Contemporary Sociological Theories

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

The course will enable the students undertake critical analysis of  sociological theories and analyze their relevance in contemporary society.

 

12.00
Course Outcomes: 

 

Course

Learning outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course

Title

24SOC 321

 

Contemporary Sociological Theories(Theory)

CO64:Evaluate the functional perspective and interpret social realities

CO65: Analyze the contemporary society in context of modernity, risk and consumption patterns

 

CO66: Analyze theoretical relevance of structuration theory and the concept of habitus

CO67: Evaluate post structural and post modern theory

CO68: Apply the concept of critical sociology and network society for understanding of social situations

CO69:  Contribute effectively in course specific interaction

Approach in teaching: Lecture and Classroom discussions (Tool- Powerpoint Presentations) Classroom discussions(Tool- Powerpoint Presentations)

Learning activities for the students:

Lectures and

Classroom discussions using case studies

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Critical Sociology and Network Society
  • 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: 

SUGGESTED 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

 

e-RESOURCES:

 

JOURNALS:

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

 

 

 

 

 

Academic Session: 
2024-25
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