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The first part of this course discusses the nature of theory and traces the emergence and development of a systematic study of society. The discussion on the conceptualization of the "social" and "society" as objects of empirical and systematic enquiry highlights the contribution of early Enlightenment thinkers such as Charles Montesquieu, Jean Condorcet, and Claude-Henri de Saint-Simon. These discussions culminate in an examination of the contributions of Herbert Spencer and Auguste Comte towards the development of a systematic study of society. The second part of the course focuses on the intellectual biographies, social thoughts, and theories of society of Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim. The discussion highlights the different perspectives, emphasis, and assumptions that underpin the thoughts of these three theorists. The course concludes with discussions on the influence of these three early social theorists on modern social theories and perspectives on society.

Upon completion of this course, student should be able to:
CLO1 : Differentiate the scientific meaning of theory from its meanings as often used in everyday discourses [C4]
CLO2 : Explain the roots of contrasting views in sociological theories and indeed in the social sciences thus be empowered to be critical in their intellectual approach [C2]
CLO3 : Explain the sociological perspectives in analyzing and explaining social phenomena [A3]