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: Research Methodologies
Status: Social Studies
Course13 hours

Featured reviews

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.

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.

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.

SK

5.0Reviewed Apr 27, 2020

Nice course , the Professor has delivered each lecture very interestingly. It provides basic understanding and relevance of Classical sociological theories to contemporary studies too. Thank you.

SS

5.0Reviewed Jan 6, 2019

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.

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

RB

5.0Reviewed Mar 9, 2020

Very interesting course with a good teachers. enjoyed the video's, not too long but a good indepth session on the topic. wondering if the Modern Sociological Theory MooC will be as good as this one

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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
Reviewed Oct 31, 2016
Andrés Tibaduiza Landínez
5.0
Reviewed Apr 2, 2021
Samar Saadany
5.0
Reviewed Jan 7, 2019
Divyang Thakkar
5.0
Reviewed Oct 29, 2018
Alex Snowsill
2.0
Reviewed Mar 10, 2020
Miguel Avalos
5.0
Reviewed Sep 7, 2018
Najib
5.0
Reviewed Jan 15, 2019
Manoj Joseph
5.0
Reviewed Jan 21, 2016
Alex Tyulyupo
4.0
Reviewed Mar 3, 2016
Shanto Ganguly
5.0
Reviewed Sep 30, 2017
Marek Muszyński
5.0
Reviewed Aug 9, 2020
Lynda Şekerci
5.0
Reviewed Jul 24, 2017
Eddy Chouity
5.0
Reviewed Aug 17, 2021
Wilson Franco
5.0
Reviewed Jan 17, 2017
DANIEL DIAZ MAYORGA
5.0
Reviewed Dec 4, 2016
S M
5.0
Reviewed May 30, 2020
john lee
5.0
Reviewed Mar 8, 2019
Phoenix Woolnough
5.0
Reviewed Jun 29, 2020