Free online courseFoundations of Modern Social Theory
Duration of the online course: 19 hours and 44 minutes
New course
Explore the foundations of modern social theory with topics from Hobbes to Durkheim in this comprehensive free online course. Perfect for basic studies in sociology.
Course Description
The course "Foundations of Modern Social Theory," led by Iván Szelényi, spans a comprehensive 19 hours and 44 minutes. This course falls under the category of Basic studies, specifically within the subcategory of Sociology, and invites students to traverse the transformative ideas that have shaped modern social theory.
Beginning with an introduction, the course sets the stage for a deep dive into the philosophical underpinnings of social structures and relations. It starts by examining the foundational ideas of Thomas Hobbes, focusing on the concepts of authority, human rights, and social order. This sets the framework for understanding how societies maintain cohesion and authority.
The journey continues with John Locke's reflections on equality, freedom, property, and the right to dissent, presenting a critical examination of individual rights and the foundations of democratic governance. This is followed by Montesquieu’s theory on the division of powers, highlighting the importance of checks and balances in political systems.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau's exploration of popular sovereignty and the general will further enriches the discussion on democratic ideals, offering insights into the collective decision-making processes. Rousseau's thoughts on the state of nature and education are also delved into, underscoring his vision of human development and the inherent qualities of humans in their natural state.
The course then shifts to utilitarianism and the concept of liberty, encapsulated in the works of John Stuart Mill, providing a lens through which to view individual freedom and societal happiness. This is complemented by Adam Smith's seminal idea of the "invisible hand," which articulates the self-regulating nature of free markets.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to Karl Marx, beginning with his theory of alienation, which critiques the estrangement of individuals in capitalist societies. Marx's theory of historical materialism is discussed in two segments, elaborating on the materialistic interpretation of history and societal development. Further, Marx's theory of history and his perspectives on class and exploitation provide a critical understanding of economic disparities and social stratification.
Friedrich Nietzsche's insights on power, knowledge, and morality offer a thought-provoking examination of the dynamics of power and ethical constructs. Sigmund Freud's theories on sexuality and civilization delve into the complexities of human psyche and societal norms.
Max Weber's multifaceted theories are explored extensively; his analysis of Protestantism and capitalism illuminates the cultural underpinnings of economic systems. The conceptual foundations of his theory of domination, alongside his categorizations of traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational authority, present a comprehensive framework for understanding authority structures. Weber's theory of class is also examined, shedding light on social hierarchies and economic relationships.
Emile Durkheim's contribution to sociology is highlighted through his theories on social solidarity, anomie, and suicide. Durkheim's examination of social facts underscores the impact of societal norms and values on individual behavior.
Throughout this thoughtfully structured course, Iván Szelényi guides learners through a meticulously organized exploration of key social theorists and their groundbreaking ideas. Although not yet reviewed, "Foundations of Modern Social Theory" promises to be an enlightening and profound educational experience for anyone interested in the critical examination of societal frameworks and philosophical foundations.
Conteúdo do Curso
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Video class: 1. Introduction
0h45m
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Video class: 2. Hobbes: Authority, Human Rights and Social Order
0h42m
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Exercise: _What was Francis Bacon's methodology for scientific investigation, and how did it differ from Aristotle's?
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Video class: 3. Locke: Equality, Freedom, Property and the Right to Dissent
0h45m
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Exercise: _Who was John Locke's father?
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Video class: 4. The Division of Powers- Montesquieu
0h44m
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Exercise: _What was the major accomplishment of the Enlightenment period?
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Video class: 5. Rousseau: Popular Sovereignty and General Will
0h40m
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Exercise: _Where was Jean Jacques Rousseau born and what was his father's profession?
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Video class: 6. Rousseau on State of Nature and Education
0h44m
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Exercise: _What is the Table of Contents in Rousseau's Émile and what is the transition from the atomic individual and state of nature to civil society according to Rousseau?
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Video class: 7. Utilitarianism and Liberty, John Stuart Mill
0h42m
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Exercise: _What is the majority view among economists regarding the importance of Adam Smith's book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments?
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Video class: 8. Smith: The Invisible Hand
0h46m
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Exercise: _Who was John Stuart Mill's main influence in his work on utilitarianism?
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Video class: 9. Marx's Theory of Alienation
0h48m
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Exercise: _What was Karl Marx's father's occupation and what were his beliefs?
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Video class: 10. Marx's Theory of Historical Materialism (1)
0h50m
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Exercise: _What is the central idea of Hegel's theory of alienation?
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Video class: 11. Marx's Theory of Historical Materialism (cont.)
0h48m
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Video class: 12. Marx's Theory of History
0h51m
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Video class: 13. Marx's Theory of Class and Exploitation
0h51m
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Video class: 14. Nietzsche on Power, Knowledge and Morality
0h46m
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Video class: 15. Freud on Sexuality and Civilization
0h53m
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Video class: 16. Weber on Protestantism and Capitalism
0h51m
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Video class: 17. Conceptual Foundations of Weber's Theory of Domination
0h52m
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Video class: 18. Weber on Traditional Authority
0h50m
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Video class: 19. Weber on Charismatic Authority
0h49m
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Video class: 20. Weber on Legal-Rational Authority
0h47m
This free course includes:
19 hours and 44 minutes of online video course
Exercises to train your knowledge
Certificate of course completion
100% free, from content to certificate
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