Sociology 250
Winter 2003
Second Short Paper (12 points)
Choose one
of the following topics and write a short paper on this topic. If you wish to select a different topic,
discuss this with me first – the paper is to be on a topic from the middle part
of the semester, although you may wish to compare one of the writers from this
section with the perspective of Durkheim or Marx. If appropriate, include a short critique of views and approaches
you are discussing or examples from Canadian society.
The paper is to be three to five double-spaced
printed pages. Provide references for
any quotes or sources used and cite these in footnotes or at the end of the
paper. A reader of the paper should be
able to find all sources used in the paper.
Avoid using “man” and “he” in the generic sense unless they are part of
a direct quote. Otherwise, if you use
“man” or “he” I will assume you are referring to males only.
Topics
1.
Explain
how the analysis of Weber, Simmel, Mead, or other theoretical approaches
discussed in this middle section of the semester, could be relevant for an
analysis of some social issue or aspect of Canadian society today. Explain the theoretical approach of the
author and provide examples and limitations of the theory.
2.
Marx
and Weber each discussed social class.
Compare and contrast the Marxian and Weberian approach to class.
3.
Explain
and critique Weber’s view of the relevance of religion to the emergence of
capitalism.
4.
“Rationalization
plays the same role within Weber's theoretical system that the division of
labour does within Durkheim’s theoretical approach.” Comment on and critique this statement.
5.
Suppose
Marx had been able to return to write a book review of Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of
Capitalism. Write this review.
6.
Compare
the approaches of Simmel and Weber with respect to rationalization of modern
society.
7.
According
to Simmel, modern, urban society dominates the individual but also allows for
individual flexibility and freedom.
Explain this apparent paradox.
8.
Select
one or more of the classical theorists (Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Simmel, Mead)
and write a feminist critique of their theoretical approach.
9.
Explain
how symbols and meaning are an important part of Mead’s approach to mind, self,
and society.
10.
Select
a set of photographs in Erving Goffman, Gender
Advertisements and write an essay relating these to Goffman’s and other
sociological perspectives. (Identify
the numbers of any photographs you discuss).
11.
Hochschild
argues that emotions can be included in a sociological analysis of human
interaction. Explain and critique her
perspective.
Paul
Gingrich
February
10, 2003