Contemporary Sociological Theories

Paper Code: 
SOC 321
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course Objectives:

The  objectives of this course are:

  1. To deal with theoretical concerns and methodological concerns of 20th century
  2. To focus on the perspectives on Evolution, Rational choice and Modernity as well as the Feminist theories.
  3. To examine analytical utility of theoretical perspectives

 

Course Outcomes(COs)

 

COURSE

 

Learning outcomes

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment strategies

 

Paper code

 

 

 

Paper title

 

SOC 321

Contemporary Sociological Theories

 

CO50:Understand the theoretical and methodological issues which concern the practitioners of Sociology today.

CO51:Apply theoretical perspectives for better understanding of social situations

CO52:Analyze the contemporary society in terms of the theoretical understanding

CO53:Evaluate theoretical relevance of evolution, rational choice, modernity and feminist theories.

 

Approach in teaching:

 

Lecture and Classroom discussions (Tool- Powerpoint Presentations) Classroom discussions(Tool- Powerpoint Presentations), Lectures and Learning activities for the students :

Classroom discussions using case studies

Continuous Assessment test on the topic/quiz, student presentations and assignments.

 
12.00
  • Structural Functional Perspective:Talcott Parsons, Robert Merton

Neo-Functionalism: Jeffrey C. Alexander

12.00
  • Modernity and its Consequences: Anthony Giddens
  • The Risk Society: Ulrich Beck

New Means of Consumption: George Ritzer

12.00
  • Structuration Theory: Anthony Giddens
  • Habitus and Field: Pierre Bourdieu
12.00
  • Poststructuralism: Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault
  • Post Modern Theory: Fredric Jameson, Jean Baudillard

 

12.00
  • Critical Sociology: Adorno, Edward Said

 Network Society: Mannuel Castells

Essential Readings: 

Core Readings

  • Taylor, Dianna. 2012. Michael Foucault: Key Concepts. Jaipur: Rawat Publications

 

  • Ritzer, George. 2010(8th edition). Sociological Theory. New Delhi: Tata-McGraw Hill.

 

  • Delaney, Tim, 2008: Contemporary Social Theory, New Delhi: Pearson Education

 

Supplementary Readings

 

  • Zeitlin, Irving. 1998 (Indian Edition). Rethinking Sociology: A Critique of Contemporary Theory. Jaipur: Rawat.
  • Coser, Lewis A. 1979. Masters of Sociological Thought. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

 

  • Nisbet 1966 – The Sociological Tradition Heinemann Educational Books LTD., London.

 

  • Mayer, M. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Translated by Talcott Parsons, London, 1930.

 

  • Abraham and Morgan, 1985. Sociological Thought. Delhi: McMillan India Ltd.

 

  • Turner, Jonathan H., 1995:  The Structure of Sociological Theory, Jaipur: Rawat Publication

 

  • Wallace, Ruth A & Alison Wolf, 2006: New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India

 

  • Giddens, Anthony, 1983: Central Problems in Social Theory: Action, Structure and Contradiction in Social Analysis, London: Macmillan

 

 

Journals

  • American Sociological Review, Sage Publications

Contemporary Sociology, Sage Publications

Academic Session: