150016020 FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL THEORY ( 3 Crd.Hrs )

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to major thinkers and concepts in social theory. Social theory is the basis for our understanding of Society and the Social World, be it economic, social or political. This course takes a historic framework and starts with 18th century Europe and the formation of the modern world. The students will be introduced to key concepts and theories that have informed our understanding of our social world to this day. We will start with the age of the Enlightenment and the formation of the modern world with an emphasis on secularization and differentiation theories reaching to our current era of Globalization. We will examine key concepts and how they have affected our social being such as the state, the economy and society and how culture, religion, identity, democracy, class, structure and conflict play a role in shaping societies and their development.