Contemporary Sociological Theories 3401-RL22WTSspr

This course focuses on sociological theories from the 1920s to the present.  Contemporary sociological theories are rooted in the classical works of the founders of sociology in 19th and early 20th centuries and the ideas of early social thinkers. The course examines the main theoretical approaches in contemporary sociology. It presents a brief overview of the classic roots of modern sociological thought. This course will introduce students to some of the major contemporary theoretical perspectives in sociology, including: functionalism, neofunctionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, dramaturgy, exchange, phenomenology and hermeneutical perspective, rational choice, structuration, critical theory, ethnomethodology, postmodernist, and identity theories. Sociological theory relates to how we see the world, understand it, and ultimately attempt to explain it. Different theories can shed light on different aspects of human society.