Classical Sociological Theories – Critical Analysis

You can check the attached instructions and grading rubric.

Briefly summarise the course readings literature and offer a critical analysis of the theoretical perspective.
You are expected to have at least two external scholarly sources to support your discussion. Ideally, this
should be an ‘introduction’ to your research paper.

Below is a list of theories/scholars that would be ideal for you to start with as you explore potential classical sociological theories for your papers. Here are the potential theoretical frameworks & scholars to consider for Critical Analysis Paper & Research Paper:

– Liberalism/Social Liberalism (Locke/Smith/…)
– New Utilitarianism (J.S. Mill)
– Early Socialist Thought (French Positivism & German Idealism)
– Karl Marx (theories of alienation, value, capital, etc…)
– First-wave feminist theory (Addams, Gilman)
– Marxist feminist theory (Alexandra Kollontai)
– Emile Durkheim (anomie, functionalism, division of labour, …)
– Max Weber (class/status/party, bureaucracy, disenchantment, …)
– W.E.B. DuBois (double consciousness, anti-racism, …)
– Georg Simmel (micro-social relations, web of group association, …)
– Sigmund Freud & Edward Bernays
– Antonio Gramsci & the Frankfurt School
– Elite Theory (Vilfredo Pareto)

*I will upload the readings once I hire you.

Grading Rubric:

Literature review (30 points)
 Summary of selected reading; including biographical sketch of scholar and his/her theoretical perspective(s)
 Include relevant aspects in relation to selected external sources

Critical analysis (50 points)
 Critically review the theoretical perspective – include a discussion of the challenges presented with the theory as well as the opportunities for improving the framework
 Supported arguments with at least two external scholarly sources

Organization, format & clarity (20 points)
 Well-organized presentation of material
 Clearly structured paper following APA format
 Grammar, spelling and word usage