Course Summary
This course delves into the classical sociological theories of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim, examining how their ideas shaped the field of sociology and continue to impact modern society.Key Learning Points
- Explore the foundational theories of sociology and their relevance in today's world
- Gain a deeper understanding of the works of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim
- Analyze the social, political, and economic factors that influence society
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the foundational theories of sociology
- Analyze the social, political, and economic factors that influence society
- Gain a deeper understanding of the works of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic knowledge of sociology
- Willingness to read and analyze complex theories
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
- Video lectures
Similar Courses
- Contemporary Sociological Theory
- Social Inequality and Stratification
- Introduction to Sociology
Related Education Paths
Related Books
Description
This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) will offer the participants an introduction into the most important classical sociological readings between the 18th and 20th century. Highly influential social science scholars, such as Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, will be discussed during 8 sessions. Combined with small tests, based on the video’s and recommended readings, the participants will be encouraged to dive deeply into the complex texts and get familiar with classical sociological concepts that are still very relevant today.
Outline
- Session 1: Classical Sociological Theory - An Introduction
- 1.1 What is this course about?
- 1.2 Implicit Theories in Everyday Life
- 1.3 What is Sociological Theory?
- 1.4 Founding Fathers
- 1.5 Sociology in the Modern Industrial Age
- 1.6 Linking Classical to Contemporary Theories
- 1.7 The Sociological Theoretical Field
- 1.8 Aims and Claims of this Course
- Welcome note
- Transcripts
- Classical Sociological Theory - An Introduction
- Classical Sociological Theory - An Introduction
- Session 2: Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) and Adam Smith (1723-1790)
- 2.1 The Fable of the Bees
- 2.2 The Invisible Hand
- 2.3 The Division of Labour
- 2.4 The Wealth of Nations
- 2.5 Exchange and Self-interest
- 2.6 Social Stratification
- 2.7 The Importance of Adam Smith
- Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) and Adam Smith (1723-1790)
- Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) and Adam Smith (1723-1790)
- Session 3: Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
- 3.1 Religious and Scientific Knowledge
- 3.2 The Law of the Three Stages of the Human Mind
- 3.3 Sociology as a Means to Establish Social Harmony
- 3.4 The Law of the Classification of Sciences
- 3.5 Religious Thought as Starting Point
- 3.6 Comte’s Religion of Humanity
- 3.7 Early Functionalism
- 3.8 The Importance of Auguste Comte
- Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
- Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
- Session 4: Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)
- 4.1 Tocqueville as a Precursor of Modern Sociology
- 4.2 An Aristocratic Perspective
- 4.3 On Democratisation
- 4.4 The Dominance of the Middle-Class
- 4.5 The Dangers of Centralisation
- 4.6 Grassroots Politics as the Heart of Democracy
- 4.7 ‘Revolutions Will Become Rare’
- 4.8 Tocqueville’s Predictions
- Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)
- Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)
- Session 5: Karl Marx (1818-1883)
- 5.1 The Unexpected Force of Social Thought
- 5.2 Economic Chains of Interdependency
- 5.3 Homo Faber
- 5.4 Alienation
- 5.5 Class Struggle
- 5.6 Caught in the Capitalist System
- 5.7 Class Consciousness
- 5.8 Marx’s Predictions
- Karl Marx (1818-1883)
- Karl Marx (1818-1883)
- Session 6: Émile Durkheim (1858-1917)
- 6.1 Establishing a New Science
- 6.2 Mechanic and Organic Solidarity
- 6.3 Social Facts
- 6.4 Suicide, a Sociological Study
- 6.5 Egoistic and Altruistic Suicide
- 6.6 Anomic and Fatalistic Suicide
- 6.7 The Elementary Forms of Religious Life
- 6.8 The Social Functions of Religion
- Émile Durkheim (1858-1917)
- Émile Durkheim (1858-1917)
- Session 7: Max Weber (1864-1920)
- 7.1 Value-Free Sociology
- 7.2 Understanding Social Action
- 7.3 The Ideal Type
- 7.4 Methodological Individualism
- 7.5 The Four Ideal Types of Social Action
- 7.6 The Three Ideal Types of Authority
- 7.7 Rationalisation
- 7.8 The Protestant Ethic and The Spirit of Capitalism
- Max Weber (1864-1920)
- Max Weber (1864-1920)
- Session 8: Norbert Elias (1897-1990)
- 8.1 The Last of the Great Classic Sociologists
- 8.2 Introduction to the Civilizing Process
- 8.3 The Social Constraint Towards Self-Constraint
- 8.4 The Conditions of Civilisation
- 8.5 The Importance of Norbert Elias
- 8.6 A Base for Contemporary Studies
- 8.7 Figurational Processes
- 8.8 Classical Sociological Theories: a Focus on Long Term Trends
- Norbert Elias (1897-1990)
- Norbert Elias (1897-1990)
- Classical Sociological Theory Final Test
- Final Test
Summary of User Reviews
Discover the foundational theories of sociology with Classical Sociological Theory course on Coursera. Students rave about the comprehensive curriculum and engaging lectures. However, some users have mentioned that the course material can be dense and difficult to understand at times.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
comprehensive curriculum and engaging lecturesPros from User Reviews
- In-depth coverage of foundational sociological theories
- Engaging and knowledgeable instructors
- Great supplemental materials and resources
Cons from User Reviews
- Course material can be dense and difficult to understand
- Limited opportunities for interaction with instructors and peers
- Some technical issues with the online platform
Bart van HeerikhuizenTop Instructor
4.9 Raiting
Classical Sociological Theory
- 4.9
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This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) will offer the participants an introduction into the most important classical sociological readings between the 18th and 20th century....
