General Introduction

Welcome to this module of sociological theories

Aims of the module

This module will give you a clear understanding of the ideas and theories that informed the first century and contemporary modern sociological thinking. It will cover the major theories of classical and modern sociology, the individuals who created and promoted them, the historical context in which and from which they emerged, and the specific social phenomena they focused on. The module will examine the shortcomings of each theoretical perspective, while also addressing their applicability in the modern world.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module a student must be capable of:

1. Understanding and explaining what are sociological theories
2. Distinguishing, list classical theories 
3. Distinguish and list modern theories
4. Applying sociological theories on Rwandan

Indicative content in units

1. What is a sociological theory? 
2. Comte and Spencer
3. Marx and Marxism
4. Durkheim of social solidarity and integration, 
5. Max Weber on the origins of capitalism, bureaucracy, authority
6. Neo-Functionalist theory
7. Neo-Marxian theory
8. Symbolic Interactionism theory
9. Feminism theory
10. Exchange theory.

In this module two lecturers will accompany you

• Jean-Paul Habineza : Tel. 0788642435
• Pierre Céléstin Rutayisire: Tel. 0780439783