SOCIAL THEORY

Fall 2006
SOC 3303, Section 001, Call # 13682

“Discovery consists of looking at the same thing as everyone else and thinking of something
different.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Andrea Laurent-Simpson Time: TTH 9:30 – 10:45 Email:

alsimpson@utdallas.edu Location: SOM 2.801
Office:GR 3.406 Credit Hours: 3
Office hours: TTH 9:00-9:30 Fax: 972 883-6297

Course Description:
An introduction for undergraduates to major western classic social theorists who are still central
to the discipline today. Some more contemporary microinteractionist theory will be covered later
in the course.

Learning Objectives:
Students will not only become acquainted with specific theoretical work, but will develop the
ability to thoughtfully analyze and debate the finer points of each theorists work. We will focus
specifically on what each theorist has to offer us in terms of our own research perspectives as well
as debate how their theories may or may not be germane to today’s western society. In doing
this, a better understanding of how research and theory are unequivocally linked in all research
upon which we endeavor will be gained.

Most importantly, my goal is to ensure that students leave this course prepared with the analytical
and theoretical toolbox needed to pursue a graduate career in sociology.

Required Texts: Coser, Lewis. (1977). Masters of sociological thought.

Second edition. Prospect Heights: Waveland Press.
ISBN: 1577663071

Gerth, H.& Mills, C.W. (eds.). (1946). From Max Weber:

Essays in sociology. New York, Oxford
University Press.
ISBN: 0195004620

Goffman, Erving. (1959). The presentation of self in

everyday life. New York, Doubleday.
ISBN: 0385094027

Morris, Charles, (ed.). (1967). Works of George Herbert

Mead, volume I: Mind, self, and society from the
standpoint of a social behaviorist. Chicago,
The University of Chicago Press.
ISBN: 0226516687
 Thompson, Kenneth, (ed.). (2002). Readings from Emile
Durkheim. London, Routledge.
ISBN: 0415043204

Suggested Materials: - Collins, R. & Makowsky, M. (2005). The discovery of

society. New York, McGraw-Hill. (ON
RESERVE)
- Sociosite - http://www2.fmg.uva.nl/sociosite/
- Dead Sociologists Index -
http://www2.pfeiffer.edu/~lridener/DSS/INDEX.HTML#weber

Throughout the semester, I will also assign readings that I will expect you to pull from either
reserves at McDermott Library or from ebook, available through McDermott Library’s computer
access (must have Comet Card number to do this). I assume that everyone in this class is a
sociology major. If you already own these texts, great! If you do not, then you must have them
in this discipline. There is no substitute for the original theorists’ words! If you are unable to
afford any of these texts, McDermott should have at least one copy of each on its shelves.

Prerequisites: Soc 1301

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

September 1 Census date (last day to withdraw without a W)

September 21- October 19 WP/WF period
Oct 6 Midterm
November 23-25 Thanksgiving Holiday, campus closed
Nov 30 Final, 8 am, regular classroom
TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE*†
*Subject to change – Any necessary changes will be announced in class.
† Additional, announced readings may be distributed beyond this schedule.
KEY: R – ON RESERVE

Week 1 (Aug 17) Introduction and Syllabus

Week 2 (Aug 22) Nature and Development of Sociological Theory, Turner
(pp. 1-8), R & Collins and Makowsky (Introduction), R
Week 3 (Aug 29) Nature and Development Continued
AUG 31 SHORT ESSAY #1 DUE
Week 4 (Sept 5) Comte, Positive Philosophy of Auguste Comte,
Vol. I, Chp.2, pgs. 42-55 &
Vol. II, Book VI, Chp. 3-4, pgs. 175-228 R – eBook
Coser, pgs. 3-12, 29-35
Week 5 (Sept 12) Spencer, Principles of Sociology, Chps. 1-6 R
Coser, pgs. 89-93, 96-101
Week 6 (Sept 19) Durkheim, “The Rules of Sociological Method”, “Division of
Labor in Society”, and “Suicide”, in Thompson
Coser, pgs. 129-136, 140-143
SEPT 21 SHORT ESSAY #2 DUE
Week 7 (Sept 26) Durkheim (cont)
SEPT 28 MIDTERM
Week 8 (Oct 3) Marx, “Estranged Labour”, pgs. 70-81
“Communist Manifesto”, pgs. 473- 483
Coser, pgs. 43-57
Week 9 (Oct 10) Weber, “Class, Status, Party”, in Gerth & Mills
“Bureaucracy” (pp. 196-205, 208-216, 221-235,
240-244) in Gerth & Mills
Coser, pgs. 217-219, 223-234
Week 10 (Oct 17) Weber ,“The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism”,
pgs. 95-139 R
Week 11 (Oct 24) Simmel, “The Problem of Sociology”, in Levine R
“Conflict”, in Levine R
“The Stranger” in Levine R
Coser, pgs. 177-189
Week 12 (Oct 31) Mead, “Mind”, pp. 42-82, & “The Self”, pp135-164 & 173-178 in
Morris.
Coser, pgs. 333-341
Week 13 (Nov 7) Goffman, “Introduction” and “Regions and Region
Behavior”
NOV 14 SHORT ESSAY #3 DUE
Week 14 (Nov 14) Garfinkel, Ch. 2 in Studies in Ethnomethodology R
Week 15 (Nov 21) Catch Up
NOV 30 FINAL, 8 am, regular classroom
COURSE FORMAT
It is my personal objective to facilitate student learning in any pedagogical way I can. This
means that I will be using a variety of learning methods that include but may not be limited to
reading assignments, lectures, class discussions, and creative thinking exercises via journal
entries.

METHOD OF EVALUATION** †

Exams: 60% (25% midterm, 25% final)

Short Essays: 20% (7% x 3 essays)
Exam Questions: 10%
Attendance/Participation 10%

AVERAGE Letter Grade Grade Descriptions

90-100 A Excellent
80-89 B Above Average
70-79 C Average
60-69 D Below Average
59 and below F Failing
** There will be no curve in this course!
† +/- breakdowns will be emailed out on WebCT.

Exams: The midterm will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions that cover
material taken from class lectures and readings. Please be aware that theory is about analysis,
therefore, your exam questions will assess how well you are able to discuss and analyze the
relevant theories/theorists. The midterm will be given during class. The final will be cumulative
and multiple choice. It will be given during the regularly scheduled final.

Short essays – There will be three short essay questions assigned throughout the semester. These
can be found on your assigned discussion questions for the relevant theorist (with the exception of
#1, which will stand on it’s own). Each one will be clearly marked at the beginning of that set of
questions. Due dates for each are located on the tentative schedule below.

All essays must be typed, double-spaced, 12 pitch Times New Roman font with 1” margins.
Length should be 1 to 2 pages each and should not exceed two pages unless otherwise stated.
POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED FOR NOT FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES.**

Please note that LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. It is advisable that you
double check your outgoing box to ensure that your submission was sent appropriately. This
will provide you with a time stamp and proof that you did indeed submit on time, even if your
document winds up in computer land somewhere!
Discussion Questions: A list of discussion questions will be posted on WebCT in advance of
class each week, starting with Comte and going through Mead, to guide you through some of the
more important points of each theorist’s work. While these questions will not be collected, will
will discuss them during class. They are designed to help you better understand the material and
thus do better on all assignments. You may use them as study guides to prepare for the exams.
It will be helpful for you to note the pages on each answer so that you can reference the
theorist’s work during discussion.

Exam Questions: Students will be required to submit one multiple choice exam question and
answer each Friday morning by 9:30 am, starting with the second week of class and going
through November 17 (Week14). Students may choose to waive three questions throughout the
semester without penalty (for a total of 10 questions overall).

The question must come from that week’s material/theorist and will be graded based on the
quality of the question submitted. Submitting a simple definition question will earn you a below
average score. Submitting a more analytical question will earn you a higher score.

Must be submitted by 9:30 am on the date due via WebCT email. Work must be in the text
of the email as NO ATTACHMENTS OR HARD COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED, period.

It is advisable that you double check your outgoing box to ensure that your submission was sent
appropriately. This will provide you with a time stamp and proof that you did indeed submit on
time, even if your document winds up in computer land somewhere!

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Attendance/Participation - Social Theory is a class dependent on interactive discussion and

absolute dedication. Believe it or not, this is part of what makes theory so much fun! Therefore,
class attendance and participation are vital to learning. Attendance will be taken at every class.
Excessive unexcused absences (over 3 for the semester) will result in a lower course grade. Four
tardies will add up to one unexcused absence. Please remember that you are only allowed three
unexcused absences before it begins to affect your overall course grade. Note that attendance and
participation are 10% of your overall grade.

2. Reading of all assigned materials prior to class. Please bring your books to class for reference
purposes. You are responsible for all of the material in your texts whether it is covered in
class or not. I will also assign required readings throughout the semester that can be found in
McDermott Library Reserves or on the McDermott Library website.

3. Understanding theory is impossible unless you engage in your own analysis. Simply
regurgitating what I say in class or what the theorist says will do nothing to help you learn the
material. Therefore, I expect you to come to class with at least one prepared question. Your
participation grade will depend on both your discussion in class as well as questions that you
come to class prepared to ask. You won’t always get a chance to ask your question, but you must
teach yourself to actively analyze this material.
4. Satisfactory completion of exams, short essays, and discussion questions. Evaluation is based
on expressed knowledge, including definitions and indications of meanings. The instructor cannot
be expected to understand your unexpressed meaning. Every attempt is made to judge and grade
all students fairly. Please note, however, that written portions of grades rest on the subjective
judgment of the instructor.

5. WebCT/Submission of work– It is imperative that you stay up to date with WebCT as I will
use it to not only make announcements outside of class, but also to collect assignments with due
dates. All written work, with the exception of the in-class midterm, MUST be turned in via
WebCT, IN THE TEXT OF THE EMAIL. NO ATTACHMENTS or HARD COPIES WILL
BE ACCEPTED. Assignments must be submitted by the beginning of the class date on which
they are due. No late work will be accepted. Do not turn in work under my office door as
this is a good way for it to be lost.

6. Consideration for other students is conducive to everyone’s learning. Please arrive on time and
have cell phones turned off. Verbal abuse of others, class disruptions, and sleeping during class
will not be tolerated.

7. Scholastic integrity is key to a successful education. Please keep in mind that all work is to be
done independently, unless otherwise stated by the instructor. If you are unsure of a situation,
you must ask the instructor for clarification. Cheating in any way on any work in this class will
not be tolerated and the student may be turned into the college for disciplinary hearings. The
minimum punishment for cheating in this class will be a 0 on the relevant assignment
and/or exam.

8. Students that intend to withdraw from the course must do so by September 1 to avoid getting a
W. You must withdraw between September 21 and October 19 in order to receive a WP/WF.

9. If you stop attending class, but do not officially withdraw from the course, you will receive an
F. It is your responsibility to withdraw by using the forms found in the Admission’s Office.

MAKE-UP POLICY

Exams: Exams will only be made up according to my discretion and only then, in the event of a
DOCUMENTED illness (only a doctor’s note will suffice) or emergency (death in the family or
military orders). Make- ups must be scheduled by the student within 24 hours of the original
exam date. WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION of the emergency must be in my hands as of
your first return date to class (this means police reports, hospital/doctor notes, funeral
announcement, military orders. I will not accept pictures or verbal confirmation!). Failure
to do this will result in a grade of F for the exam.

Short Essays: Short essays must be turned in by the start of class on each due date in the text of a
WebCT email, no exceptions. Late work will not be accepted under any circumstances. It is
advisable that you double check your outgoing box to ensure that your submission was sent
appropriately. This will provide you with a time stamp and proof that you did indeed submit on
time, even if your document winds up in computer land somewhere!

Exam Questions: No late exam questions are permitted. They must be turned in by 9:30 am
each Friday, in the text of a WebCT email. It is advisable that you double check your
outgoing box to ensure that your submission was sent appropriately. This will provide you with
a time stamp and proof that you did indeed submit on time, even if your document winds up in
computer land somewhere!

EXTRA CREDIT

Exam Bonuses - There will be bonus questions at the end of each exam.

No other extra credit will be assigned.

POLICIES

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and
regulations for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility
of each student and each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and
regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General information on student
conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is
provided to all registered students each academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the
Rules and Regulations, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1,
Chapter VI, Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the
university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations
are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are
available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-
6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of
citizenship. He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the
Regents’ Rules, university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to
discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or
off campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty.
Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work
 done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high
standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related
to applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s
own work or material that is not one’s own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty
involves one of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying
academic records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary
proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from
any other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on
plagiarism (see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of
turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

Email Use

The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication
between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises
some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange.
The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a
student’s U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students
official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to
maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individual corresponding and
the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each student with a free email
account that is to be used in all communication with university personnel. The Department
of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method for students to have their U.T.
Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level
courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog.
Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle
withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any
student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final
grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and
Activities, of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other

fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a
serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or
 committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”).
Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and
evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be
submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondent’s School Dean. If
the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student
may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the
School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate or
Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic Appeals
Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the academic
appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

Incompletes will not be given in this course.

Disability Services

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational

opportunities equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in
room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to
6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable
adjustments necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example,
it may be necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals (in
the case of dog guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment
requirement may be substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation
for a student who is hearing impaired). Classes enrolled students with mobility
impairments may have to be rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or university
may need to provide special services such as registration, note-taking, or mobility
assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty
members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations.
 Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or
during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required
activities for the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose
places of worship are exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas
Code Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible
regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused,
will be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time
after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one
week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment
may not be penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or
assignment within the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that exam or
assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose
of observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the
student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or
examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief
executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or
designee must take into account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student
and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

Incompletes: Incompletes will not be given.

Posting Grades: Grades will not be posted in any form, nor will they be released via phone or
email. Also, grades will not be released to ANYONE but the actual student. It is my absolute
goal to ensure utter privacy for all students, thus my grade release policy. Grades will only be
released through WebCT with the exception of work that is returned directly to the student.

Missed Classes: The student is responsible for any and all work missed during an absence.
Please do not assume that my outlines are all that is discussed during class, as discussion always
supplements the outline. There is NO substitute for attendance. Four or more unexcused
absence(s) will affect your attendance/participation grade.

Accessibility: If you have a condition that requires accommodation in this class, please speak
with me after class or in office hours during the first week of class. I will be happy to make
appropriate accommodations provided timely notice is received and the arrangement is
consistent with any recommendations from Disability Services, when applicable. Disability
Services can be reached at 883-2098. The syllabus and other course materials can be made
available in alternative formats.

Academic Ethics/Scholastic Dishonesty: The College may initiate disciplinary proceedings

against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts, or omissions related to
applications for enrollment or the award of a degree and/or the submission as one's own work
material that is not one's own. Scholastic dishonesty may involve, but is not limited to, one or
more of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion, use of annotated texts or teacher’s
editions, and/or falsifying academic records.

Plagiarism is the use of an author's words or ideas as if they were one's own without giving credit
to the source, including, but not limited to, failure to acknowledge a direct quotation. If you have
any question about what might be considered plagiarism, ask me for guidance. A good rule of
thumb, however, is, if you have to question if something is plagiarism, then it probably is.

Cheating is the willful giving or receiving of information in an unauthorized manner during an

examination, illicitly obtaining examination questions in advance, copying computer or Internet
files, using someone else's work for assignments as if it were one's own, or any other dishonest
means of attempting to fulfill the requirements of a course.

Collusion is intentionally aiding or attempting to aid another in an act of scholastic dishonesty,

including but not limited to providing a paper or project to another student, providing an
inappropriate level of assistance; communicating answers to a classmate during an examination;
removing tests or answer sheets from a test site, and allowing a classmate to copy answers.