SOCI 395: Special Topics in Sociology
SOCI 395-K01: Global Social Thought
(Spring 2021)
10:30 AM to 01:10 PM R
Mason Korea (119 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, Korea) G208
Section Information for Spring 2021
Global Social Thought is an experimental investigation into alternatives to classical Western social theory, an exploration of "The Great Books of the Nonwestern World" and some contemporary Nonwestern intellectuals. One major assumption underlies the organization of this course: our knowledge is so profoundly influenced by the social context in which it is constructed that our theories should not be based exclusively on reflections of the Euro-American experience.
We will explore a proposition that grows out of that assumption: whereas most Western social theory is a response to the European Enlightenment, French and Industrial Revolutions, and subsequent developments, recent non-Western theory is a reaction to the fundamental phenomena of colonialism (and neocolonialism), racism, capitalism/industrialism, and other forms of oppression (e.g., patriarchy) and efforts to escape them. Premodern nonwestern theory is generally closer to nature and tends to grow out of collective social efforts to thrive collaboratively in various ecological contexts.
Here is an outline of the course:
- Great Books of Nonwestern Thought
22 Feb. Prologue: Kant, Williams and the Background
- Selected Nonwestern Traditions
1 March A. Mohandas K. Gandhi
8 March B. Ancient Asian Social Thought
15 March C. African Social Thought
22 March D. Islamic Social Thought
29 March E. Indigenous American Social Thought
- Substantive Issues
5 April A. Social Movements and Liberation Theories
- Anticolonialism
- Liberation Theology
12 April 3. Racism and Ethnocentrism
19 April 4. Human Rights
- Women's Rights
26 April B. Climate Crisis, Ecology & Sustainability
3 May C. Domination and Economic Paradigms
10 May D. Peace and Conflict
17 May E. Spirituality & Religion
F. Health
24 May MARATHON PAPER SESSION
31 May G. The State, Politics, & Nationalism
H. Community, Sexuality, and Family
III. Towards a Global Social Theory
31 May
Course Information from the University Catalog
Credits: 3
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.