SOCIAL-ECONOMIC THEORIES

SOC 6312/POEC 6312

University of Texas at Dallas
Spring, 2011

Professor: Sheryl Skaggs, Ph.D. Seminar: Monday, 4:00 – 6:45 PM

Office: GR 2.531 Room: GR 3.606
Phone: 972-883-4460 Office Hours: T 3:00–3:30PM ; 7:00–7:30PM
E-Mail: slskaggs@utdallas.edu (or by appointment)

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:

This course is designed to introduce the student to major sociological and economic theoretical ideas, particularly those related to public
policy and socio-economic issues. We will examine the purpose of theory in conducting social science research and explore the
relationship between various classical works and contemporary application. The key goals of this course are to: 1) develop a
knowledge-base of classical and contemporary social and economic theories; 2) develop an understanding of the role theory plays in
conducting social science research.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Readings in Economic Sociology. Nicole Woolsey Biggart (editor). Blackwell, 2002.

Economic Sociology: A Systematic Inquiry. Alehandro Portes. Princeton University Press. 2010.

Cousepack Reader – to be available at the UTD Bookstore, Off-Campus Books or Stanza Books

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

• Weekly seminar attendance (10% of your final grade)

• To enhance your comprehension of the assigned readings and encourage knowledge-based class discussions, students will
select 6 class periods in the semster to write a one to two page summary from one of the week’s assigned readings. The
summary should highlight the main points from the reading, rather than critique the material. Critiques should be saved for
class discussion. Although summaries only focus on one reading for the week selected, students will still be responsible for
having completed all the weekly assigned readings, prior to our class meeting. The summaries should be type written and
single-spaced. This component will comprise 20% of your final grade.

• Students, working together in small assigned groups, will be required to prepare two to three discussion questions that
synthesize a particular week’s readings. Assignment to a small group and a topic will be made by the professor no later than
the second week of class. This will comprise your course participation grade and will be worth 10% of your total grade.

• One in-class examination* and a take-home examination, both based on course readings and seminar discussions. Each
exam will comprise 30% of your grade and will consist of essay questions. The second will require a more thorough use of the
course material.

*Make-up exams will be permitted only under extreme documented circumstances. If a make-up exam is deemed necessary, it will be
your responsibility to contact the professor prior to the originally scheduled exam to make such arrangements. The date and time of the
make-up exam will be determined by the professor but will occur no later than 2 days following the originally scheduled exam.

COURSE EVALUATION/GRADING:

Evaluation of the student will be based upon performance on examinations, class participation, attendance and a term paper. The grade
will be determined on a percentage of the total points earned. If the student earns 90% of total points or more, the grade will be an A;
80% - 89% = B; 70% - 79% = C; 73% - 76% = C; 70% - 72% = C-; 69% and below = F.
COURSE-RELATED POLICIES:

• All students are expected to attend class on a regular basis. If for some reason you are unable to attend a class, it will be your
responsibility to obtain class notes, announcements, assignments and handouts prior to the next class session.
• Participation in class discussions is an important part of the learning experience but should remain relevant to the particular
readings and lecture materials.
• Students are expected to always be respectful of other’s opinions and beliefs in the classroom. Personal attacks and
racially/sexually harassing behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Anyone involved in such behaviors will be
asked to leave the class session.
• As a courtesy to your fellow students and professor, all cell phones should be turned off before class begins. If, however,
you are expecting an important call during class, you should place your phone on vibrate mode and find a seat near
the door for that session.

GENERAL POLICIES

For UT Dallas policy related to the following go to: http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies

Field Trip Policies
Student Conduct & Discipline
Academic Integrity
Email Use
Withdrawal from Class
Student Grievance Procedures
Incomplete Grade Policy
Disability Services
Religious Holy Days
 TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS

Jan. 10: General Introduction

Jan. 17: Holiday – No class

Jan. 24: Why Theory? Nealon & Giroux – Ch. 1 & 8 (coursepack)
Capitalism and Economic Order Biggart – Introduction and Ch. 1

Jan. 31: The Sociological Tradition Edles and Appelrouth; Kivisto (coursepack)
Introduction to Marx and Capitalism

Feb. 7: Contemporary application to Marx Portes – Ch. 5 & 6

Feb. 14: Weber and the Rise of Capitalism Swedberg; Kivisto; Edles and Appelrouth
(coursepack)

Feb. 21: Further insight into Capitalist development Biggart – Ch. 10 and 12

Feb 28: Contemporary applications to Weber Ritzer – Ch. 3 and 4; (coursepack)

Introduction to Durkheim Edles and Appelrouth; Kivisto (coursepack)

March 7: EXAM I – in class

March 14: SPRING BREAK!

March 21: Economic Action Biggart – Part ll Introduction, Ch. 5 & 6

March 28: Institutions, Embeddedness & Markets Portes – Ch. 4 & 7

April 4: Social Capital and the Economy Biggart – Part lV introduction;

Ch. 15, 16 & 17

April 11: Social and Cultural Capital Portes – Ch. 3; Kraaykamp & Eijck
(course reserves McDermott Library)

April 18: Applications of Social and Cultural Capital Fernandez Kelly

April 25: Immigration, Social Networks, and Economic Outcomes Portes – Ch. 8

May 2: EXAM 2 Due

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.