SCY2100

Marx, Weber and Durkheim: sociological perspectives

Andrew Milner, Gary Bouma and Bruce Wearne

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton

Objectives In this subject students will develop an appreciation of key theoretical perspectives and related methodological issues in sociology; a critical appraisal of the early history of the discipline; an awareness of the divergent traditions within sociology stemming from Marx, Durkheim and Weber; theoretical and conceptual understanding of the theoretical task by an analysis of these thinker's works; a contemporary perspective on the value of the sociological tradition.

Synopsis The subject aims to introduce students to some of the key theoretical perspectives and related methodological issues in sociology. These will be approached by way of a critical account of the early history of the discipline as it developed in the work of Emile Durkheim, Max Weber and Karl Marx. These early theorists of society will be examined both in their own right and for their relevance to contemporary sociology. The subject begins with Marx and Marxism; proceeds to Durkheim and the origins of French sociology and anthropology; and to Weber and classical German sociology. It then moves to a discussion of the ways in which these earlier theoretical perspectives have been refigured and reworked in contemporary sociological research.

Assessment Two essays (2500 words each): 40% each
* Test (1 hour): 20%

Prescribed text

Hughes J and others Understanding classical sociology: Marx, Weber, Durkheim Sage, 1995