This course will introduce students to sociology - the study of society and how the concept of society itself emerges as an object of research and analysis.
The first part of the course will cover the emergence of sociology as a scientific discipline linked to the French Revolution and the industrialization of England, the "dual revolutions" often thought of as heralding the beginning of modern society. Students will learn about the key thinkers who have contributed to the theoretical underpinnings of the field, including August Comte. Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber.
The second part of the course will consider how social stratification (of gender, race, caste, etc.) became central to the study of society and in movements for social change.
Finally, in the last part of the course, the course will look at how contemporary sociologists have analyzed issues such as consumer society, the information age, and globalization.
Through core assignments (internal assessments), students will learn how to analyze texts and interpret sociological materials.
Essential Readings:
1. The Scientific Revolution, pp. 560-575; The Enlightenment, pp. 672-679
2. Industrialization and Social Change, pp. 821-864
3. Karl Marx, Capital, pp.351-361; Manifesto of the Communist Party, pp. 473-483
4. Max Weber, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, pp. 148-152
5. B.R. Ambedkar, Selected Readings on Caste, pp. 204-227
7. Tarabhai Shinde, "A Comparison Between Women and Men", pp. 221-236
8. W.E.B. DuBois, pp.333-336; The Souls of Black Folk, pp.5-15
9. M.K. Gandhi, "Revisiting Caste," pp. 284-290
10. Manuel Castells, "Introduction to the Information Age", pp. 40-48
8. Jean Baudrillard, "Consumer Society", pp. 29-56
