Matthew Ward
January 12, 2018
... . Students submit a final theory paper that that draws on their field site research and resembles a shortened
. The applied assignment will help students understand the linkages between theory and method, but will also
Students will learn to weave together theory and original data collection (involving participant
Four learning group discussion meetings, four field note assignments, and a final theory
in "Globalization and Mardi Gras Exercise_Instructions and Questions" (for specific details, see assignment instructions on blackboard). This will also be discussed in class.
2. Make sure to bring your answers with you to our next class meeting. Be prepared to discuss.
Week 10: Conflict Paradigm and Related Theorists, continued; Field Session 2
Mon., Oct. 24: Globalization: Wallerstein, Global Capitalism, World Systems Theory
Readings:
1. Elliot, Anthony and Charles Lemert, "Immanuel Wallerstein and the Analysis of World-systems," in Introduction to Contemporary Social Theory, Pp. 375-381.
Wed., Oct. 26: Field Session #2
Readings:
1. Emerson, Fretz and Shaw, "Writing Ethnographic Field Notes": pp. 108-142
Review, as needed, Blackboard Handouts:
2. Ethnography and Participant Observation Manual
3. Field Note Assignment Instructions
4. Things to Consider When Entering Field Site
5. What to Observe in the Field_1
6. What to Observe in the Field_2
7. Data to Collect in the Field_1
8. Data to Collect in the Field_2
9. Note Taking Tips
Assignment:
1. Individual Field Notes Due: 10PM (for specific instructions, see: "Field Note Assignment Instructions" on blackboard). Submit them to me through blackboard.
2. Bring a copy of your Field Note Narratives to our next class meeting
Week 11: Reflecting on the Field; Exam 2
Mon., Oct. 31: Learning Group Meeting #2
Readings:
1. Finish up: Emerson, Fretz and Shaw, "Writing Ethnographic Field Notes": pp. 108-142
Assignment:
1. In class, turn in a single group copy of your Learning Group Questions
Wed., Nov. 2: Exam 2: Covers Weeks 8, 9, 10 (i.e., Conflict Paradigm and Related Theorists)
Week 12: Symbolic Interactionist Paradigm and Related Theorists; Atomistic Theories
Mon., Nov. 7: Symbolic Interactionism, Mead, Cooley, Goffman, Labeling Theory
Readings:
1. Cooley, Charles. "The Looking Glass Self," in Social Theory (2nd edition, ed. Charles Lemert), Pp. 188-189
2. Goffman, Erving. "On Face-Work," in Social Theory (2nd edition, ed. Charles Lemert), Pp. 330-334
Wed., Nov 9: Behaviorism
Readings:
1. Time Magazine, 1971, "Behavior: Skinner's Utopia: Panacea, or Path to Hell?"
2. Skinner, B. F. 1971, Beyond Freedom and Dignity, Pp. 198-201; 214-215
Week 13: Atomistic Theories, continued; Exam 3
Mon., Nov. 14: Rational Choice Theory, Exchange Theory
Readings:
1. Abercrombie, Nicholas, Stephen Hill and Bryan Turner, 1994, "Exchange Theory" in The Penguin Dictionary of Sociology, New York: Penguin Books, pp. 156 - 157.
Wed., Nov. 16: Exam 3 covering weeks 12, 13 (i.e., Symbolic Interactionist Paradigm and Related Theorists; Atomistic Theories)
Week 14: Weber's Theoretical Legacy
Mon., Nov. 21: Introduction to Max Weber
Readings:
1. Weber, Max. "The Spirit of Capitalism and the Iron Cage," in The Lemert Reader (2nd edition, ed. by Charles Lemert), Pp. 100-104; "The Bureaucratic Machine," Pp. 104-110.
2. Ritzer, George. 1996. The McDonaldization of Society, Read fully "Chapters 1, 2" Pp. 1-33.
Assignment:
1. Complete the "Observing McDonalds" assignment (for specific details, see: "Observing McDonalds Handout" on the blackboard website).
2. Bring your completed assignment to the next class meeting. Be prepared to discuss.
Wed., Nov. 23: THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – NO CLASS
Week 15: Weber's Theoretical Legacy; Exam 4
Mon., Nov. 28: Max Weber, George Ritzer, and the rationalization of society
Readings:
1. Ritzer, George. 1996. The McDonaldization of Society, Skim-Read: "Selections from Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6"; Carefully read selections from: "Chapter 7"
Wed., Nov. 30: Exam 4, covering weeks 14, 15 ONLY (i.e., Weber's theoretical legacy)
Week 16: Returning to and Reflecting on the Field
Mon., Dec. 5: Field Session #3
Readings:
1. Emerson, Fretz and Shaw, "Writing Ethnographic Field Notes": pp. 142-168
Review, as needed, Blackboard Handouts:
2. Ethnography and Participant Observation Manual
3. Field Note Assignment Instructions
4. Things to Consider When Entering Field Site
5. What to Observe in the Field_1
6. What to Observe in the Field_2
7. Data to Collect in the Field_1
8. Data to Collect in the Field_2
9. Note Taking Tips
Assignment:
1. Individual Field Notes Due: 10PM (for specific instructions, see: "Field Note Assignment Instructions" on blackboard). Submit them to me through blackboard.
2. Bring a copy of your Field Note Narratives to our next class meeting.
Wed., Dec. 7: Learning Group Meeting #3
Readings:
1. Emerson, Fretz and Shaw, "Writing Ethnographic Field Notes": pp. 169-210
Assignment:
1. In class, turn in a single group copy of your Learning Group Questions
****FINAL PAPERS DUE: Sunday, Dec. 11 by midnight. Will be turned in on blackboard*** For specific details, see "Final Paper Assignment Instructions" on the course blackboard website. ..."
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Subject Area(s):
- Theory
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Resource Type(s):
- Syllabus
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Class Level(s):
- College 400
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Class Size(s):
- Small
- Abstract:
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This course teaches students about key theoretical traditions within sociology, as well as the philosophies of social science underlying these perspectives, including Positivism and Interpretivism. The course relies on a variety of primary and secondary texts,...