Classical social theory

This course is an introduction to some formative ideas of classical sociology.

We will study these ideas in relation to one-another, as well as in relation to the historical contexts in which they arose. We will think about how these ideas fit into their original circumstances, and how they remain relevant to our lives today.

The work of the course involves reading a selection of classic texts, and applying them to discussion of our contemporary experience. This discussion will be oriented by two overarching themes: the idea that human beings are social subjects, and the idea that human beings are capable of social progress.