How does Durkheim’s exploration of religion differentiate him from Marx and Weber?

The goals of the final essay are to deepen the connections between theory and social issues, to sharpen the contrasts among the classical theoretical approaches, and to develop your own argumentative voice. You must explore the limitations of your chosen theorist but also show how your preferred theorist offers a theoretical vantage point superior to those of the other classical theorists.

For this essay, you will write a 7-10 page (double-spaced) essay in which you

(1) apply the ideas of one classical theorist to an important sociological phenomenon, problem, or issue in the contemporary world;
(2) contrast your theorist of choice to the others (i.e. other classical theorists we have considered in the course);
(3) present an argument for why your theorist offers the best understanding.

Draw from the skills that you have developed through writing the short papers: selection and synthesis of key ideas; effective summary; comparative analysis; critique supported with evidence. As you formulate this critique you can use your comparative skills honed in the second (Weber) paper. As with Paper 2, imagine the classical theorists conversing together about their major ideas. Comparative questions to consider as you formulate your critique, for example: How would Marx understand and possibly critique Durkheim’s emphasis on social solidarity? How would Weber assess Durkheim’s understanding of power and social influence? How might Marx and Weber each understand Durkheim’s characterization of the division of labor? How does Durkheim’s exploration of religion differentiate him from Marx and Weber?

Your argument should be supported with evidence from the writings of the theorist you have chosen and from external sources that examine the real-world issues. You might use Marx to analyze the rise of the Occupy Movement in the US, or Weber to explain the recent presidential elections, or Durkheim to shed light on student experiences at Bucknell. You can write about what the classical theorists would say about a reading from another course that interests you. A good paper will draw from the skills in synthesizing and comparison that you demonstrated in the previous short papers while incorporating your own critical voice.

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