You have freedom in the ways that you meet the objectives specified in this
syllabus. Discuss modifications you wish to make with the instructor.
Assignments:
The
student will complete the following assignments in the time period of this
course:
1)
A written journal will be kept while reading the above texts.
This journal will be used by the student as a way of organizing
thoughts while reading, taking notes on the literature, and for posing any
questions for discussion and is not to be turned in for credit. Not graded
2)
The Hoover book will serve to shape discussion and serve as a reference
book for the remaining assignments. The
student will draw from each chapter issues or questions for discussion.
3)
The student will conduct a literature search for scholarly books and
articles in a field or fields of interest within social science.
At least 10 articles will be selected in collaboration with the course
consultant and a literature review will be submitted with summaries of the
objectives, methods, and outcomes of the 10 selected articles. Length
and format of the review are up to you - aim for ~10 pages (25% of final grade)
4)
A reaction paper will be written in response to Kuhn and the third
selected book of the student’s choice.
The paper will focus in Kuhn’s concept of paradigmatic shift and use
this concept to evaluate the book of the student’s choice.
Recommended books will be found in a separate bibliography; others may
be added from time-to-time. Any
book not on the recommended list should be discussed with the instructor,
first. Length and format of the reaction paper are up to you - aim for
~10 pages (25% of final grade).
5)
The student will prepare a final project to be turned in at the
conclusion of the course. The
topic of this project will be decided midway through the semester while the
student is involved in reading the required texts and developing the
bibliography. Choose one of the following two options
5a. Scholarly paper (15-20 pages, citation style appropriate to your
sub-discipline) showing critical thought, analysis and synthesis applying and or critiquing one
(or
more) theories of social philosophy as they pertain to a current social
theoretic dilemma. This
issue can be personal, social, or professional.
5b. Complete an individualized activity or project. The focus of this project
should be one that is relevant to your educational goals and interests, acceptable to the
instructor, and pertinent to the course objectives outlined above. This activity may take may
take many forms; e.g. an article submitted for publication, documentation of the application
of theory in a real-world conflict resolution, a field study in applied social
science, or a creative
pursuit showing command and application of social theory.
(35% of final grade)
6) Participate in the class online forum. Post at
least 3 good messages a week. (15% of final grade)
6) In consultation with the student’s advisor, the student will develop
the first draft of a degree plan and submit this to their advisor by the end
of the term. (Ungraded.)
7. As we speak, so we are. Engaging this material requires study, reflection
and interpretation. The questions we ask are often more instructive than the answers
given.
I have developed a list of ideas
related to classic, modern
and contemporary social theory. As you read, define these terms. Note, where
you can, who coined them, how the definitions change. In your annotations,
keep a list of bibliographic citations where the term is first used or
where a particularly clear or useful definition given.
Your annotated definitions (quality is more important than
quantity - you need not complete the list and do augment it with terms of your
own choosing) are due at the end of the semester Ungraded.
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