Fall 2005

MASTERS COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY

Answer one question from each of the three following groups. You have 5 hours to complete the examination. Take time to think out or outline your answers before you begin to write them down. Be as complete as possible in your answers.

1. It has been repeatedly suggested that the classical sociologists of the late 19th and 20th centuries were, in part, responding to Marx’s critique of capitalism. State Marx’s views or theories on how modern societies work and take one of the following and show how their analysis of modern society, or particularly aspects of it, is different: Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, Pareto, or Michels. Also contrast de Tocqueville’s analysis of modern democracy, its nature, problems, and possible future’s with Marx’s analysis of the same.

2. A current controversy in sociology is over method. Durkheim, following Comte, argued for a straight forward application of the method of science to the study of social facts. Weber argued that causal statements were a goal of the study of history but also that the analysis also had to get at meaningful conduct. Illustrate and compare their positions.

3. Freud challenges classical sociologists by an explicit focus on human nature. Yet he places the development of self within the context of social institutions, especially the family and religion. What does Freud have to offer sociology and where is his theory weak?

Group II

4. A standard textbook contrast is between functionalism and conflict theories. State the two theories comparing their assumptions, how they explain order, conflict and change and the relationship of individuals to society.

5. A major divide in sociology is over levels of analysis such as macro or micro. Compare any macro theorist or perspective (Marian, Weberian, or World System) with a micro perspective (Symbolic Interactionism, Phenomenology, Homans’ Exchange Theory). What are the strengths and weakness of each? Can the two levels be linked? (Hint: Randy Collins).

6. Probably the most vibrant perspective in sociology is World Systems Analysis. What does world system say about how the world is divided, its historical patterns and possible futures?

Group III

7. Can the study of society be scientific? If so, how? If not, why not? A good answer would be specific with examples and particular sociologist.

8. What are the criticisms of mainstream sociology by feminist theorists as to substance, method, politics of sociology, etc? Illustrate your answer by reference to specific feminist sociologists.

9. The current state of the world involves environmental degradation, disasters exacerbated by inequalities, ethno/national conflicts, war, forced migration and popular struggles. Which theoretical perspective in sociology helps us to understand these several overlapping crises?