SOC 373 - Contemporary Social Theory

This course is designed to provide broad overview of contemporary social theory and introduces you to the concepts, writings, and arguments of some of the most important social theorists of the 20th century. We will discuss complex interrelated cultural, social, political and economic issues and discover how social theorists have dealt with them during the decades in the 20th century when their theories were advanced. Most important, we will endeavor to understand how these issues affect our understanding of the world and the everyday lived experience. The terms and concepts we will get familiarized with are concepts such as social mechanisms, social action, social structure, as well as modernity, post-structuralism, critical theory, rational choice theory, postmodernism, and cultural studies.  

Satisfies a major requirement in Sociology

Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement

Students entering before 2012: satisfies social science distribution requirement

Prerequisites & Notes
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.