2026
Sociological Theories: The Classics
Name: Sociological Theories: The Classics
Code: SOC10912D
8 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/224 hours
Scientific Area:
Sociologia e Ciências Sociais
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
This Unity aims to provide students with: (1) the basis for an in-depth and metatheoretical knowledge and the main authors, currents and traditions of sociological thought; (2) an educational environment that facilitates the reflection and debate on the classical theoretical perspectives of sociology.
The student must:
-understand, in a deeply and metatheoretical perspective, the different currents of the classical sociological thought;
-have the capacity to collect, select and interpret relevant information in the areas studied, mobilizing and articulating it in the context of advanced learning;
-demonstrate an ability to discuss relevant issues and topics, engaging in debates developed in the context of advanced learning;
- know how to write texts according to existing conventions in the academy, demonstrating a capacity to articulate ideas and justified argumentation;
-be able to communicate orally their ideas and arguments clear and comprehensive.
The student must:
-understand, in a deeply and metatheoretical perspective, the different currents of the classical sociological thought;
-have the capacity to collect, select and interpret relevant information in the areas studied, mobilizing and articulating it in the context of advanced learning;
-demonstrate an ability to discuss relevant issues and topics, engaging in debates developed in the context of advanced learning;
- know how to write texts according to existing conventions in the academy, demonstrating a capacity to articulate ideas and justified argumentation;
-be able to communicate orally their ideas and arguments clear and comprehensive.
Contents
1. The philosophical background of sociological thought and the birth of the social sciences
2. Relevant precursors: Saint Simon, Herbert Spencer, Vilfredo Pareto, Auguste Comte
3. The founders of great reference: Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx and Max Weber
4. The institutionalization of sociology on both sides of the Atlantic
5. The differentiation of sociology: sociological traditions up to the mid-twentieth century
6. Conclusion: the legacy of classical
2. Relevant precursors: Saint Simon, Herbert Spencer, Vilfredo Pareto, Auguste Comte
3. The founders of great reference: Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx and Max Weber
4. The institutionalization of sociology on both sides of the Atlantic
5. The differentiation of sociology: sociological traditions up to the mid-twentieth century
6. Conclusion: the legacy of classical
Teaching Methods
Lecturer approaches articulated with pedagogical constructivist approaches: critical analysis of selected texts; analysis and discussion of documents through individual work and / or group work. Oral presentations of working papers and debate. Students should write and present in a public session a working paper (written essay - 80% ; oral presentation ad debate - 10%; Attendance and participation: 10%).
Accreditations and Certifications
