Central Concepts in Sociological Theory
SOCY 226
200-Level Courses
Fall 2026
3 Units
In-person
3
one-way Exclusions
Lecture, tutorial, private study
Please note that course information listed in the Arts and Science Course Calendar supersedes any information listed on the Sociology website.
For the most current course offerings, registered Queen’s students should consult SOLUS.
Course Description
A discussion of the central concepts in sociological theory, for example, agency and structure; rationality, reason, and abstraction; social continuity and social change; subjectivity and selfhood; language and interpretation are normally considered.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply theoretical knowledge to an appropriate sociological question.
- Appreciation and understanding of similarities and differences between a plurality of approaches in modern social theory.
- Clearly communicate the meaning of abstract theoretical concepts verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and synthesize information obtained from a variety of written sources, and communicate relevant information in different ways.
- Evaluate theoretical arguments and evidence.
- Understanding of the internal connections between classical and modern approaches to social theory.
- Understanding the key theoretical debates about social transformations in the 20th Century.
- Understanding the transformations in social theory during the 20th century in Europe and North America.
- Use abstract sociological concepts with confidence.