Classical Social Thinkers

Paper Code: 
SOC 501
Credits: 
3
Contact Hours: 
45.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Industrial Revolution and consequent transformation of mode of production brought out dramatic and traumatic changes in the traditional feudal structure of the societies in Europe though the emergence of capitalism. The changes that were brought by these events have had far-reaching effects on the economic and social systems of these societies, commanding attention of thinkers. That gave rise to the discipline of presented their distinct analysis, casual and otherwise of these changes made efforts to highlight the different features of the emerging modern industrial capitalist society and also attempted to predict the future of the emerging of this society. Some of them engaged their attention on the issues related to development of Sociology as a Science. They laid down the theoretical foundations of sociology on which edifice of modern Sociological theories is erected. Besides, they also tried to analyse and interpret other sociological issues such as education, power structures, religion and the like. Among these sociological thinkers prominent are Karl Marx, Emile, Durkheim, Max Weber, Vilfredo Pareto and August Compte certain Indian Sociologists.

Acquaintance with the writings of these thinkers would equip the student with theoretical insights to know, analyse and interpret the social scenario around them and would also familiarize with the different sociological perspectives and theories. While teaching, emphasis should be critical analysis of the writing of these thinkers.

9.00
Unit I: 

August Comte: Hierarchy of Science, Positivism

9.00
Unit II: 

Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Division of Labour in Society

 

9.00
Unit III: 

Herbert Spencer: The Evolutionary Doctrine, Types of Societies

9.00
Unit IV: 

Karl Marx: Theory of Class Conflict, Concept of Alienation.

9.00
Unit V: 

Max Weber: Social Action, Bureaucracy

References: 
  • Aron, Raymond. 1967 (1982 reprint). Main Currents in Sociological Thought     (2 Volumes). Harmondsworth, Middlesex: Penguin Books.
  • Barnes, H.E. 1959. Introduction to the History of Sociology: Chicago. The University of Chicago Press.
  • Coser, Lewis A. 1979. Masters of Sociological Thought. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
  • Morrison, Ken. 1955. Marx, Durkheim, Weber: Formation of Modern Social Thought London: Sage.
  • Ritzer, George. 1996. Sociological Theory. New Delhi: Tata-McGraw Hill.
  • Zeitlin, Irving. 1998 (Indian Edition). Rethinking Sociology: A Critique of Contemporary Theory. Jaipur: Rawat.
  • Parsons Talcott 1937-1949. The structure of Social Action, Vol. I & II. McGraw Hill, New York.s
  • Nisbet 1966 – The Sociological Tradition Heinemann Educational Books LTD., London.
  • Giddens, Anthony 1997: Capitalism & Modern Social Theory – An Analysis of writing of Marx, Durkheim and Weber, Cambridge University Press Whole Book. 
  • 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.
  • Aron, Raymond 1965. Main Currents in Sociological Thoughts. U.K.: Penguin Books.

 

 

 

 

 

Academic Session: 
2017-18
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