SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 1 Forum
Choose one Question:
Question 1:
What was the Industrial Revolution and why was it important for the development of sociological theory? What has changed since the days of the Industrial Revolution? In other words, what major social changes have occurred that sociological theorists would have to take into account in their theories on the social world?
Or
Question 2:
On Structural Functionalism: Discuss the manifest and latent functions behind everyday activities using examples from three different aspects of your life, such as work, school, family, and/or other encounters with the social world. You may choose, instead, to analyze the major manifest and latent functions on a television show. If you choose to use a television show, you must provide a brief synopsis of the show.
Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory
Identify and discuss the major social issues that influenced the development of sociological theory.
Summarize historical theories and the manner in which their work continues to hold relevance.
Instructions for all Forums:
Each week, learners will post one initial post per week. This post must demonstrate comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in the real world. Learners will engage with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used sparingly. If you quote a source quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference provided.
SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 2 Forum
Critical Theory & Exchange Theory
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Forum 2 – Choose one Question:
Question 1: Critical Theory – Habermas:
While Jurgen Habermas derides mass culture for corrupting our ability to reason, what role, if any, might education play in promoting “The Rationalizing of the Life World”? Second, as a form of technology, do you consider the Internet a potential way to improve or communication in society, or does it harm it? Defend your response with specific reference to the reading.
Or
Question 2: Exchange Theory
Peter Blau suggests that in calculating the potential profits derived from interacting with others, individuals attempt to establish a position of dominance. As such, maximizing our own benefits is contingent upon having others dependent on us for the rewards they seek. Do you think this motive characterizes all relationships? If your answer is yes, please explain why and use examples. If your answer is no, what other considerations might guide our interactions with others? What types of relationships are more likely to generate such conditions?
Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them
Summarize historical theories and the manner in which their work continues to hold relevance.
Instructions for all Forums:
Each week, learners will post one initial post per week. This post must demonstrate comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in the real world. Learners will engage with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used sparingly. If you quote a source quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference provided.
SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 3 Forum
Symbolic Interactionism & Dramaturgy
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Forum 3 – Choose one Question
Question 1: GH Mead
Mead claimed that an individual becomes an object to him/herself. Please explain what Mead meant by this statement. In your answer be sure to include and define the concepts of the social act, roles, and “significant gestures.”
Or
Question 2: Dramaturgy
One of Goffman’s central concepts is impression management. Please explain the concept of impression management as well as that of Stage Theory and “performances.” Now walk us through your day, identifying times of your day when you are on front stage and parts of your day when you are on back stage. Be sure to explain the concepts of front and back stage and how the relate to impression management.
Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them
Analyze important developments in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States
Instructions for all Forums:
Each week, learners will post one initial post per week. This post must demonstrate comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in the real world. Learners will engage with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used sparingly. If you quote a source quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference provided.
SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 4 Forum
Phenomenology & Ethnomethodology
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Forum 4 – Choose one Question:
Question 1: Phenomenology
Please explain how Alfred Schutz uses the concepts of “subjective” and “objective” in describing the experience people have of themselves and others. Next, give a specific example of how one type of experience may have a “subjective” meaning that runs counter to an “objective” meaning. (hint: think about an experience a person has not had that he/she has expectations about, but has an actual experience that is different from what they expect.)
Or
Question 2: Ethnomethodology
Describe the basic field of Ethnomethodolgy – what are the main concerns of this perspective and how do they differ from traditional sociological concerns? How do Garfinkle’s Breaching Experiments relate to the main concern of Ethnomethodology?
Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your ability to do the following:
Define sociology
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them.
Instructions for all Forums:
Each week, learners will post one initial post per week. This post must demonstrate comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in the real world. Learners will engage with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used sparingly. If you quote a source quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference provided.
SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 5 Forum
Feminist Theory
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Forum 5 – only one question
Question:
Dorothy Smith claims that our knowledge of the world is dependent on our particular social location (our standpoint) in the world. Explain Smith’s standpoint theory and describe how your own particular social location influences your taken-for-granted knowledge of the social world.
Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them
Analyze important developments in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States
Instructions for all Forums:
Each week, learners will post one initial post per week. This post must demonstrate comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in the real world. Learners will engage with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used sparingly. If you quote a source quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference provided.
SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 6 Forum
Poststructural & Postmodern Theories
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Forum 6 – only one question:
Question:
Foucault argued that today’s society can be thought of as a disciplinary society because of the many technologies of surveillance that have become a normal and routine daily activity. Modern day examples include routine inspections in the workplace, rigorous training in procedures and protocols, and standardized work quotas. Briefly describe Foucault’s disciplinary society and offer examples of his theory from your daily life.
Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them
Instructions for all Forums:
Each week, learners will post one initial post per week. This post must demonstrate comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in the real world. Learners will engage with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used sparingly. If you quote a source quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference provided.
SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 7 Forum
Structuration Theory
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Forum 7 – only one question:
Question:
Anthony Giddens’ model of structuration argues that human beings simultaneously create and maintain social structure. In other words, what we do reinforces the very rules by which we do it. Giving specific reference to your reading for Week 7, please provide at least TWO examples of structuration. Also, please give meaningful feedback to your peers on their contributions.
Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them.
Analyze important developments in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.
Instructions for all Forums:
Each week, learners will post one initial post per week. This post must demonstrate comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in the real world. Learners will engage with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used sparingly. If you quote a source quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference provided.
SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 8 Forum
The Global Society
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Forum 8 – only one question:
Question: Where is the world headed with globalization – what’s going to happen as globalization increases?
Please outline the two main perspectives regarding the question of where globalization is taking us. Be sure you also describe the “strong” version of each perspective as well as which theorist is associated with that “strong” version. Next, draw on this knowledge to offer your own analysis of where globalization is ultimately headed. Be sure to relate your analysis to one of the two perspectives and describe whether your “version” would be considered “strong” or “weak” and why. You do not have to adopt one of the two perspectives as your own – you may have a completely different perspective. However, be sure to compare/contrast it with at least one of the two main perspectives under examination here.
Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them.
Analyze important developments in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.
Instructions for all Forums:
Each week, learners will post one initial post per week. This post must demonstrate comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in the real world. Learners will engage with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used sparingly. If you quote a source quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference provided.
SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 3 Essay 1
Assignment Instructions
Choose one of the two questions to write on. Essays must be at least 5 pages (not including title page and abstract – abstract not necessary), and double-spaced. Essays must be in APA format and sources must be properly cited. APA resources are available in our online library and here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Questions (choose one):
1. After completing the reading for week one concerning Durkheim and Merton, please address the following in a brief essay: 1) analyze in detail the basic tenets of the functionalist perspective, and compare this to at least one other perspective in sociology; 2) although Durkheim and Merton did not write during the same era in sociology, explain where their ideas are similar, and both contribute to a functionalist understanding of society; and 3) utilizing and citing one recent case in the media through television or radio broadcast, newspaper, and so forth, provide one key example of a social issue that shows how the functionalist perspective can be used to make society better.
2. Based upon your reading content from Week 2, concerning the work of Jurgen Habermas, please address the following in a brief essay: 1) explain and give a key example of at least three components of his theory of communicative action; 2) explain why or why not you think that applying his theory of communicative action would be for the benefit of society; 3) provide a concise definition of the “life world,” and give at least one example of how the life world has been compromised, or damaged, in modern society.
Disclaimer
Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.
Course Objectives: This course assessment will evaluate your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory.
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them.
Analyze important developments in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.
Note:
This course has “Resubmission” status enabled to help you if you realize you submitted an incorrect or blank file, or if you need to submit multiple documents as part of your Assignment. Resubmission of an Assignment after it is graded, to attempt a better grade, is not permitted.
Grading Rubric
View the grading rubric so you understand how you will be assessed on this Assignment. Click the grid icon at the top of this instruction page, or the grid icon under “View iRubric” on the main Assignments page.
SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 5 Essay 2
Choose one of the two questions to write on. Essays must be at least 5 pages (not including title page and abstract – abstract not necessary), and double-spaced. Essays must be in APA format and sources must be properly cited. APA resources are available in our online library and here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Questions (choose one):
1. After reading the content concerning symbolic interaction and dramaturgy (Mead and Goffman), please address the following: 1) analyze the basic tenets of the symbolic interaction perspective, according to the work of GH Mead, paying special attention to the concept of “the self”; 2) Next, explain how the work of Erving Goffman demonstrates key components of the symbolic interaction perspective; and 3) given Goffman’s perspective, do you think it is reasonable to state that an individual person does not have an immutable, unchanging self? Why or why not? Please use specific concepts in your response.
2. Based upon your reading for week number four concerning ethnomethodology, please address the following: 1) summarize in a concise paragraph the basic tenets that underpin the ethnomethodology viewpoint; 2) explain and give an example of how “documentary interpretation” explains every day social life; and 3) explain in detail why “conversation analysis” is considered to be a part of ethnomethodology.
Disclaimer
Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.
Course Objectives: This course assessment will evaluate your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory.
Identify and discuss the major social issues that influenced the development of sociological theory.
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them.
Analyze important developments in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.
Summarize historical theories and the manner in which their work continues to hold relevance.
Note:
This course has “Resubmission” status enabled to help you if you realize you submitted an incorrect or blank file, or if you need to submit multiple documents as part of your Assignment. Resubmission of an Assignment after it is graded, to attempt a better grade, is not permitted.
Grading Rubric
View the grading rubric so you understand how you will be assessed on this Assignment. Click the grid icon at the top of this instruction page, or the grid icon under “View iRubric” on the main Assignments page.
Course Objective One
Define sociological theory.
Course Objective Two
Identify and discuss the major social issues that influenced the development of sociological theory.
Course Objective Three
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them.
Course Objective Four
Analyze important developments in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.
Course Objective Five
Summarize historical theories and the manner in which their work continues to hold relevance.
Choose one of the two questions to write on. Essays must be at least 5 pages, and double-spaced. Essays must be in APA format and sources must be properly cited. See the syllabus and the Essay Grading Rubrics below for more information.
Questions (choose one):
1. After reading the section on the Commodification of Feelings on page 249, describe the basic premises of the idea of the commodification of feelings and then present two different scenarios that clearly demonstrate this concept. Your scenarios may be drawn from news articles, Internet articles, movies, television, or your own personal experience.
2. In the field of ethnomethodology there is an emphasis on “accounting practices” (page 297). Describe what accounting practices are and how they can be both beneficial as well as harmful. How do accounting practices fit within the larger realm of ethnomethodological theory (in other words: describe the general framework of ethnomethodological theory and its main premises)? Next, find a news article in which different people give accounts of one event, such as an account from two different people of the chaos in the streets of New York directly following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers. Are the accounting practices of the two subjects similar or different? How are they similar and/or how are they different? What does this say about ethnomethodological theory?
SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 7 Essay 3
Choose one of the two questions to write on. Essays must be at least 5 pages (not including title page and abstract – abstract not necessary), and double-spaced. Essays must be in APA format and sources must be properly cited. APA resources are available in our online library and here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Questions (choose one):
1. Based upon our readings concerning the work of Pierre Bourdieu, please address the following: a) define his concept of “habitus,” specifically citing your reading material, and give at least ONE example of this important concept; b) explain the role that habitus plays in creating inequality (economic, political, social, etc.) between people in society; c) give one example recently covered in the news media (say, within the last five years, or so), that demonstrates how the accumulation of “cultural capital” can be used to benefit a person, OR, how a lack of cultural capital can harm a person.
2. Based upon our readings concerning the work of Anthony Giddens, please address the following: a) explain the basic premises behind his theory of structuration; b) drawing upon at least one other theorist (other than Bourdieu) who we have covered, demonstrate TWO differences between the way that Giddens would explain social action in comparison to the theorist you have chosen; c) based upon your reading of Giddens, explain at least one aspect of his theory that you think could improved. Defend your response.
Disclaimer
Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.
Course Objectives: This course assessment will evaluate your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory.
Identify and discuss the major social issues that influenced the development of sociological theory.
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them.
Analyze important developments in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.
Summarize historical theories and the manner in which their work continues to hold relevance.
Note:
This course has “Resubmission” status enabled to help you if you realize you submitted an incorrect or blank file, or if you need to submit multiple documents as part of your Assignment. Resubmission of an Assignment after it is graded, to attempt a better grade, is not permitted.
Grading Rubric
View the grading rubric so you understand how you will be assessed on this Assignment. Click the grid icon at the top of this instruction page, or the grid icon under “View iRubric” on the main Assignments page.
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