Instructor:
David A.
Sonnenfeld, Ph.D.
TA: Yahya Ali,
M.A.
Washington State University,
Pullman,
Tri-Cities &
Vancouver
Spring 2003, Tu/Th noon-1:15 pm (WHETS)
This course examines the contributions of three classical social theorists – Karl Marx (1818-1883), Max Weber (1864-1920), and Émile Durkheim (1858-1917) – to studies of societal functioning and social change, the development of social institutions, and the role of individuals in society. Participants will read original works by these authors, see related films, and discuss these works' applicability to contemporary social problems.
Undergraduates receive [M] writing in the major credit for successful completion of this course. The progressive writing assignments include weekly Reading Notes; three short analytical papers linking each classical theorist's original works with contemporary social issues or problems; and a longer, integrative paper at the end of the semester. This is one of four core courses required of all Sociology majors.
Graduate students have additional reading assignments and will write and exchange weekly critical commentaries on required readings. They will also complete a term paper and give an oral presentation on a topic related to the course.
David A. Sonnenfeld's Home Page
last updated March 07, 2003