SCY4540

Theory and practice of sociology

Gary Bouma and Peter Hiller

12 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton

Objectives This subject aims to introduce students to the range of types of explanations currently in use by practising sociologists, including both classical and more recent forms; develop the student's ability to devise and assess explanations in sociological analysis through essays, position papers and seminar discussion; enable students to distinguish sociological from other forms of explanation; engender in students a sense of identification with sociology as a profession and of themselves as competent practitioners of sociology; hone students' powers of critical reasoning and abilities to express themselves in cogent argument supported by evidence.

Synopsis The purpose of this subject is to develop the student's ability to develop and to assess explanations in sociological analysis. This ability is seen as central to the sociological enterprise regardless of how it is conceived. Issues addressed include the definition of the subject matter of sociology, subjectivity and objectivity in sociology, and what constitutes an explanation and the types of explanation that exist. Finally the issue of what distinguishes sociological explanation will be raised. The seminar proceeds by way of the careful examination of the logic in use in specifically sociological work. Examples will be selected in such a way as to cover the widest range of types of explanation and styles of sociological enterprise.

Assessment Ten weekly position papers (300 words each): 30%
* Major essay (6000 words): 70%

Prescribed texts

Durkheim E The rules of sociological method Free Press, 1964
Weber M The theory of social and economic organisation Free Press, 1964

Recommended texts

Bernstein R J Beyond objectivism and relativism Basil Blackwell, 1983
Denzin K and Lincoln VS (eds) Handbook of qualitative research Sage, 1994