ANSO 206 - Social Theory

Institution:

Williams College

Subject:

Anthropology and Sociology

Description:

An introduction to social theory in anthropology and sociology. The course explores both disciplines' stances toward the puzzles of tradition and modernity through the works of major thinkers such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Freud, and others. In particular, the course examines ways in which the two disciplines approach the fundamental problems of human experience: how do men and women in different societies and epochs construct and maintain social order? How do they allocate authority, responsibility, and blame, as well as social prestige, power, and material wealth? How do they regulate sexual relationships and organize work? What systems of beliefs and reinforcing symbols do they fashion to come to grips with evil, misfortune, transgression, and mortality? What epistemological frameworks underpin their worlds? What happens when social worlds fall apart? The course also reconstructs the intellectual trajectories and social histories of both disciplines.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

ANTH 101 or SOC 101 or ANSO 205 or permission of the instructor

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Seminar

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.williams.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 597-3131

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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