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Classical Sociological Thought [1]

Paper Code: 
25CSOC301
Credits: 
6
Contact Hours: 
6.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course Objectives:

The course introduces the students to the classical sociological thinkers, whose work has shaped the discipline of sociology.

 

18.00
Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course

Title

25CSOC301

Classical Sociological Thought

(Theory)

CO13: Examine the thoughts  of August Comte to establish the scientific nature of sociology

CO14. Analyze the Marxian ideology of class conflict and alienation and relate it to contemporary society

CO15: Develop insights for interpreting social phenomena on the basis of views of Durkheim

CO16: Interpret social processes on the basis of ideas of Weber

CO17:Investigate the relevance of views of Spencer in the contemporary scenario

CO18:  Contribute effectively in course specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Research paper based assignments

 

 

Learning activities for the students: Self- learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation.

 

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation
 

 

Unit I: 
Unit I:
  • August Comte:Positivism, Law of Three Stages

 

18.00
Unit II: 
Unit II:
  • Karl Marx:Materialist Conception of History, Class and Class Struggle,
    Concept of alienation

 

18.00
Unit III: 
Unit III:
  • Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Division of Labour in society

 

18.00
Unit IV: 
Unit IV:
  • Max Weber: Social Action, Types of Authority,
    Bureaucracy

 

18.00
Unit V: 
Unit V:
  • Herbert Spencer: Evolutionary Approach, Types of societies

 

 

Essential Readings: 

Essential Readings:

  • Jayapalan, N. 2001. Sociological Theories. Atlantic Publisher, pp.97-115.
  • Calhoun, J. Craig, 2007. Classical Sociological Theory. 2nd Edition. Blackwell, pp.205-274.
  • Ritzer, George, 2010(8th edition). Sociological Theory, New York: Mc Graw Hill

 

References: 

Suggested Readings:

  • Marx, K. and Friedrich Engels.2002. The Communist Manifesto, Harmondsworth : Penguin.
  • Aron, R. 1967. Main Currents in Sociological Thought. London: Weidenfield
    and Nicholson, Vol. 1. pp. 107-180.
  • Durkheim, E. 1958. The Rules of Sociological Method. Glencoe: Free Press, Chapters 1 and 3.
  • Jones R.A. 1986, Emile Durkheim: An Introduction to Four Major Works.

London: Sage. Chapters 3 and 4.

  • Gerth, H.H. and C. Wright Mills (eds.) 1948. From Max Weber: Essays in Sociology.London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, Introduction.

 

e-Resources:

 

JOURNALS:

  • Journal of Sociology, Sage Publications
  • Sociological Bulletin, Sage Publications

 

 

Academic Session: 
2025-26 [6]

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Source URL: https://www.sociology.iisuniv.ac.in/courses/subjects/classical-sociological-thought-1

Links:
[1] https://www.sociology.iisuniv.ac.in/courses/subjects/classical-sociological-thought-1
[2] https://www.youtube.com/embed/yJ70x9g2G0k
[3] https://www.youtube.com/embed/JJ0nFD19eT8
[4] https://ndl.iitkgp.ac.in/homestudy/humanities
[5] https://ccsuniversity.ac.in/bridge-library/pdf/Unit-33_Social%20Change.pdf
[6] https://www.sociology.iisuniv.ac.in/academic-session/2025-26