SCLG 2601 Sociological Theory Semester 1 2015

Essay Questions

Submission date: due Monday 18 May

Word length: 2500
Weighting: 45%
Submission details: (please also refer to relevant sections on submission in course outline)
NB all written work for this course requires dual submission
1) You must submit a hard copy to the main SSPS office in RC Mills by 4 pm 18/05/2015
2) You must also submit an exact electronic copy of your essay on Blackboard using the essay
dropbox by midnight 18/05/2015
Answer one (1) of the following essay questions:
1) All of the nineteenth century founders of sociology touched on the topic of emotion and
some did more. Max Weber elucidated the anxious spirit of capitalism and
questionedrationality Karl Marx explored alienation (Hochschild 2003:119) and
Emile Durkheim diagnosed the troubles of modern society within a theory of anomie. In her
own sociology, Arlie Russel Hochschild develops a unique theory of emotional labour which
builds on the work of classical and contemporary sociology. Critically discuss the above
statement, drawing evidence from at least two of the theorists mentioned.
2) Although Durkheim and Simmel present two very different views of society, the individuals
relationship to society is a central problem for both of them. Explain and evaluate their
approaches, drawing evidence from four original writings by these sociologists.
3) The distinction between private and public has a long legacy in sociological theory and may
also be seen to have continuing relevance to contemporary societies. For example, Erving
Goffman and Norbert Elias prioritised public and private worlds within their analyses of
modern societies. Discuss this statement, drawing evidence for your argument from the
original works of these two theorists and other relevant theories within the course.
4) From its earliest formulation in the ideas of George Homans (1964), exchange theory has
stressed that social relations between people are the most basic and appropriate unit of
sociological analysis. This emphasis on social relations allows exchange theories to go
beyond utilitarian liberal thought and rational self-interest. Discuss this statement in relation
to neighbour relations and the potential within forms of exchange for community or civil
society.
5) An important tradition of micro-sociological analysis is rooted in the European philosophical
tradition called phenomenology (Husserl) and the social phenomenology of Alfred Schutz.
Schutz applied these ideas to the study of the social world asserting that the proper subject
matter of sociology was not social facts but the inter-subjective world of everyday life and the
structures of meaning which he called the life-world. Social Phenomenology has been a
major influence on Berger's humanist sociology and the ethno-methodology of Harold
Garfinkel. For Schutz and those who were influenced by his ideas, social reality is socially
constructed. Discuss this statement in relation to the original writings of either Berger or
Garfinkel, drawing evidence for your argument from the examples they use.

6) While Foucaults preoccupation with the death of the modern subject underpins his emphasis
on discourse, Habermas seeks to defend a utopian vision of society by elaborating a critical
theory of society based on communication and the public sphere. Discuss.
7) Max Weber, Peter Blau, Elisabeth Beck-Gernsheim and Georg Simmel each place the
individual centrally within their respective analyses of society. An examination of these
theories reveals different ideals about individualism and its role in social transformation.
Explain this statement in relation to two of the original writings of two of the theorists
mentioned and specific examples.

Essay assessment guidelines

Writing and research guidelines: Base your answer to each of these questions initially on a
thorough evaluation of the course literature for SCLG 2601. You may then draw on additional
sociological research, where appropriate.
Notes on essay presentation: Include a header/footer with personal and course details. On your title
page, include the essay question typed in full and the word count (bibliography is excluded in your
word count). Make sure to number each page, use 12 point standard font and double line spacing.
Long quotes are to be single spaced indented and referenced appropriately.
Notes on referencing: Please use in text citations (any appropriate method e.g. Harvard). Please note
that every idea you use in your essay needs to be cited including the page number. Any text that is
taken from a source needs to be placed in quotation marks and cited with the source clearly marked
including page number. Online sources are not encouraged.
Comparison: Most essay questions require a comparison between at least two theorists . Some
questions require a comparison between classical and contemporary theorists.
Explaining the ideas: The essay requires you to engage directly with the ideas of the theorists. That
means that you will need to base the exposition or outline of the theories on their original works. You
may use the required reading as a starting point when you are explaining the theories and build from
there. You may also draw on secondary sources, but an essay based entirely on secondary sources is
unsatisfactory. The course outline lists excellent secondary sources and critiques which you may also
consider consulting. You are also encouraged to conduct your own research and include other relevant
sociological sources in making your argument. In this subject it is very important to demonstrate your
knowledge of the actual theories and surrounding debates.
Proving your argument: Always provide the evidence for your claims by way of direct quotes and
citations. Unlike other subjects, or units of study, quoting directly from your sources is encouraged in
your sociological theory essay. You are also expected to cite specific page numbers for every idea you
take from a particular source. This is how you mark out your research trail in a scholarly essay and
how you show the marker that it is your argument.
Length: 2500 words (no more than 100 words up and no less than 300 words down, so stick to the
word limit). Be sure to include an accurate word count.
Essay consultation: Will be available at specific times by arrangement with your tutor. Please note
that I am also happy to schedule times to meet students in my office for this, but will not be available
to consult by email.