Readings

Classical Social Theory: Chapters 7-11

Class Notes

Description of Exam #4

Part A. All students will answer this question related to Max Weber (15 points).

• Define these terms as they are used by Weber: bureaucracy, verstehen, rationalization.
• Describe the Protestant Ethic.
• Describe the key perspective by which Max Weber views society. What do sociologists gain by viewing society from the perspective of Weber?
• Describe one key limitation to the way that Max Weber 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 Charles Cooley.
   • Define these terms as they are used by Cooley: looking glass self, primary and secondary groups.
   • Describe how Cooley defines the social act.
   • Describe the key perspective by which Charles Cooley views society. What do sociologists gain by viewing society from the perspective of Cooley?
   • Describe one key limitation to the way that Charles Cooley views society.
   
   
2. Questions Related to George Herbert Mead.
   • Define these terms as they are used by Mead: mind, self, and society; I and me.
   • Describe what Mead means by the generalized other and how this concept is important to understanding stages of an individual's development.
   • Describe the key perspective by which George Herbert Mead views society. What do sociologists gain by viewing society from the perspective of Mead?
   • Describe one key limitation to the way that George Herbert Mead views society.
   
   
3. Questions Related to Thorstein Veblen.
   • Define these terms as they are used by Veblen: conspicuous consumption, cultural lag.
   • Describe Veblen's theory of the leisure class.
   • Describe the key perspective by which Thornstein Veblen views society. What do sociologists gain by viewing society from the perspective of Veblen?
   • Describe one key limitation to the way that Thornstein views society.
   
   
4. Questions Related to Karl Mannheim.
   • Define these terms as they are used by Mannheim: ideology and utopia, sociology of knowledge.
   • Describe how Mannheim views planned social reconstruction.
   • Describe the key perspective by which Karl Mannheim views society. What do sociologists gain by viewing society from the perspective of Mannheim?
   • Describe one key limitation to the way that Karl Mannheim views society.

Help Session

The help session for this exam is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27, 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.