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.
Group
I
1. Marx and the
classical sociologists provide contrasting responses to the Enlightenment, the
French and Industrial Revolutions, the character of the modern state, and
modernity, if you will. State Marx's
position(s) on these and take one of the classic social theorists and
compare his analysis with that of Marx: Toqueville, Comte, Durkheim, Weber,
Pareto, Spencer and Simmel.
2. Randall Collins
argued that Durkheim was one of the first classic theorists to explicitly apply
the method of science to sociological phenomenon. Max Weber, by contrast, had a more nuanced
view of historical-sociological analysis, drawing on science and the
interpretive methods. Compare and
critically evaluate (as to strengths and weaknesses) their respective
positions.
3. Durkheim, Marx, and Weber were among the most
influential classical theorists to establish the shape and face of modern
sociological theory. Contrast their
notions of: (a) the nature of the discipline of sociology, (b) the appropriate
methods to study social life, (c) the basis and organization of society, (d)
the division of labor, (e) social change, (f) inequality and power, (g)
religion, and (h) what would be the significant features of modern society.
Group
II
1. In the
“Sixties”(notably beginning with Mills’ The Power Elite in the 1950’s)
functionalism came under criticism from radical and Neo-Marxist sociologists,
and from micro sociologists employing symbolic interactionist, exchange theory,
and phenomenological perspectives. What
were the respective criticisms of functionalism from these two clusters of
perspectives? Briefly, how did
functionalists of varying styles respond and incorporate these criticisms?
2. Immanual
Wallerstein’s formulation of World System Analysis came out of criticism of
Modernization Theory and has been a source of scholarly effort for a
generation, qualifying it for the status of a major paradigm. State his
conception of the structure of the modern world-system (rooted in the
capitalist world-economy), its patterns over time (cyclical trends), the kinds
of conflicts it has displayed, and its possible futures.
3. Contrast and
compare three of the major paradigms currently employed in contemporary theory
showing their similarities and differences along as many dimensions as you are
able. Also state each of their strengths
and weaknesses.
1. There is much
academic and public controversy about multiculturalism, identity politics, and
the assertion that the fundamental categories of social structure and discourse
are Race/Ethnicity, Gender, and Class.
Take any one of the three, i.e., class analysis, any feminist theory, or
a theory emphasizing race/ethnicity or cultural divisions which are deeply
rooted in contemporary society, and discuss its criticisms of mainstream
sociology.
2. Which social theory or theorist has the best handle on
contemporary world conflicts? Be
specific about the propositions of the theory and how they can be applied to
instances of world conflict today in what ever region you pick.
3. There is
concern by prominent names in professional sociology today about the lack of
coherence and consensus in the discipline, methodologically and substantively,
the loss of territory to other disciplines on its borders, and what this bodes
for its standing in universities. Do you
see any way to bring coherence to the discipline or must it suffer from its
attractive diversity. State all possible
aspects of the position you take.