Social theory

1. To acquaint students with the idea of sociological paradigms and the tools for understanding and evaluating specific paradigms; 2. To introduce students to the “sociological canon” of major works in sociological theory; 3. To introduce students to the form, content, and practice of current debates in sociological theory; 4. To demonstrate the importance of sociological theory as a part of sociological research and practice; and 5. To consider critically the possibilities for empirical application and testing of social theory.