Back to Classical Sociological Theory
University of Amsterdam

Classical Sociological Theory

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.

Status: Social Sciences
Status: Culture
Course13 hours

Featured reviews

SJ

5.0Reviewed Aug 25, 2020

A concise and straightforward course on the classical theories of Sociology. I appreciate that it is presented in a non-jargon way that doesn't assume prior knowledge in the learner.

IS

5.0Reviewed Jul 10, 2021

The course was great. The professor was very excited about the thing he was teaching and that makes me more interested in the lecture. got a great insight about the classical sociology.

LM

5.0Reviewed Jun 20, 2024

This course was well presented and there were no surprises. I had a little trouble with the reading material but the professor was amazing. This is important as I just want to learn.

KK

5.0Reviewed Aug 26, 2017

i began this class to review more of de Tocqueville and still have not had time to do so; however, i still prefer TocQ to all of these other thinkers. Wonderful experience... thank so much!!! <3

D

5.0Reviewed Sep 29, 2018

An amazing and interesting course to grasp the very basics of sociological theory. Clear and deep ideas of the authors are explained with interesting examples and motivating readings!!!

RR

5.0Reviewed Mar 15, 2021

A good lecturer method It made me feel the greatness of the founding fathers and the importance of this science in our time Thank you to the University of Amsterdam for this opportunity

AY

5.0Reviewed Nov 15, 2020

amazing professor sharing beautiful simplified insights about super amazing brains. i feel almost new after taking this course . knowledge does change you for good and i am happy being changed

A

5.0Reviewed Aug 25, 2025

This is a quality course. The way it's put together and presented is excellent. The content is well thought out too. And the presenter is engaging and so is interesting to listen to.

MS

5.0Reviewed Mar 8, 2018

Awesome course, very clearly structured, nicely presented and interesting. Sociological theories relate to so many aspects of daily life - it's good to take some time to study the classics!

EB

5.0Reviewed Feb 14, 2018

Great course, absolutely loved the teacher and his passion and how he explains difficult notions with so much ease. I would definitely recommend this course, it is a great first look into sociology.

GL

5.0Reviewed Apr 13, 2020

Absolutely wonderful course. It gives you the basis of the greatest classic sociologist's theories in a very clear and friendly way. The lectures are easy to understand and fun to watch.

RM

5.0Reviewed Mar 16, 2024

This is a well made course for me to understand the history of sociology and how its teachings have an effect on modern beliefs in all aspects of life. Looking forward to the next class.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 840

Eva Bruenisholz
5.0
Reviewed Feb 15, 2018
Santosh Radhakisan Kadu
5.0
Reviewed Apr 28, 2020
Michelle Goodwin
3.0
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5.0
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Samar Saadany
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Reviewed Jan 7, 2019
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DANIEL DIAZ MAYORGA
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S M
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Phoenix Woolnough
5.0
Reviewed Jun 29, 2020