This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) will offer the participants an introduction into the most important classical sociological readings between the 18th and 20th century. Highly influential social science scholars, such as Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, will be discussed during 8 sessions. Combined with small tests, based on the video’s and recommended readings, the participants will be encouraged to dive deeply into the complex texts and get familiar with classical sociological concepts that are still very relevant today.
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Classical Sociological Theory
University of AmsterdamAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
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started a new career after completing these courses
21%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 14 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Croatian
Learner Career Outcomes
19%
started a new career after completing these courses
21%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 14 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Croatian
Offered by
University of Amsterdam
A modern university with a rich history, the University of Amsterdam
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
2 hours to complete
Session 1: Classical Sociological Theory - An Introduction
In this session the field of classical sociological theory will be introduced. It explains the historical roots of sociology. It shows you why classical sociological theories are still important in modern societies and it explains the Aims and Claims of this Course.
2 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 45 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
8 videos
1.2 Implicit Theories in Everyday Life5m
1.3 What is Sociological Theory?4m
1.4 Founding Fathers5m
1.5 Sociology in the Modern Industrial Age5m
1.6 Linking Classical to Contemporary Theories6m
1.7 The Sociological Theoretical Field6m
1.8 Aims and Claims of this Course5m
3 readings
Welcome note10m
Transcripts10m
Classical Sociological Theory - An Introduction10m
1 practice exercise
Classical Sociological Theory - An Introduction20m
1 hour to complete
Session 2: Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) and Adam Smith (1723-1790)
This session explains the work of Adam Smith. It shows you how a poem written by Bernard Mandeville inspired Adam Smith. Adam Smith's theory shines light on the consequences of industrialization. You will learn what the consequences are of the Division of Labour.
1 hour to complete
7 videos (Total 44 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
7 videos
2.2 The Invisible Hand6m
2.3 The Division of Labour5m
2.4 The Wealth of Nations6m
2.5 Exchange and Self-interest5m
2.6 Social Stratification6m
2.7 The Importance of Adam Smith6m
1 reading
Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) and Adam Smith (1723-1790)10m
1 practice exercise
Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) and Adam Smith (1723-1790)20m
1 hour to complete
Session 3: Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
This session will cover the author of the word “sociology”, August Comte. He often engaged in theorizing the social world in order to attempt to discover invariant laws. Terms like “positivism”, “the law of the three stages” and “Functionalism” are prominent topics in this session. Comte believed that positivism could both advance science (theory) and change the ways people live their lives (practice).
1 hour to complete
8 videos (Total 48 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
8 videos
3.2 The Law of the Three Stages of the Human Mind7m
3.3 Sociology as a Means to Establish Social Harmony5m
3.4 The Law of the Classification of Sciences6m
3.5 Religious Thought as Starting Point5m
3.6 Comte’s Religion of Humanity6m
3.7 Early Functionalism5m
3.8 The Importance of Auguste Comte5m
1 reading
Auguste Comte (1798-1857)10m
1 practice exercise
Auguste Comte (1798-1857)24m
1 hour to complete
Session 4: Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)
Tocqueville’s works shaped 19th-century discussions of liberalism and equality, and were rediscovered in the 20th century as sociologists debated the causes and cures of tyranny and revolutions. His famous work “Democracy in America” remains widely read and even more widely quoted. This session will cover Tocqueville’s most important ideas.
1 hour to complete
8 videos (Total 48 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
8 videos
4.2 An Aristocratic Perspective6m
4.3 On Democratisation6m
4.4 The Dominance of the Middle-Class5m
4.5 The Dangers of Centralisation5m
4.6 Grassroots Politics as the Heart of Democracy6m
4.7 ‘Revolutions Will Become Rare’5m
4.8 Tocqueville’s Predictions5m
1 reading
Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)10m
1 practice exercise
Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)24m
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.
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