Family Activity IV & "Game Plan" for the Rest of the Semester

FAMILY ACTIVITY IV: Pareto, Michels, and Veblen's sociological theories of politics and economics (covered in Chapters 9 & 10) are considered largely theoretical responses to Marx's radical critique of capitalism. I want each of the families to identify ONE point from EACH of these three thinkers that reflects their theoretical response to Marx. And among these three points, I want each family to designate ONE of them as the most relevant for understanding the nature of so-called Marxist or communist societies that emerged in the 20th century, such as the Soviet Union.
I will give you time to begin brainstorming this on Tuesday, 4/14, and then again on Thursday, 4/16. A family spokesperson should be designated to write up your findings (1-2 pages) and present these in class on Tuesday, 4/21. I will read these over and post edited versions on the blog from which possible final exam questions may come. This activity is worth 4 points and you have to participate to earn those points. (No bonus points on this one, but you will have a bonus point opportunity when I ask the families to make up questions for the final exam.)

So, between now and next Tuesday, let me encourage you to read Chapters 9 & 10, so you can contribute to the discussion in your family.


"GAME PLAN" FOR REST OF THE SEMESTER:

We will try to cover the following chapters in the text: Chapters 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 19. So, I expect you to read that material. I will let you know in class when we will talk about each of those chapters.

I will also hand out a couple essays: (1) Alex Inkeles on Functionalism, and (2) An essay I did as a graduate student on Max Horkheimer's "Eclipse of Reason" (this will be in lieu of reading Chapter 16 in the text).

Finally, during the last few classes we will focus on a portion of Prof. E. A. Ahrens' lecture notes entitled, "Order and Disorder in Society." I will put three copies of this on reserve in the library. Our final short essay (III) will involve this material, and I should be getting a write-up of that assignment to you in roughly two weeks.

Of course, don't forget that Essay II is due next Thursday, 4/16, and the paper due on THURSDAY, APRIL 23rd, for which you need to prepare a brief (10-minute) overview for presentation in class.


PLEASE REFER TO THIS BLOG POST FOR THIS ROAD MAP(OR "GAME PLAN," if you prefer)TO THE REST OF THIS SEMESTER.