SO426 Half Unit
Classical Social Thought
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Monika Krause
Availability
This course is available on the MA in Modern History, MSc in City Design and Social Science, MSc in Culture and Society, MSc in Economy and Society, MSc in Political Sociology and MSc in Sociology. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
This course has a limited number of places (it is controlled access). Places are allocated based on a written statement, with priority given to students who have this course listed in their programme regulations.
The course is designed for students who haven't studied this material before, although there is plenty here too for those who want to dig more deeply into the work of the authors discussed. We will spend some time in the classroom reading these texts together. In my experience, the range of perspectives and reactions students bring always lead to interesting discussions.
Course content
The course provides a critical review of classical social theory. We explore the origins and development of classical social theory through a close reading of primary texts by authors such as Marx, Weber, DuBois, Simmel, Toqueville, Martineau and Durkheim. This course will consider texts in their historical contexts and discuss subsequent developments within the theoretical traditions associated with the authors studied. We will also consider implications for sociological research. It is not assumed that students have a basic grounding in classical social theory, although it is expected that students who register for this course will be prepared to develop their understanding through primary readings, and not rely on textbooks.
This course will use Cadmus for submitting assessments. This platform is currently being evaluated by LSE for AI-resilient assessment. For more information, visit Cadmus Assessment Edit Tracking - Guidance for Students.
Teaching
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
This course is usually delivered through seminars. There will be two hours or more of teaching each week in AT.
Formative assessment
Essay
Indicative reading
The reading list for each seminar will be divided up into essential and additional reading. Students will be asked to read between 50 and 100 pages of primary text per week.
The following is a sample list of readings:
- Marx, K: The Communist Manifesto & Grundrisse & Capital (sections of vols 1 & 3);
- Weber, M: The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism & 'Science as a Vocation';
- Simmel, G: The Philosophy of Money (various sections)
And various essays such as:
- Simmel, G: 'The Metropolis and Mental Life', 'The Stranger', etc.;
- Du Bois: Souls of Black Folk
Assessment
Course participation (10%)
Essay (90%, 4000 words) in January
Course participation in the AT. Attendance at all seminars and submission of all set coursework is required.
Key facts
Department: Sociology
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 17
Average class size 2024/25: 17
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Specialist skills