MA Program Studies in European Societies presents the

MA Program “Studies in European Societies” presents the course Classical Theoretical Foundations of Studies in European Societies Lecturer: Prof. Dmitry V. Ivanov

Aims of the Course The general aim of the course is to provide students with knowledge of the historical development and conceptual legacies of modern social sciences and to foster students’ analytical skills

Aims of the Course By the end of the course students should: know basic principles and concepts of the most influent theories in modern social philosophy, sociology, and political economy; l be able to find and critically interpret basic theoretical ideas and conceptual roots and influences in texts on social issues; l be able to reveal interrelations between theoretical discourses and historical conditions and tendencies of modernization of European societies. l

List of Themes I. Introduction: Discursive Formation of European Modernity II. Enlightenment Thought: Philosophy of History III. Enlightenment Thought: Political Economy IV. Social Science: Positivism V. Social Science: Historical Materialism VI. Classical Sociology VII. Counter-Modernist Thought: Cultural Criticism

Examination Requirements: Three Elements l attendance and reading l contribution into class discussions by at least 2 presentations based on short handout materials (1 -2 pages) or on Power Point (6 -8 slides) l knowledge of classical social theories by writing course essay (8 -10 pages)

Topics for course essays l l l Social Effects of the Division of Labor (A. Smith, K. Marx, E. Durkheim) Origins and Social Consequences of Capitalism (K. Marx, M. Weber) Genesis of the Civil Society Concept (T. Hobbes, J. Locke, A. Smith, G. Hegel) Foundations of Liberalism (J. Locke, A. Smith, H. Spencer) Critics of the Social Consequences of Modernity (A. Comte, K. Marx, E. Durkheim, M. Weber) Relations between Humanity and Sociality (T. Hobbes, J. Locke, K. Marx, F. Nietzsche)

Good Luck!