Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 13 hours
- Course by University of Amsterdam
-
Offered by
About
This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) will offer the participants an introduction into the most important classical sociological readings between the 18th and 20th century. Highly influential social science scholars, such as Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, will be discussed during 8 sessions. Combined with small tests, based on the video’s and recommended readings, the participants will be encouraged to dive deeply into the complex texts and get familiar with classical sociological concepts that are still very relevant today.Modules
Welcome
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2
Readings
2
Readings
- Welcome note
- Transcripts
Lectures
-
8
Videos
8
Videos
- 1.1 What is this course about?
- 1.2 Implicit Theories in Everyday Life
- 1.3 What is Sociological Theory?
- 1.4 Founding Fathers
- 1.5 Sociology in the Modern Industrial Age
- 1.6 Linking Classical to Contemporary Theories
- 1.7 The Sociological Theoretical Field
- 1.8 Aims and Claims of this Course
Readings
-
1
Readings
1
Readings
- Classical Sociological Theory - An Introduction
Quiz
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Classical Sociological Theory - An Introduction
Lectures
-
7
Videos
7
Videos
- 2.1 The Fable of the Bees
- 2.2 The Invisible Hand
- 2.3 The Division of Labour
- 2.4 The Wealth of Nations
- 2.5 Exchange and Self-interest
- 2.6 Social Stratification
- 2.7 The Importance of Adam Smith
Readings
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) and Adam Smith (1723-1790)
Test
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) and Adam Smith (1723-1790)
Lectures
-
8
Videos
8
Videos
- 3.1 Religious and Scientific Knowledge
- 3.2 The Law of the Three Stages of the Human Mind
- 3.3 Sociology as a Means to Establish Social Harmony
- 3.4 The Law of the Classification of Sciences
- 3.5 Religious Thought as Starting Point
- 3.6 Comte’s Religion of Humanity
- 3.7 Early Functionalism
- 3.8 The Importance of Auguste Comte
Readings
-
1
Readings
1
Readings
- Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
Test
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
Lectures
-
8
Videos
8
Videos
- 4.1 Tocqueville as a Precursor of Modern Sociology
- 4.2 An Aristocratic Perspective
- 4.3 On Democratisation
- 4.4 The Dominance of the Middle-Class
- 4.5 The Dangers of Centralisation
- 4.6 Grassroots Politics as the Heart of Democracy
- 4.7 ‘Revolutions Will Become Rare’
- 4.8 Tocqueville’s Predictions
Readings
-
1
Readings
1
Readings
- Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)
Test
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)
Lectures
-
8
Videos
8
Videos
- 5.1 The Unexpected Force of Social Thought
- 5.2 Economic Chains of Interdependency
- 5.3 Homo Faber
- 5.4 Alienation
- 5.5 Class Struggle
- 5.6 Caught in the Capitalist System
- 5.7 Class Consciousness
- 5.8 Marx’s Predictions
Readings
-
1
Readings
1
Readings
- Karl Marx (1818-1883)
Tests
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Karl Marx (1818-1883)
Lectures
-
8
Videos
8
Videos
- 6.1 Establishing a New Science
- 6.2 Mechanic and Organic Solidarity
- 6.3 Social Facts
- 6.4 Suicide, a Sociological Study
- 6.5 Egoistic and Altruistic Suicide
- 6.6 Anomic and Fatalistic Suicide
- 6.7 The Elementary Forms of Religious Life
- 6.8 The Social Functions of Religion
Readings
-
1
Readings
1
Readings
- Émile Durkheim (1858-1917)
Test
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Émile Durkheim (1858-1917)
Lectures
-
8
Videos
8
Videos
- 7.1 Value-Free Sociology
- 7.2 Understanding Social Action
- 7.3 The Ideal Type
- 7.4 Methodological Individualism
- 7.5 The Four Ideal Types of Social Action
- 7.6 The Three Ideal Types of Authority
- 7.7 Rationalisation
- 7.8 The Protestant Ethic and The Spirit of Capitalism
Readings
-
1
Readings
1
Readings
- Max Weber (1864-1920)
Test
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Max Weber (1864-1920)
Lectures
-
8
Videos
8
Videos
- 8.1 The Last of the Great Classic Sociologists
- 8.2 Introduction to the Civilizing Process
- 8.3 The Social Constraint Towards Self-Constraint
- 8.4 The Conditions of Civilisation
- 8.5 The Importance of Norbert Elias
- 8.6 A Base for Contemporary Studies
- 8.7 Figurational Processes
- 8.8 Classical Sociological Theories: a Focus on Long Term Trends
Readings
-
1
Readings
1
Readings
- Norbert Elias (1897-1990)
Test
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Norbert Elias (1897-1990)
Final Test
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Final Test
Auto Summary
Explore the foundational works of sociology with the "Classical Sociological Theory" course, designed to immerse you in the pivotal readings from the 18th to the 20th century. This comprehensive program, offered by Coursera, delves into the groundbreaking ideas of renowned social scientists such as Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim over 8 engaging sessions. Through a combination of detailed video lectures and recommended readings, participants will gain a deep understanding of key sociological concepts that continue to influence contemporary thought. The course spans 780 minutes of intensive study, supplemented by small tests to reinforce learning and ensure comprehension of the complex materials. Available under Starter and Professional subscription plans, this foundational level course is ideal for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge in the realm of personal development and sociology. Perfect for students, professionals, or anyone with a keen interest in social sciences, this program provides a robust platform to explore and appreciate classical sociological theories.
Bart van Heerikhuizen
Danny de Vries