Social Theory (SOCL 502)

Spring 2008

Class Presentations

Students are responsible for a 5-10 minute presentation, and a 10-15 minute discussion on one of the social theorists.  You will sign up in pairs to give a presentation and be the class discussion leaders on one of the readings from Kivisto’s book, Social Theory: Roots and Branches.  If the theorist you choose has multiple readings, you may choose one specific reading.  The date on which you will have to be discussion leader will be listed on the sign up sheet.  Key issues that will help you develop your presentation are listed below.  You can present your findings in a traditional lecture format, or you can be creative and engage in dramatizations, group activities, etc.  Students who attend to all of the questions listed below will receive better grades than those who do not. 

PRESENTATION:

1. Note the personal characteristics, family life, friends, education, and profession of each theorist.

2. What was the social, economic, and political context in which he was living and how might these have influenced his/her thinking?

3. Know the important concepts, ideas, and theories associated with the theorist.

4. Which major theories (functionalist, conflict, SI) did he/she influence and how?

5. How does he describe the relationship between the individual and society?

6. How did he describe social change?

7. What other theories/theorists influenced him?

8. How did he influence the discipline of sociology?

DISCUSSION

• You will be responsible for sending out a list of 5 questions about the article that we may discuss in class. 
• You will need to send this email to the class list serve at least 2 days in advance.
• However, half of your grade will come from sending me your questions exactly one week prior to your presentation.  By doing so, I can help you out and redirect you towards any missed opportunities to address key issues.
• I will help facilitate class discussion.
• But you and your partner will lead class discussion for 10-15 minutes.

POTENTIAL IDEAS FOR QUESTIONS:

• Does your article frame their research in terms of a specific theory?  If so, ask the class to look for the answer to this question.  If not, ask the class to describe the theory they thought was central to the research.
• Ask questions about the methodology: What was it?  Was the paper just theoretical, or was data collected?  Address methodological problems or ask how this research could be applied to the current world.
• Frame a current social issue in light of your article: Come up with discussion topics applying your article’s theory to your current topic (EX: Economy, Class, Race, Gender, Sexuality, Politics, Family, Education, etc.)
• Ask the class or various students to sum up the article in three sentences.
• These are just some of the questions you can ask.  You will ask the class to answer these questions.
• Be creative, you can even ask for class participation in some sort of activity.