Sociology 410 - Spring 2003
"Weber: Contemporary Applications"
Select one of the topics (or subtopics) and associated readings examined over the last several weeks in our study of Weber's contributions to social science, e.g.:
Take the contemporary social issue or problem you discussed earlier in the semester with respect to Marx, and explore it using Weber's analytical frameworks/ theoretical perspectives. How might our understanding of that issue or problem be enhanced through application of Weber's insights? Or, alternatively, how has the contemporary world changed so much since Weber's time, that new perspectives must be brought to bear, either in addition to or in place of Weber's analysis?
(If the topic you selected to examine in terms of Marx's work does not work for you with Weber, you may select another contemporary social issue or problem.)
Your essay should include a well-stated thesis statement, clear argument, and robust conclusion. It should both (a) draw closely from the original text(s), citing and quoting material as appropriate; and (b) include serious, informed discussion of a contemporary social issue or problem. If you wish, supplemental sources may be used to illustrate or illuminate the social issue/ problem. However, this is more of an exercise in critical appropriation and application of classical social theory than a research paper.
Your paper should be 3-5 pp. in length, typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. type, 1" margins, plus a coversheet (indicating your campus as well as other relevant information) and references. All sources should be properly cited; direct quotes and close paraphrasing should be so noted. Pages should be numbered & the document spell-checked. References do not need to be on a separate page. Good luck!
last updated March 07, 2003