Sociology 347 has been designed for students who have already taken introductory courses in sociology and who are, therefore, familiar with the basic concepts, theories, and methods of the discipline.
This course provides a review of social theories that have transitioned from the late-twentieth century into the opening decades of the twenty-first century. Many of the current social theories of the twenty-first century are attempting to steer a difficult course between the grand theories and metanarratives of earlier modernism, and the relativism, pluralism, and linguistic reductionism of postmodernism. Social theory in the twenty-first century is characterized by its pluralism, reflexivity, interdisciplinarity, and by its globalism. Unlike past sociological theory, which was always closely identified with European national traditions, contemporary social theory has become more global in its scope and less Eurocentric. More than ever before, social theory has increasingly become a borderless intellectual project.
Today, contemporary social theory now allows us to view the world from diverse standpoints, including feminist and LGBTQ standpoints, Afrocentric and Indigenous standpoints, as well as intersectionality theories, all of which provide frameworks for the expression and representation of formerly marginalized and excluded minority perspectives, experiences, identities, and discourses. Poststructuralism also allows us to detect and deconstruct the androcentric, ethnocentric, and heteronormative biases, as well as the absences and silences, in our supposedly “objective” or “neutral” narratives and discourses.
The underlying premise—and the promise—of this course is that social theory has the power to provide us with the intellectual and emotional tools for a more informed observation, analysis, and empathic understanding of our private lives and of public issues. Social theory can teach us that there are multiple channels for viewing, and multiple languages for speaking about, our social world(s) and our own life experiences. In the words of the old African proverb, “Until lions have their own historians, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” In this respect, the study of contemporary social theory has an important role to play in the cultivation of an informed and enlightened citizenry. The chance to explore and experiment with diverse theoretical perspectives offers a challenge to dogmatism and intolerance, and an opportunity to learn from difference and diversity. In a word, the value of social theory may be seen in how it can enhance our social literacy by deepening our understanding of the world around us, and by empowering us to become practical theorists in our own lives.
Outline
SOCI 347 is divided into thirteen units, plus a prologue and an epilogue.
Prologue: The Changing Face of Contemporary Theory
Unit 1: Theory and Modernity
Unit 2: History
Unit 3: Critical Theory
Unit 4: Postmodernism
Unit 5: Post-Structuralism
Unit 6: Postcolonialism
Unit 7: Indigenous Knowledge and Social Thought
Unit 8: Neo-Marxism and Post-Marxism
Unit 9: Late Modernity, Part 1: Giddens and Bordieu
Unit 10: Late Modernity, Part 2: Bauman
Unit 11: Late Modernity, Part 3: Badiou and Žižek
Unit 12: Feminist Theory, Standpoint Theory, and Queer Theory
Unit 13: Globalization
Epilogue: The Expanding Universe of Social Theory
Evaluation
To receive credit Sociology 347, you must achieve a grade of 60 percent or better on the final examination and an overall course composite grade of at least C- (60 percent). You must complete the quiz, all 3 assignments and receive a 60% on each. Should you obtain less than the required grade on the final exam, or if you wish to attempt to increase your overall grade, you may write a supplemental final exam. A passing grade of 60% is also required for the supplemental examination.
Activity
Weight
Assignment 1
20%
Assignment 2
20%
Assignment 3
20%
Online Quiz
10%
Final Exam
30%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Simmons, T. (2020). Restless ideas: Contemporary social theory in an anxious age. Fernwood. (Print)
Bauman, Z. (2007). Liquid times: Living in an age of uncertainty. Cambridge, UK: Polity. (eText)
Elliott, A. (2014). Contemporary social theory: An introduction (2nd ed.). London: Routledge. (eBook)
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the SOCI 347 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least C- (60 percent) on the challenge examination. The two parts of the exam must be written on the same day.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.