Classical Sociological Theory

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/classical-sociological-theory

Introduction

### Course Review: Classical Sociological Theory on Coursera #### Overview The **Classical Sociological Theory** course offered on Coursera is a comprehensive introduction to some of the most influential sociological readings that shaped the discipline between the 18th and 20th centuries. This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) takes a deep dive into the works of seminal thinkers, including Karl Marx, Max Weber, Émile Durkheim, and others, across eight engaging sessions. With a structured syllabus, participants are equipped with the knowledge to understand and analyze classical sociological theories that remain relevant in today's complex social landscape. #### Course Structure The course is thoughtfully organized into eight sessions, each focusing on different theorists and their contributions to sociology: 1. **Classical Sociological Theory - An Introduction**: This introductory session sets the stage by exploring the historical roots of sociology and the significance of classical theories in modern contexts. It outlines the objectives of the course, which helps to contextualize learning from the very beginning. 2. **Bernard Mandeville and Adam Smith**: Delving into the impact of industrialization, this session connects Mandeville's poetic insights with Adam Smith's economic theories, particularly emphasizing the Division of Labour. 3. **Auguste Comte**: Known as the father of sociology, Comte's ideas on positivism and functionalism are explored in detail, shedding light on his vision for societal advancement through scientific approaches. 4. **Alexis de Tocqueville**: This session examines Tocqueville’s influential work, *Democracy in America*, a critical text that illuminates the complexities of liberalism, equality, and the democratic process. 5. **Karl Marx**: Participants will gain insights into Marx’s foundational concepts of socialism, class struggle, and capitalism, making this session particularly valuable for understanding modern socio-economic debates. 6. **Émile Durkheim**: Focusing on Durkheim's idea of social facts, this session explores themes of solidarity and the sociological factors that contribute to phenomena such as suicide rates. 7. **Max Weber**: Weber’s exploration of social action and the Protestant Ethic helps illustrate his multifaceted approach to sociology, with particular attention to social stratification and the role of symbolic factors in society. 8. **Norbert Elias**: The course concludes with Elias’s unique perspective on civilization processes, emphasizing self-constraint and long-term societal trends through figurational sociology. The course culminates in a **final test** consisting of 87 questions, where participants need to answer at least 57 correctly to pass, ensuring a solid grasp of the material covered. #### Learning Experience The course employs a blend of video lectures, readings, and small quizzes that promote engagement and reinforce understanding. The structure encourages participants to actively interact with complex texts, dissect arguments, and reflect upon the relevance of classical sociological ideas in contemporary society. The instructors are knowledgeable, bringing clarity and context to sometimes challenging concepts, thus fostering an enriching learning environment. #### Recommendations The **Classical Sociological Theory** course is highly recommended for: - **Students of Sociology**: Whether you're a beginner or looking to strengthen your foundation, this course covers essential theorists and concepts that are critical to the field. - **Social Science Enthusiasts**: If you have a keen interest in societal structures, this course will sharpen your analytical skills and deepen your understanding of social dynamics. - **Professionals in Related Fields**: Those working in areas such as social work, public policy, or education will find the theoretical insights applicable to their work. Overall, this course is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the roots of sociology and its key thinkers. Enroll on Coursera today and enrich your knowledge of classical sociological theory!

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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