Syllabus
* 1. Introduction
We begin with an overview of key elements related to the topics of historical sociology, including the concepts of social reality, civilization, knowledge, consensus and consequences, and power. We focus on the work of major theorists, including Max Weber and Robert. K. Merton.
* 2. Geographical and social spaces in the lens of sociology
Beginning with Montesquieu's 'The Spirit of Law' and ending with globalization, we will explore theories of the sociology of space through the processional lens. This will include discussions of the 19th Century geographical school of sociology, Chicago school (sociology), contemporary social geography amongst others. In addition to geographical space, the concepts of social space (Sorokin, Bourdieu) will also be taken into account.
Reading: Montesquieu, Ch. The Spirit of Laws.
* 3. Philosophy of history, eschatology and utopia
Changes in people's social behaviour are already described in the writings of utopian socialists such as Thomas More, Juan Luis Vives, Tommaso Campanella and in their conceptions of ideal states.
Reading: More, T. Utopia.
* 4. Dystopic visions of society
Like utopia, dystopia is the idea of a fictional society, but in this concept it is a society with excessive flaws such as a totalitarian form of government or restrictions on personal freedom. Various examples of both model utopia and dystopia are encountered mainly in literary novels (K. Čapek, G. Orwell, A. Huxley), however, it can be used as an argumentative device in sociological or political discussion.
Reading: Orwell, G. 1984.
* 5. Economic processes and their dynamics
The central focus of historical sociology has consistently been the modernisation process which itself is often closely associated with significant changes in the area of economics. These processes of economic change are explained by various sociologists as the process of original capital accumulation, the 'spirit of capitalism', generalisation of market principles, expansion of the world capital system, etc. This will be critically examined in relation to the major theorists including Marx, Weber, Sombart, Polanyi, and Wallerstein (world-systems theory)
Reading: Wallerstein I. AntisystematicMovements: History and Dilemmas.
* 6. Power, hegemony, anarchy, wars, peace
Historical-sociological analysis is very often concerned with the question of order in international relations. Each of the states exercises the monopoly of coercive power that is rightfully theirs. Is it possible for there to be any order? This question has been answered by realists (H. Morgenthau, J. Mearsheimer, K. Waltz), but also by liberals (R. Keohane, R. Gilpin) or constructivists (A. Wendt).
Reading: Wendt, A. Social Theory of International Politics.
* 7. Knowledge is power
The sociology of knowledge was born in Germany (Scheler, Mannheim). In connection with the study of modernisation processes, the aspect of rationalisation (Weber, Foucault, Gellner), the society of knowledge (Bell) as well as the growth in education and changes in the area of communication (Castells) are highlighted.
Reading: Castells, M. Communication, power and counter-power in the network society, 2007.
* 8. The transformation of civilisations
A significant figure in historical sociology, N. Elias focused on the emergence of modern society (without focusing on economic change) through the need for people to develop new forms for the regulation of human behaviour and a new organisation of the state (psychogenesis and sociogenesis). Social change in modern society has been analyzed through conflict (S. Huntington).
Reading: Huntington, S. P. The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order.
* 9. Civilization specifics
An important perspective for the development of a theory of social processes is the so-called 'comparative civilisational analysis', primarily repesented by Shmuel Noah Eisenstadt (who developed the conception of axial age). Johan Pall Arnason (inspired by Eisenstadt) has been in engaged in understanding the relationship between the development of civilisation and modernisation (multiple modernities). Michael Billig focuses on national identity, which presents the everyday person.
Reading: Billig, M. Banal Nationalism.
* 10. Actions have consequences
The concept of unintended consequences of action is a significant problem in sociology. R. Merton's work on unintended consequences builds upon the work of thinkers from previous generations (eg. Hegel and his 'irony of history'). R. Boudon developed this inspiration in his concept of 'perverse effects'.
Reading: Merton, R. K. Theory and Social Structure.
* 11. Calculus of consequences
The founder of utilitarianism, Jeremy Bentham, has been one of the most important figures with his concept of the "greatest happiness of the greatest number" thesis, with its overlap with modern sociology and society. His successor, John Stuart Mill, further developed the idea of utilitarianism and the consequences of action.
Reading: Bentham, J. An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation.
* 12. Uncertain future?
Historically oriented research has demonstrated that the concept of the 'future' has gradually transformed throughout recorded history. The 'closed future' (end of history) has transitioned into the 'open future' (undetermined continuation) in which 'futurology' has played a significant role in the social sciences. The branch of 'sociology of the future' will here by critically assessed within this context of 'emancipatory catastrophism' (U. Beck). Attention will also be paid to F. Fukuyama and his theory of the end of history.
Reading: Fukuyama, F. The End of History and the Last Man.
* 13. Summary of the Course
Annotation
The aim of the seminar is to discuss with students selected issues of historical sociology, such as the themes of frames of geographical and social space, philosophy of history, utopia and dystopia, economic relations, political-power changes, international relations, civilizational plurality, individual and history. Emphasis is placed on the perspective of long-term development.