Contemporary Sociological Theories

Paper Code: 
SOC321
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course Outcomes

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

On completion of this course, the students will be able to;

CO56:Understand the theoretical and methodological issues which concern the practitioners of Sociology today.

CO57:Compare the views of social thinkers

CO58:Analyze the contemporary society in terms of the theoretical understanding

CO59:Evaluate theoretical relevance of evolution, rational choice, modernity and feminist theories.

CO60: Apply theoretical perspectives for better understanding of social situations

Lecture and Classroom discussions (Tool- Powerpoint Presentations) Classroom discussions(Tool- Powerpoint Presentations), Lectures and

Classroom discussions using case studies

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

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Unit I
  • Structural Functional Perspective:Talcott Parsons, Robert Merton
  • Neo-Functionalism: Jeffrey C. Alexander

 

 

12.00
Unit II: 
Unit II
  • Modernity and its Consequences: Anthony Giddens
  • The Risk Society: Ulrich Beck
  • New Means of Consumption: George Ritzer

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Unit III
  • Structuration Theory: Anthony Giddens
  • Habitus and Field: Pierre Bourdieu

 

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Unit IV
  • Poststructuralism: Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault
  • Post Modern Theory: Fredric Jameson, Jean Baudillard

 

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Unit V
  • Critical Sociology: Adorno, Edward Said
  •  Network Society: Mannuel Castells

 

Essential 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

 

 

References: 
  • 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

 

e-RESOURCES:

 

JOURNALS:

  • American Sociological Review, Sage Publications
  • Contemporary Sociology, Sage Publications

 

 

 

Academic Session: 
2023-24
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