ASM5070

The development of American sociological theory

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

Bruce Wearne

8 or 12 points
* 2 hours per week
* Clayton

Objectives At the conclusion of this subject students should be able to independently appraise the development of Talcott Parsons' General Theory and his method of theory building; assess the importance of the structural-functional stream of sociological reflection for American sociology and the discipline as such; contribute to theoretical discussion about the historical development of sociology, particularly in relation to the place which Parsons' criticism occupies within sociology; formulate systematic and historical insight concerning the structure of theoretical reflection and the relation of the history of sociology to social theory.

Synopsis This subject aims to place American `general theory', and particularly the contributions of Talcott Parsons, in a historical, philosophical and social context. The subject investigates the many-sided contributions of structural functionalism as a trend in `general theory' which attempted to integrate the entire sociological encyclopedia. Methods to be used will be historical, textual-critical, literary, sociological and theoretical.

Assessment (8 points) Written (6000 words): 100%
Assessment (12 points) Essay (9000 words): 100%
* or two essays (4500 words each): 100%

Preliminary reading

Klausner S Z and Lidz V M The nationalization of the social sciences 1986
Parsons T The structure of social action 1937
Parsons T The social system 1951
The American sociologist 27(4), Winter 1996

Recommended texts

Wearne B The theory and scholarship of Talcott Parsons to 1951 1989