Readings

Classical Social Theory: Chapters 2, 3, 5, 12

Contemporary Social Theory: Chapter 3

Class Notes

Description of Exam #2

Part A. All students will answer this question related to Emile Durkheim (15 points).

• Define these terms as they are used by Durkheim: mechanical and organic solidarity, division of labor, anomie.
• Describe the collective conscience and how it influences human behavior.
• Describe the key perspective by which Emile Durkheim views society. What do sociologists gain by viewing society from the perspective of Durkheim?
• Describe one key limitation to the way that Emile Durkheim views society.

Part B. Students are asked to respond to questions related to two of the following four areas of social thought. Each response will be valued at 15 points.

1. Questions Related to Auguste Comte.
   • Define these terms as they are used by Comte: social physics, social statistics, social dynamics, division of labor, organic analogy.
   • Describe the law of the three stages.
   • Describe the key perspective by which Auguste Comte views society. What do sociologists gain by viewing society from the perspective of Comte?
   • Describe one key limitation to the way that Auguste Comte views society.
   
   
2. Questions Related to Herbert Spencer.
   • Define these terms as they are used by Spencer: survival of the fittest, cultural evolution, societal complexity, differentiation of functions.
   • Describe the two classifications of society.
   • Describe the key perspective by which Herbert Spencer views society. What do sociologists gain by viewing society from the perspective of Spencer?
   • Describe one key limitation to the way that Herbert Spencer views society.
   
   
3. Questions Related to Talcott Parsons.
   • Define these terms as they are used by Parsons: the four functional imperatives, the pattern variables.
   • Describe how Parsons views social change.
   • Describe the key perspective by which Talcott Parsons views society. What do sociologists gain by viewing society from the perspective of Parsons?
   • Describe one key limitation to the way that Talcott Parsons views society.
   
   
4. Questions Related to Robert Merton.
   • Define these terms as they are used by Merton: anomie, manifest and latent functions, dysfunctions, theories of the middle range.
   • Describe the importance of empirical research as outlined by Merton.
   • Describe the key perspective by which Robert Merton views society. What do sociologists gain by viewing society from the perspective of Merton?
   • Describe one key limitation to the way that Robert Merton views society.

Help Session

The help session for this exam is scheduled for Thursday, February 16, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We will meet on the first floor of East Hall and find an open classroom to hold the help session.

Dr. Sapp's Office Hours are MWF, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., or by appointment. Students are invited to come to the office at any time to discuss the class materials.