Classical Sociological Theory from Coursera

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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.

Session 2: Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) and Adam Smith (1723-1790)

This session explains the work of Adam Smith. It shows you how a poem written by Bernard Mandeville inspired Adam Smith. Adam Smith's theory shines light on the consequences of industrialization. You will learn what the consequences are of the Division of Labour.

Session 3: Auguste Comte (1798-1857)

This session will cover the author of the word “sociology”, August Comte. He often engaged in theorizing the social world in order to attempt to discover invariant laws. Terms like “positivism”, “the law of the three stages” and “Functionalism” are prominent topics in this session. Comte believed that positivism could both advance science (theory) and change the ways people live their lives (practice).

Session 4: Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)

Tocqueville’s works shaped 19th-century discussions of liberalism and equality, and were rediscovered in the 20th century as sociologists debated the causes and cures of tyranny and revolutions. His famous work “Democracy in America” remains widely read and even more widely quoted. This session will cover Tocqueville’s most important ideas.

Session 5: Karl Marx (1818-1883)

The German philosopher, radical economist, and revolutionary leader Karl Marx founded modern "scientific" socialism. His basic ideas, known as Marxism, form the foundation of socialist and communist movements throughout the world. Several topics like alienation, class struggle, and capitalism will be covered in this week's session.

Session 6: Émile Durkheim (1858-1917)

When thinking of Durkheim, one thinks of social facts. According to Durkheim these social facts are the social structures and cultural norms and values that are external to, and coercive over, individuals. Durkheim argues that two social facts, in particular, influence suicide rates: integration, and regulation. This session will cover the views of Durkheim on topics like solidarity, suicide, and religion.

Session 7: Max Weber (1864-1920)

This week shines a light on the work of Max Weber. From social action, verstehen, and ideal types to rationalisation and his famous work on the Protestant Ethic. Weber's theory of society tried to account for the manner in which various symbolic factors take part in establishing social status, stratification and inequality. His influence still runs throughout the realms of politics, religion and economics.

Session 8: Norbert Elias (1897-1990)

Elias is the last of the Classical Sociologists. Elias' theory focusses on long term trends, with his so called process or figurational sociology. He shows us how the civilisation proces can be explained in terms like Self-Constraint and Figurations.

Classical Sociological Theory Final Test

This is the final test. This test contains 87 question. To pass this test you need to answer at least 57 questions correct.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Classical sociological theory deep dive

learners say this course provides a detailed overview of classical sociological theory, with engaging lectures by a passionate and knowledgeable professor. The readings provided a deeper understanding of the topic, although accessing some of them was challenging. The weekly quizzes and final exam helped reinforce key concepts. One suggestion is to provide more up-to-date sources for the readings.

Learners appreciated the use of weekly quizzes and a final exam to test their understanding of the material. These assessments were seen as effective in helping them retain the key concepts.

"The weekly tests are well taylored, the items make sense and help to learn."

"The final test is a very good idea as it helps to organise and refresh one's knowledge."

Although accessing some of the assigned readings was challenging, learners generally found the suggested texts to be valuable for their understanding of the theories discussed in the lectures.

"Readings were punctual, and whole course well structured. Recommended!"

"The course has been very enlightening and interesting at the same time. And the professor, especially, generated great curiosity in me to explore and love the subject."

Learners highly praised the professor's ability to present complex theories in a clear and interesting manner, making the lectures enjoyable and engaging.

"Excellent explanation and reflections made by the author, readings punctual, and whole course well structured. Recommended!"

"The professor teaches in a very didactic and clear way. It totally worth it."

Several learners expressed difficulty in accessing some of the recommended readings, which was a hindrance to their ability to fully engage with the course material.

"Some readings were heavy going of course but the Calhoun spurce was good, the “alternatives” online not so much, but not bad for free."

"Although I read the alternative readings instead, that wasn't sufficient to pass the test questions, which were all very specifically about the readings that were behind paywalls."

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

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Establish a solid foundation by recalling the historical backdrop that shaped the development of sociological thought.

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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

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Enhance your learning by organizing and consolidating your course materials for effective revision.

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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

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Deepen your understanding of Marxian political economy, class conflict, and the foundations of socialism.

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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

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Create a mind map of key concepts from 'On Suicide' by Émile Durkheim

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Reinforce your comprehension of Durkheim's theory on societal factors influencing suicide rates.

Browse courses on Suicide

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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

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Gain valuable guidance and support from an experienced professional in the field.

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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

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Strengthen your grasp of Weber's methodology and its application in sociological analysis.

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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

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Expand your understanding by compiling diverse resources that explore Elias' influential theory of long-term social processes.

Browse courses on Social Change

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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

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Museum curator

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Statistician

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Sociologist

Sociologists study the behavior, beliefs, and institutions of society.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans for the development and use of land in urban areas.

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Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and behavior.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with personal and social problems.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including the social sciences.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study the theory and practice of government and politics.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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College Professor

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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.

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