic or theme
-
Create a system for easy retrieval and reference
-
Review materials regularly to reinforce learning
-
Consider using digital or physical tools for organization
Read 'The Communist Manifesto' by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Marxian political economy, class conflict, and the foundations of socialism.
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow a copy of the book
-
Set aside dedicated time for reading and reflecting
-
Take notes and highlight key passages
-
Research historical and social context to enhance understanding
-
Discuss your insights with classmates or a study group
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a mind map of key concepts from 'On Suicide' by Émile Durkheim
Show steps
Reinforce your comprehension of Durkheim's theory on societal factors influencing suicide rates.
Browse courses on
Suicide
Show steps
-
Read and analyze 'On Suicide'
-
Identify and extract key concepts
-
Use a mind mapping tool or draw on paper
-
Connect and organize concepts visually
-
Review and refine your mind map
Seek out a mentor who specializes in sociological research
Show steps
Gain valuable guidance and support from an experienced professional in the field.
Show steps
-
Attend conferences or workshops in the field of sociology
-
Reach out to professors or researchers in your university or network
-
Explore online platforms or databases that connect mentors with mentees
-
Prepare a brief introduction outlining your interests and goals
-
Be persistent and follow up regularly
Complete practice exercises on Weber's ideal types
Show steps
Strengthen your grasp of Weber's methodology and its application in sociological analysis.
Show steps
-
Find practice exercises online or in textbooks
-
Identify different ideal types
-
Apply Weber's concepts to real-world examples
-
Check your answers and learn from mistakes
-
Repeat practice to improve your understanding
Create a digital compilation of resources on Norbert Elias' process or figurational sociology
Show steps
Expand your understanding by compiling diverse resources that explore Elias' influential theory of long-term social processes.
Browse courses on
Social Change
Show steps
-
Search for scholarly articles, books, and online materials related to Elias' work
-
Identify and select relevant resources that cover different aspects of his theory
-
Organize and categorize the resources using a digital platform or tool
-
Provide annotations or summaries of each resource to aid comprehension
-
Share the compilation with classmates or use it for your own reference
Review historical context of classical sociological theory
Show steps
Establish a solid foundation by recalling the historical backdrop that shaped the development of sociological thought.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review lecture notes or textbooks on the subject
- Explore historical documents and primary sources
- Create a timeline or mind map to visualize the sequence of events
- Discuss with classmates or a tutor to clarify any doubts
- Complete quizzes or practice questions to test your understanding
Organize and compile notes, assignments, and study materials
Show steps
Enhance your learning by organizing and consolidating your course materials for effective revision.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all relevant notes, assignments, and study materials
- Sort and classify materials based on topic or theme
- Create a system for easy retrieval and reference
- Review materials regularly to reinforce learning
- Consider using digital or physical tools for organization
Read 'The Communist Manifesto' by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Marxian political economy, class conflict, and the foundations of socialism.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow a copy of the book
- Set aside dedicated time for reading and reflecting
- Take notes and highlight key passages
- Research historical and social context to enhance understanding
- Discuss your insights with classmates or a study group
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a mind map of key concepts from 'On Suicide' by Émile Durkheim
Show steps
Reinforce your comprehension of Durkheim's theory on societal factors influencing suicide rates.
Browse courses on
Suicide
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and analyze 'On Suicide'
- Identify and extract key concepts
- Use a mind mapping tool or draw on paper
- Connect and organize concepts visually
- Review and refine your mind map
Seek out a mentor who specializes in sociological research
Show steps
Gain valuable guidance and support from an experienced professional in the field.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend conferences or workshops in the field of sociology
- Reach out to professors or researchers in your university or network
- Explore online platforms or databases that connect mentors with mentees
- Prepare a brief introduction outlining your interests and goals
- Be persistent and follow up regularly
Complete practice exercises on Weber's ideal types
Show steps
Strengthen your grasp of Weber's methodology and its application in sociological analysis.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice exercises online or in textbooks
- Identify different ideal types
- Apply Weber's concepts to real-world examples
- Check your answers and learn from mistakes
- Repeat practice to improve your understanding
Create a digital compilation of resources on Norbert Elias' process or figurational sociology
Show steps
Expand your understanding by compiling diverse resources that explore Elias' influential theory of long-term social processes.
Browse courses on
Social Change
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for scholarly articles, books, and online materials related to Elias' work
- Identify and select relevant resources that cover different aspects of his theory
- Organize and categorize the resources using a digital platform or tool
- Provide annotations or summaries of each resource to aid comprehension
- Share the compilation with classmates or use it for your own reference
Career center
Learners who complete Classical Sociological Theory will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for the care and preservation of historical records.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for the care and display of museum collections.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study the behavior, beliefs, and institutions of society.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Urban Planners develop plans for the development and use of land in urban areas.
Statistician
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologists study the mind and behavior.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including the social sciences.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people cope with personal and social problems.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study the theory and practice of government and politics.
Historian
Historian
Historians study the past by examining written documents, artifacts, and other sources. This course may be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a foundation in the history and major figures of social science research. This course also provides an understanding of the different theoretical perspectives that have been used to study history.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study the behavior, beliefs, and languages of different cultures. This course may be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a foundation in the history and major figures of social science research. This course also provides an understanding of the different theoretical perspectives that have been used to study culture.
Demographer
Demographer
Demographers study the size, composition, and distribution of populations. This course may be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a foundation in the history and major figures of social science research. This course also provides an understanding of the different theoretical perspectives that have been used to study populations.
Economist
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course may be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a foundation in the history and major figures of social science research. This course also provides an understanding of the different theoretical perspectives that have been used to study economics.
College Professor
College Professor
College Professors are responsible for teaching courses, conducting research, and advising students. This course may be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a foundation in the history and major figures of social science research.
Chief Research Officer
Chief Research Officer
A Chief Research Officer is responsible for setting agendas for research programs, coordinating and managing the execution of research projects, and ensuring that research teams align with the organization's objectives. This course may be useful in this role because it provides an understanding of the history of social science research and the major figures who contributed to its development.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/espomw/classical
Reading list
We've selected 13 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Classical Sociological Theory .
Provides a comprehensive overview of the major classical sociological theories, including the work of Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of sociology.
Classic work of sociology that explores the relationship between religion and capitalism. Weber argues that the Protestant ethic, which emphasizes hard work and thrift, helped to create the conditions for the development of capitalism. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Weber's theory of capitalism.
Save
Provides a clear and concise overview of Marx's思想. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Marx's theory of capitalism and his vision for a socialist society.
Classic work of sociology that explores the development of democracy in America. Tocqueville argues that democracy powerful force for good, but he also warns of the dangers of tyranny. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Tocqueville's theory of democracy.
Classic work of sociology that explores the development of civilization. Elias argues that civilization process of gradual refinement that has led to the development of more civilized and humane societies. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Elias's theory of civilization.
Collection of readings from the major classical sociological theorists. It includes commentary by Coser that helps to explain the theories and their significance. It valuable resource for students who want to read the original works of the classical sociologists.
Save
Comprehensive collection of essays on classical sociological theory. It covers a wide range of topics, from the history of sociology to the major theoretical schools. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about classical sociological theory.
Comprehensive handbook on classical sociological theory. It covers a wide range of topics, from the history of sociology to the major theoretical schools. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about classical sociological theory.
Comprehensive handbook on classical sociological theory. It covers a wide range of topics, from the history of sociology to the major theoretical schools. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about classical sociological theory.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of classical sociological theory. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of sociology.
Collection of readings from the major classical sociological theorists. It valuable resource for students who want to read the original works of the classical sociologists.
Save
Comprehensive handbook on classical sociological theory. It covers a wide range of topics, from the history of sociology to the major theoretical schools. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about classical sociological theory.
Provides a critical overview of classical sociological theory. Giddens argues that classical sociological theory is still relevant today, but he also identifies its limitations. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about classical sociological theory.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/espomw/classical
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Effort
20-25 hours
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Amsterdam
Instructors
Bart van Heerikhuizen
Danny de Vries
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
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Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
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ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
hrvatski
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