ABOUT SOCIOLOGY 105A

Sociology 105A is the first part in a two-part series on sociological theory that is required of all majors in Sociology at UCSC. While Socy 105B (the second course) addresses contemporary theory, Socy 105A provides a perspective on the historical and theoretical foundations of Sociology with particular emphasis on Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim, and W.E.B Do Bois, among others. This course will explore intersections between historical accounts of key concepts in contemporary Sociology such as power, class, social status, and social solidarity. We will use source texts from the classical Sociological cannon as a framework for understanding the profound changes wrought on the West by the shift from feudalism to modernity. We will extend our analysis by examining how classical theory does (or doesn’t) help us understand the contemporaneous social world.

Sociology 105A fulfills a DC (Disciplinary Communication) requirement. In practical terms, this means you will be writing more than in most Sociology classes. However, we have a much lower ratio of TAs to students in DC classes, so you will have plenty of resources to help you along the way.

A lot of students approach theory classes with a sense of fear and dread. I don't recommend this! Instead, come to it with an open and curious mind. There are so many neat ideas contained herein; that's partly why so many of them have stood the test of time. And even when we find that they don't apply so well to the world we live in now, there is much to appreciate about the process of learning to read and critique these scholars who were groundbreaking in their own time. My personal commitment is to bring a sense of ( -- wait for it-- ) FUN AND ADVENTURE to this class! We will nerd out together and have a good time doing it.

While some of our texts are challenging, let me be the first to tell you that they are challenging for pretty much everyone. This older theory can seem like a new language -- but it's a new language that you, too, can learn. Fun fact: I once ugly-cried in a theory seminar. I wish someone had told me that it was normal to find it a little baffling at first, as I am telling you now. My goal for this class is to support you and show you how capable you are. My promise is that you will walk out of this class with an appreciation for older theory and an appreciation for your newly discovered ability to understand and critique it.