APU SOCI305 Full Course Latest 2018 September Question # 00599282 Subject: Education Due on: 03/11/2019 Posted On: 03/11/2019 10:22 AM Tutorials: 1 Rating: 4.8/5

SOCI305 Contemporary
Sociological Theory

Week 1 Forum

Choose one Question:

Question 1:

What was the Industrial Revolution and why was it important
for the development of sociological theory? What has changed since the days of
the Industrial Revolution? In other words, what major social changes have
occurred that sociological theorists would have to take into account in their
theories on the social world?

Or

Question 2:

On Structural Functionalism: Discuss the manifest and latent
functions behind everyday activities using examples from three different
aspects of your life, such as work, school, family, and/or other encounters
with the social world. You may choose, instead, to analyze the major manifest
and latent functions on a television show. If you choose to use a television
show, you must provide a brief synopsis of the show.

Course Objectives:
This discussion forum will develop your ability to do the following:

Define sociological theory

Identify and discuss the major social issues that influenced
the development of sociological theory.

Summarize historical theories and the manner in which their
work continues to hold relevance.

Instructions for all
Forums:

Each week, learners will post one initial post per
week. This post must demonstrate
comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in
the real world. Learners will engage
with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are
expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level
writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face
classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used
sparingly. If you quote a source
quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference
provided.

SOCI305 Contemporary
Sociological Theory

Week 2 Forum

Critical Theory & Exchange Theory

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Forum 2 – Choose one Question:

Question 1: Critical
Theory – Habermas:

While Jurgen Habermas derides mass culture for corrupting
our ability to reason, what role, if any, might education play in promoting
“The Rationalizing of the Life World”? Second, as a form of
technology, do you consider the Internet a potential way to improve or
communication in society, or does it harm it? Defend your response with
specific reference to the reading.

Or

Question 2: Exchange Theory

Peter Blau suggests that in calculating the potential
profits derived from interacting with others, individuals attempt to establish
a position of dominance. As such,
maximizing our own benefits is contingent upon having others dependent on us
for the rewards they seek. Do you think this motive characterizes all relationships? If your answer is yes, please explain why and
use examples. If your answer is no, what
other considerations might guide our interactions with others? What types of relationships are more likely
to generate such conditions?

Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your
ability to do the following:

Define sociological theory

Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary
sociology and the theorists associated with them

Summarize historical theories and the manner in which their
work continues to hold relevance.

Instructions for all Forums:

Each week, learners will post one initial post per
week. This post must demonstrate
comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in
the real world. Learners will engage
with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are
expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level
writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face
classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used
sparingly. If you quote a source
quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference
provided.

SOCI305 Contemporary
Sociological Theory

Week 3 Forum

Symbolic Interactionism & Dramaturgy

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Forum 3 – Choose one Question

Question 1: GH Mead

Mead claimed that an individual becomes an object to
him/herself. Please explain what Mead meant by this statement. In your answer
be sure to include and define the concepts of the social act, roles, and
“significant gestures.”

Or

Question 2: Dramaturgy

One of Goffman’s central concepts is impression management.
Please explain the concept of impression management as well as that of Stage
Theory and “performances.” Now walk us through your day, identifying times of
your day when you are on front stage and parts of your day when you are on back
stage. Be sure to explain the concepts of front and back stage and how the relate
to impression management.

Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your
ability to do the following:

Define sociological theory

Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary
sociology and the theorists associated with them

Analyze important developments in sociological theory,
including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the
growth of theory in the United States

Instructions for all Forums:

Each week, learners will post one initial post per
week. This post must demonstrate
comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in
the real world. Learners will engage
with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are
expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level
writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face
classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used
sparingly. If you quote a source
quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference
provided.

SOCI305 Contemporary
Sociological Theory

Week 4 Forum

Phenomenology & Ethnomethodology

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Forum 4 – Choose one Question:

Question 1: Phenomenology

Please explain how Alfred Schutz uses the concepts of
“subjective” and “objective” in describing the experience
people have of themselves and others. Next, give a specific example of how one
type of experience may have a “subjective”
meaning that runs counter to an “objective” meaning. (hint: think about an experience a person has
not had that he/she has expectations about, but has an actual experience that
is different from what they expect.)

Or

Question 2: Ethnomethodology

Describe the basic field of Ethnomethodolgy – what are the
main concerns of this perspective and how do they differ from traditional
sociological concerns? How do Garfinkle’s Breaching Experiments relate to the
main concern of Ethnomethodology?

Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your
ability to do the following:

Define sociology

Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary
sociology and the theorists associated with them.

Instructions for all Forums:

Each week, learners will post one initial post per
week. This post must demonstrate comprehension
of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in the real
world. Learners will engage with the
instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are
expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level
writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face
classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used
sparingly. If you quote a source
quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference
provided.

SOCI305 Contemporary
Sociological Theory

Week 5 Forum

Feminist Theory

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Forum 5 – only one question

Question:

Dorothy Smith claims that our knowledge of the world is
dependent on our particular social location (our standpoint) in the world. Explain Smith’s standpoint theory and
describe how your own particular social location influences your
taken-for-granted knowledge of the social world.

Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your
ability to do the following:

Define sociological theory

Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary
sociology and the theorists associated with them

Analyze important developments in sociological theory,
including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the
growth of theory in the United States

Instructions for all Forums:

Each week, learners will post one initial post per
week. This post must demonstrate
comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in
the real world. Learners will engage
with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are
expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level
writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face
classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used
sparingly. If you quote a source
quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference
provided.

SOCI305 Contemporary
Sociological Theory

Week 6 Forum

Poststructural & Postmodern Theories

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Forum 6 – only one question:

Question:

Foucault argued that today’s society can be thought of as a
disciplinary society because of the many technologies of surveillance that have
become a normal and routine daily activity. Modern day examples include routine
inspections in the workplace, rigorous training in procedures and protocols,
and standardized work quotas. Briefly describe Foucault’s disciplinary society
and offer examples of his theory from your daily life.

Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your
ability to do the following:

Define sociological theory

Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary
sociology and the theorists associated with them

Instructions for all Forums:

Each week, learners will post one initial post per
week. This post must demonstrate
comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in
the real world. Learners will engage
with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are
expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level
writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face
classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used
sparingly. If you quote a source
quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference
provided.

SOCI305 Contemporary
Sociological Theory

Week 7 Forum

Structuration Theory

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Forum 7 – only one question:

Question:

Anthony Giddens’ model of structuration argues that human
beings simultaneously create and maintain social structure. In other words,
what we do reinforces the very rules by which we do it. Giving specific reference
to your reading for Week 7, please provide at least TWO examples of
structuration. Also, please give meaningful feedback to your peers on their
contributions.

Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your
ability to do the following:

Define sociological theory

Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary
sociology and the theorists associated with them.

Analyze important developments in sociological theory,
including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the
growth of theory in the United States.

Instructions for all Forums:

Each week, learners will post one initial post per
week. This post must demonstrate
comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in
the real world. Learners will engage
with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are
expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level
writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face
classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used
sparingly. If you quote a source
quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference
provided.

SOCI305 Contemporary
Sociological Theory

Week 8 Forum

The Global Society

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Forum 8 – only one question:

Question: Where is the world headed with globalization –
what’s going to happen as globalization increases?

Please outline the two main perspectives regarding the
question of where globalization is taking us. Be sure you also describe the
“strong” version of each perspective as well as which theorist is associated
with that “strong” version. Next, draw on this knowledge to offer your own
analysis of where globalization is ultimately headed. Be sure to relate your
analysis to one of the two perspectives and describe whether your “version”
would be considered “strong” or “weak” and why. You do not have to adopt one of
the two perspectives as your own – you may have a completely different
perspective. However, be sure to compare/contrast it with at least one of the
two main perspectives under examination here.

Course Objectives: This discussion forum will develop your
ability to do the following:

Define sociological theory

Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary
sociology and the theorists associated with them.

Analyze important developments in sociological theory,
including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the
growth of theory in the United States.

Instructions for all Forums:

Each week, learners will post one initial post per
week. This post must demonstrate
comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in
the real world. Learners will engage
with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are
expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level
writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face
classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used
sparingly. If you quote a source
quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference
provided.

SOCI305 Contemporary
Sociological Theory

Week 3 Essay 1

Assignment Instructions

Choose one of the two questions to
write on. Essays must be at least 5 pages (not including title page and
abstract – abstract not necessary), and double-spaced. Essays must be in APA
format and sources must be properly cited. APA resources are available in our
online library and here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

Questions (choose one):

1. After completing the reading for
week one concerning Durkheim and Merton, please address the following in a
brief essay: 1) analyze in detail the basic tenets of the functionalist
perspective, and compare this to at least one other perspective in sociology;
2) although Durkheim and Merton did not write during the same era in sociology,
explain where their ideas are similar, and both contribute to a functionalist
understanding of society; and 3) utilizing and citing one recent case in the
media through television or radio broadcast, newspaper, and so forth, provide one
key example of a social issue that shows how the functionalist perspective can
be used to make society better.

2. Based upon your reading content
from Week 2, concerning the work of Jurgen Habermas, please address the
following in a brief essay: 1) explain
and give a key example of at least three components of his theory of
communicative action; 2) explain why or why not you think that applying his
theory of communicative action would be for the benefit of society; 3) provide
a concise definition of the “life world,” and give at least one example of how
the life world has been compromised, or damaged, in modern society.

Disclaimer

Originality of attachments will be
verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.

Course Objectives: This course
assessment will evaluate your ability to do the following:

Define sociological theory.

Identify major bodies of
theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with
them.

Analyze important developments in
sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory
that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.

Note:

This course has “Resubmission”
status enabled to help you if you realize you submitted an incorrect or blank
file, or if you need to submit multiple documents as part of your
Assignment. Resubmission of an
Assignment after it is graded, to attempt a better grade, is not permitted.

Grading Rubric

View the grading rubric so you
understand how you will be assessed on this Assignment. Click the grid icon at the top of this
instruction page, or the grid icon under “View iRubric” on the main
Assignments page.

SOCI305 Contemporary
Sociological Theory

Week 5 Essay 2

Choose one of the two questions to write on.
Essays must be at least 5 pages (not including title page and abstract –
abstract not necessary), and double-spaced. Essays must be in APA format and
sources must be properly cited. APA resources are available in our online
library and here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

Questions (choose one):

1. After reading the content
concerning symbolic interaction and dramaturgy (Mead and Goffman), please
address the following: 1) analyze the basic tenets of the symbolic interaction
perspective, according to the work of GH Mead, paying special attention to the
concept of “the self”; 2) Next, explain how the work of Erving Goffman
demonstrates key components of the symbolic interaction perspective; and 3)
given Goffman’s perspective, do you think it is reasonable to state that an
individual person does not have an immutable, unchanging self? Why or why not?
Please use specific concepts in your response.

2. Based upon your reading for week
number four concerning ethnomethodology, please address the following: 1)
summarize in a concise paragraph the basic tenets that underpin the
ethnomethodology viewpoint; 2) explain and give an example of how “documentary
interpretation” explains every day social life; and 3) explain in detail why
“conversation analysis” is considered to be a part of ethnomethodology.

Disclaimer

Originality of attachments will be
verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.

Course Objectives: This course
assessment will evaluate your ability to do the following:

Define sociological theory.

Identify and discuss the major
social issues that influenced the development of sociological theory.

Identify major bodies of
theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with
them.

Analyze important developments in
sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory
that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.

Summarize historical theories and
the manner in which their work continues to hold relevance.

Note:

This course has “Resubmission”
status enabled to help you if you realize you submitted an incorrect or blank
file, or if you need to submit multiple documents as part of your Assignment. Resubmission of an Assignment after it is
graded, to attempt a better grade, is not permitted.

Grading Rubric

View the grading rubric so you
understand how you will be assessed on this Assignment. Click the grid icon at the top of this
instruction page, or the grid icon under “View iRubric” on the main
Assignments page.

Course Objective One	Define sociological theory.
Course Objective Two	Identify and discuss the major social issues that influenced the development of sociological theory.
Course Objective Three	Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them.
Course Objective Four	Analyze important developments in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.
Course Objective Five	Summarize historical theories and the manner in which their work continues to hold relevance.

Choose one of the two questions to write
on. Essays must be at least 5 pages, and
double-spaced. Essays must be in APA
format and sources must be properly cited. See the syllabus and the Essay
Grading Rubrics below for more information.

Questions (choose one):

1.
After reading the section on the Commodification of Feelings on page
249, describe the basic premises of the idea of the commodification of feelings
and then present two different scenarios that clearly demonstrate this
concept. Your scenarios may be drawn
from news articles, Internet articles, movies, television, or your own personal
experience.

2.
In the field of ethnomethodology there is an emphasis on “accounting
practices” (page 297). Describe what
accounting practices are and how they can be both beneficial as well as
harmful. How do accounting practices fit
within the larger realm of ethnomethodological theory (in other words: describe
the general framework of ethnomethodological theory and its main
premises)? Next, find a news article in
which different people give accounts of one event, such as an account from two
different people of the chaos in the streets of New York directly following the
terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers. Are the accounting practices of the two
subjects similar or different? How are
they similar and/or how are they different?
What does this say about ethnomethodological theory?

SOCI305 Contemporary
Sociological Theory

Week 7 Essay 3

Choose one of the two
questions to write on. Essays must be at least 5 pages (not including title
page and abstract – abstract not necessary), and double-spaced. Essays must be
in APA format and sources must be properly cited. APA resources are available
in our online library and here:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

Questions (choose one):

1. Based upon our readings concerning the work of Pierre
Bourdieu, please address the following: a) define his concept of “habitus,”
specifically citing your reading material, and give at least ONE example of
this important concept; b) explain the role that habitus plays in creating
inequality (economic, political, social, etc.) between people in society; c)
give one example recently covered in the news media (say, within the last five
years, or so), that demonstrates how the accumulation of “cultural capital” can
be used to benefit a person, OR, how a lack of cultural capital can harm a
person.

2. Based upon our readings concerning the work of Anthony
Giddens, please address the following: a) explain the basic premises behind his
theory of structuration; b) drawing upon at least one other theorist (other
than Bourdieu) who we have covered, demonstrate TWO differences between the way
that Giddens would explain social action in comparison to the theorist you have
chosen; c) based upon your reading of Giddens, explain at least one aspect of
his theory that you think could improved. Defend your response.

Disclaimer

Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin.
Both you and your instructor will receive the results.

Course Objectives: This course assessment will evaluate your
ability to do the following:

Define sociological theory.

Identify and discuss the major social issues that influenced
the development of sociological theory.

Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary
sociology and the theorists associated with them.

Analyze important developments in sociological theory,
including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the
growth of theory in the United States.

Summarize historical theories and the manner in which their
work continues to hold relevance.

Note:

This course has “Resubmission” status enabled to help you if
you realize you submitted an incorrect or blank file, or if you need to submit
multiple documents as part of your Assignment.
Resubmission of an Assignment after it is graded, to attempt a better
grade, is not permitted.

Grading Rubric

View the grading rubric so you understand how you will be
assessed on this Assignment. Click the
grid icon at the top of this instruction page, or the grid icon under
“View iRubric” on the main Assignments page.