SOC 3000 PBC

SOC 3000—Development of Sociological Theory

Three Semester Hours

TV 3/19

Prerequisites

University Requisite: 6 Hours in SOC including 1000

Course Overview

This course offers an introduction to sociological theory. Students will examine the historical roots of sociological theory and understand major theoretical paradigms with an emphasis on social and intellectual contexts, conceptual frameworks and methods, and contributions to contemporary social analysis.

Methods of Course Instruction

All material for this course is print-based. Instructor and students communicate and exchange materials through postal mail. 

E-Print Option

In this course, an option exists to use e-mail to submit your lesson assignments. Your assignment will be returned to you either as an e-mail attachment or as a hard copy sent through the postal mail, depending on the preferences of the instructor and/or program. 

Textbooks and Supplies

Ritzer, George, and Jeffrey Stepnisky. Contemporary Sociological Theory and Its Classical Roots. 5th ed. Sage Publications, 2018. [ISBN: 9781506339412]

Number of Lessons

The course has eight lessons. These lessons include:

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Sociological Theory and the “Big 3” Sociological Theorists
• Lesson 2: Classical Theorists
• Lesson 3: Contemporary Grand Theories
• Lesson 4: Midcourse Examination Information
• Lesson 5: Contemporary Theories of Everyday Life 
• Lesson 6: Contemporary Feminist Theory
• Lesson 7: Globalization 
• Lesson 8: Final Examination Information

Types of Writing Assignments

Each lesson will ask you to draw on what you’ve learned from your readings. Throughout the course, there are a total of four essays due, and each is worth 20 points. There are also two quizzes throughout the course, which will each be made up of five multiple-choice questions worth two points each for a total of ten points. 

Grading Criteria

Your final grade will be determined by your performance on the four essays, two quizzes, and two exams. The total possible points for the course is 200 and breaks down like this:

• 4 x 20 = 80
• 2 x 10 = 20
• Midcourse exam = 50
• Final exam = 50

Point Total

• 180 to 200 = A
• 160 to 179 = B
• 140 to 159 = C
• 120 to 139 = D
• 119 and below = F