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Classical Social Thought

In: Social Issues

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Classical Social Thought (SP 212)

Semester 1, 2012-13

Lecturer: Tony Varley
Room 309, Second Floor,
Árus Moyola
Office Hours: Monday: 5-6pm; Wednesday: 4-5pm.
Email: tony.varley@nuigalway.ie

Course Description:
The classical sociological tradition has been heavily dominated by the writings of Marx, Weber and Durkheim. Each of these three theorists has carved out a distinctive approach to the study of society and, in the process, has contributed substantially to our understanding of the transition from pre-modern to modern society. There are many who would argue that the ideas of these three classical figures continue to have much to offer to an understanding of contemporary society and politics.

There are several possible ways to study the ideas of Marx, Weber and Durkheim. In this course we will attempt to take a thematic and comparative approach by comparing the views of Marx, Weber and Durkheim on a number of central topics. We will look therefore at their ideas concerning the methods appropriate to the study of society, their views on class and the division of labour, on democratic politics and the state and on culture, religion and ideology. Our discussion will begin with a consideration of what a ‘classical’ tradition might look like in the social sciences; and of why Marx, Weber and Durkheim merit inclusion as the most significant members within such a tradition.

For a fuller appreciation of the classical tradition in social theory there is no substitute for a reading of the original writings of Marx, Durkheim and Weber. As these writings are very extensive, we will rely on a number of commentaries – principally those by Morrison and Giddens as well as McIntosh’s collection of selections from the original works – to guide our journey. A partial listing of original works by Marx, Durkheim and Weber (as well as some later works) is to be

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