This module focuses on Freud's psychoanalytic theory and its implications for understanding consciousness and civilization. Key topics include:
Students will analyze how Freud's ideas contribute to our understanding of societal structures and individual behavior.
In this introductory module, Professor Szelenyi outlines the course structure and introduces major social thinkers. Key figures discussed include:
Students gain insight into their biographies, major works, and contributions to social thought.
This module examines Hobbes's life and the impact of the turbulent British monarchy on his social and political thought. Key concepts include:
Hobbes's assertion that subjects may transfer allegiance to a new sovereign if their security is compromised is discussed. His relevance to rational choice theory is also explored.
This module focuses on John Locke, a liberal thinker who contrasts with Hobbes. Key aspects of Locke's political theory include:
Locke's vision of governance, built on abundance and reason, is compared with Hobbes's notion of scarcity and strong sovereign rule.
In this module, we explore Montesquieu's ideas on the separation of powers and the influence of environment on society. Key points include:
Montesquieu's work laid the foundation for the U.S. Constitution, highlighting his early consideration of environmental factors in social thought.
This module introduces Rousseau's impactful ideas regarding popular sovereignty and the general will. Key topics include:
Students will analyze the complexities of Rousseau's theories, which have been used by both liberators and totalitarian regimes.
This module continues examining Rousseau's concepts, focusing on the state of nature and education. Key discussions include:
Rousseau argues for an educational approach that fosters critical thinking over rote learning, highlighting the importance of individual moral development.
This module discusses John Stuart Mill's contributions to utilitarianism, linking his ideas to those of Adam Smith. Key elements include:
Mill's radical views on women's rights and equality further highlight his progressive stance compared to his contemporaries.
This module focuses on Adam Smith's ideas of the invisible hand and self-interest. Key discussions include:
We also explore the ongoing debates about liberty and its compromises in the post-9/11 era.
This module introduces Marx's theory of alienation, focusing on his early intellectual development. Key concepts include:
Students will analyze how Marx's understanding of alienation shifts over time and influences his later works.
This module continues from Marx's theory of alienation to his historical materialism. Key topics include:
Students will explore Marx's idea that philosophy must not only understand the world but also aim to change it.
This module focuses on the evolution of Marx's thought toward positivist science and determinism. Key discussions include:
Students will analyze how these theories contrast with other philosophies of history.
This module closely examines Marx's Grundrisse, focusing on his theory of historical change. Key aspects include:
Students will engage with the nuanced arguments presented by Marx, which are often overlooked in mainstream discussions.
This module develops Marx's theory of class and exploitation, analyzing key texts like The Communist Manifesto. Key discussions include:
Students will evaluate the relevance of Marxâs concepts in contemporary society and the existence of a middle class.
This module introduces Nietzsche's critical theory, focusing on power, knowledge, and morality. Key concepts include:
Students will engage with Nietzsche's ideas, which challenge traditional moral frameworks and encourage deeper philosophical inquiry.
This module focuses on Freud's psychoanalytic theory and its implications for understanding consciousness and civilization. Key topics include:
Students will analyze how Freud's ideas contribute to our understanding of societal structures and individual behavior.
This module examines Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, linking religion to economic behavior. Key discussions include:
Students will engage with Weber's complex understanding of capitalism's cultural and motivational aspects, expanding their comprehension of economic theory.
This module focuses on Weber's theory of domination, discussing different modes of authority. Key concepts include:
Students will explore how various forms of authority influence social structures and relationships throughout history.
This module elaborates on Weber's concept of traditional authority, distinguishing between different forms of rule. Key discussions include:
Students will analyze how traditional authority manifests in modern contexts and its implications for governance.
This module focuses on Weber's charismatic authority, discussing its revolutionary nature and instability. Key elements include:
Students will critically examine the role of charismatic leaders in shaping social movements and their eventual challenges.
This module covers Weber's legal-rational authority, focusing on its bureaucratic ideal. Key discussions include:
Students will analyze the implications of legal-rational authority in contemporary governance and its impact on citizen administration.
This module focuses on Weber's theory of class, contrasting it with Marx's approach. Key topics include:
Students will engage with Weber's insights on class dynamics and their relevance in today's social landscape.
This module examines Durkheim's types of social solidarity, focusing on the transition from mechanical to organic solidarity. Key discussions include:
Students will analyze the implications of this transition for societal functioning and the division of labor.
This module focuses on Durkheim's theory of anomie, exploring its causes and implications. Key topics include:
Students will evaluate how anomie manifests in industrialized societies and its effects on individuals and communities.
This module examines Durkheim's study on suicide, highlighting its social dimensions. Key discussions include:
Students will critically engage with Durkheim's methodology and its lasting influence in sociology.
This module discusses Durkheim's concept of social facts and methodology. Key topics include:
Students will explore Durkheim's contributions to sociology and the importance of understanding collective representations.