SD1S021 - Classical Sociological Theories 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: SD1S021
Module Title: Classical Sociological Theories
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group:
Faculty Sub Group:
Module Leader: David Morgans
Module Team: Steve Smith, Wendy Booth, David Phillips
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100505 - sociology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to provide a reasonably comprehensive introduction to classical sociological theories and theorists and issues arising from their work. It will cover classical sociological theory from its origins in the Enlightenment period to the post World War II period. The module is concerned with these broad movements of thought with a focus on specific theorists and a close reading of extracts from classic texts. Students will acquire an in-depth knowledge of the work of major classical sociological theorists. 

The objectives of this module are to:? 

  • Become familiar with key sociological concepts and ideas. 

  • Develop and practice conceptual skills. 

  • Explore a variety of sociological concepts and theorising. 

  • Examine both individual thinkers and particular topics to illustrate changing understandings of the relationship between structure and agency in sociological thinking both across time and in relation to current debates.

Content Summary

This module provides an introduction to the major issues and controversies surrounding the definition, development and teaching of 'classical' social theory. It introduces students to the key problems that have set the agendas for sociological inquiry as well as the main concepts and theoretical traditions that have shaped sociological thought. A considerable debate surrounds the meaning of ‘classical’ social theory and what should be associated with this term. For some, ‘classical’ social theory refers to ideas developed by a generation of thinkers whose works belong to a particular period of our cultural/intellectual history. Others understand this as a label for ‘canonical’ texts that define the project and enterprise of sociology. For many, it simply means the works of Karl Marx, Émile Durkheim, Max Weber and Georg Simmel (the so-called ‘founding fathers’ of the discipline). Classical sociology has also been identified as a critical tradition of placing society in question so as individuals may be better equipped to understand how their personal troubles are the product of determining socio-economic structures and processes. Each of these approaches to understanding ‘classical’ social theory will be explored and analysed. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminars 40
Independent Study 88
Directed Study 72
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 To demonstrate basic knowledge and the historical contexts of key sociological theories and concepts in the 'classical' tradition.
LO2 To present, evaluate, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data and develop lines of argument in accordance with basic theories and concepts

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 An essay on sociological theory and social issues 0 1500 50 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) Onsite Open Book Examination 1 A list of questions (about 10 in total) will be provided. Students need to select one question from the top 5 and another one from the bottom 5 120 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Essay 1 ✔ ✔
Onsite Open Book Examination 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

  • Abercrombie Nicholas (2004), Sociology. Cambridge, Polity 

  • Adams, B. N. and Sydie, R. A. (2002) Classical Sociological Theory, Sage Publications 
    Allan, K. (2012 3rd edition) Explorations in Classical Social Theory: Seeing the World, Sage Publications 

  • Appelrouth S,  Desfor Edles L, Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory, Sage (2021) 

  • Bauman Zygmunt, May Tim, (2019), Thinking sociologically, New York, John Wiley and Sons 

  • Ashley, D. and Orenstein, D. M. (2005) Sociological Theory: Classical Statements (6th edn), Allyn and Bacon 

  • Callinicos, A. (2007 2nd edition) Social Theory: A Historical Introduction, Polity 

  • Craib, I. (1997) Classical Social Theory: An Introduction to the thought of Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Simmel, Oxford, OUP 

  • Cuff  E.C., Sharrock W.W. and Francis D .W,  (2016) Perspectives In Sociology,, London Routledge 

  • Dillon, M. (2010) Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts and their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell 

  • Hall, S. and Gieben, B. (1992) Formations of Modernity, Cambridge: Polity 

  • Hughes, John A, Martin, Peter J., Sharrock, W. W. (2001) Understanding?classical sociology?: Marx, Weber, Durkheim, London, Sage 

  • Jones, P. Bradbury, L and Le Boutiller, S. (2011) Introducing Social Theory, Cambridge: Polity 

  • Knuttila M. and Magnan André, (2002) Introducing Sociology: A Critical Perspective – 5nd edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press. 

  • Lee, David, Newby, Howard, (1994) The Problem Of Sociology: An Introduction To The Discipline,, London, Routledge 

  • Meghji, A. (2021) Decolonizing Sociology: An Introduction, Cambridge: Polity 

  • Morrison, K. (1995) Marx Durkheim and Weber: Foundations of Modern Social Theory, Sage Publications 

  • Punch Samantha, Marsh Ian, (2013), Sociology: Making Sense Of Society, England ; New York, Pearson Longman 

  • Ritzer George, (2011), Sociological Theory, McGraw-Hill  

  •                       — (2003) The Blackwell Companion To Major Classical Social Theorists, Oxford , Blackwell Publishing 

  • Sayer, Derek, (1991), Capitalism And Modernity: An Excursus On Marx And Weber, London ; New York : Routle 

  • Stones Rob, (2017), Key Sociological Thinkers, Palgrave 

  • Turner Bryan S,  (1999) Classical sociology, London, Sage