Sociology 402 , Spring 2013, Hogan and Malackany
Office Hours: Hogan: TTH before class, Noon til 1:15 p.m. in 307 Stone Hall; 426-4696—DO NOT LEAVE MESSAGES; call 49-44668 to leave messages); email:
Malackany: TTH 3-4:40 p.m. in 341 Stone Hall desk 5; email:
website: http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~hoganr (select teaching, then Soc 402)
The Principles of Sociology
This is a general survey and history of sociological theory, focusing on the Nineteenth Century European classics (Marx, Durkheim, and Weber) and the Twentieth Century U.S. traditions (functional, conflict, symbolic interactionism, Marxism, and feminism). If we have time we will cover “other” theories, including phenomenological, exchange/behavioral/rational choice, and postmodernism.
There will be two (2) objective (T/F and MC) exams, several (4-6) unannounced (pop) quizzes, and a final.
Each of these major exams, including the final, will be worth around 200 points. Quizzes will be worth around 30 points each. The total number of points from exams and quizzes will be the empirical basis for your calculating your grades. These scores will be reported to you on a regular basis so that you know where you stand. The assignment of letter grades will be based on these points, with 90% of what is considered the best score assigned “A,” etc. The determination of “best” will be empirical, and there will be wiggle room to reward improvement and effort. Details of grades and grading will be offered in class and can be obtained from Chris Malackany. For more substantive concerns please see Professor Hogan.
Required Texts:
George Ritzer, Sociological Theory, 8th Edition, McGraw Hill (ISBN-13 9780078111679), 2011.
James Farganis, Readings in Social Theory, 6th Edition, McGraw-Hill (ISBN-13 9780078111556), 2011.
These books are available for purchase at the usual campus bookstores.
Weekly Topics Assigned Readings
Introduction Ritzer, Chapter 1, pp. 1-42
Farganis, Introduction, pp. 1-25.
Marx Ritzer, Chapter 2, pp. 43-75.
Farganis, Chapter 1, pp. 29-50
Durkheim Ritzer, Chapter 3, pp. 76-111.
Farganis, Chapter 2, pp. 54-71.
Weber Ritzer, Chapter 4, pp.112-157.
Farganis, Chapter 3, pp. 73-110.
First Exam Here: BEFORE SPRING BREAK (March 11-15)
U.S. Sociology Ritzer, Chapter 6, pp. 189-235.
Farganis, Chapter 6, pp. 139-154
Functionalism Ritzer, Chapter 7 (Part), pp. 236-265.
Farganis, Chapter 7, pp. 157-192.
Conflict Theory Ritzer, Chapter 7 (Part), pp. 265-276.
Farganis, Chapter 8, pp. 193-229.
Symbolic Ritzer, Chapter 10, pp. 351-390.
Interactionism Farganis, Chapter 5, pp. 127-137, and Chapter 11, pp. 297-328.
Second Exam Here: BEFORE DEAD WEEK
Marxism Ritzer, Chapter 8 (Part), pp. 277-317, 329-330.
Farganis, Chapter 12, pp. 331-356.
Feminism Ritzer, Chapter 13, pp. 454-498.
Farganis, Chapter 14, pp. 385-438.
Other Theories (additional readings may be assigned if time permits us to cover more)
Grading/Attendance
There are no excused absences. If you are hit by a car have your next of kin call the Sociology Department Secretary at (765) 49-44668 before class, in case we have a quiz. There are no make-up quizzes. Make-up exams under truly exceptional circumstances are ONLY by prior arrangement. DO NOT MISS AN EXAM WITHOUT MAKING ARRANGEMENTS BEFORE THE EXAM, EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A LEGITIMATE EXCUSE.
Cheating is grounds for failure in the course and disciplinary action through the Dean of Students Office, including expulsion from the university. Cell phones, habitual tardiness, talking during lecture, and any other such disturbance will not be tolerated
In keeping with Purdue policy, every effort will be made to accommodate the differently abled. Please make arrangements if I can help in any way. Feel free to audio tape lectures if that helps. Please discuss more elaborate alternatives to discrete note-taking or audio tapes.