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.
Offered By
University of Amsterdam
About this Course
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Learners taking this Course are
- Assistants
- Social Workers
- Community Managers
- Translators
- Journalists
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
12 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.
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
Week
21 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.
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
Week
31 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).
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
Week
41 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.
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
4.8
309 Reviews21%
started a new career after completing these courses
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got a tangible career benefit from this course
Top reviews from Classical Sociological Theory
Simple,neat and interesting way of explaining the content. Didn't get bored. Good refreshment if you already know the stuff and good introduction if you are new to sociology. Professor is really nice.
This is a course which helps you understand the origin of Sociology. The content of this course includes all the sociologists who played a great role, also the lectures are delivered in a superb way.
Instructor
Bart van Heerikhuizen
Dr.Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
About University of Amsterdam
A modern university with a rich history, the University of Amsterdam
(UvA) traces its roots back to 1632, when the Golden Age school Athenaeum
Illustre was established to train students in trade and philosophy. Today,
with more than 30,000 students, 5,000 staff and 285 study programmes
(Bachelor's and Master's), many of which are taught in English, and a
budget of more than 600 million euros, it is one of the largest
comprehensive universities in Europe. It is a member of the League of
European Research Universities and also maintains intensive contact with
other leading research universities around the world.
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?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.