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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Classical Sociological Theory by University of Amsterdam

4.9
stars
2,783 ratings

About the Course

This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) will offer the participants an introduction into the most important classical sociological readings between the 18th and 20th century. Highly influential social science scholars, such as Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, will be discussed during 8 sessions. Combined with small tests, based on the video’s and recommended readings, the participants will be encouraged to dive deeply into the complex texts and get familiar with classical sociological concepts that are still very relevant today....

Top reviews

SS

Jan 6, 2019

Simple,neat and interesting way of explaining the content. Didn't get bored. Good refreshment if you already know the stuff and good introduction if you are new to sociology. Professor is really nice.

DT

Oct 28, 2018

This is a course which helps you understand the origin of Sociology. The content of this course includes all the sociologists who played a great role, also the lectures are delivered in a superb way.

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51 - 75 of 766 Reviews for Classical Sociological Theory

By Anoushka B

Aug 3, 2020

Amazing course, I learned so much! The videos were super fun and informational, I really enjoyed the way the professor intertwined his own experiences and reflections into his teachings. The readings were also a great addition to the videos. (However, they definitely take longer than the approximated time of "10 minutes"!). Overall an enriching experience. Very accessible and easy to navigate the way everything was laid out. Glad I did it! Thank you very much!

By Martaliu

Jun 18, 2020

This is the best Sociology Theory course I've ever had. I am a postgraduate Sociology student. I am a fan of Pro. Bart van Heerikhuizen's way of teaching, every section of this course is so amazing and attractive that I can't lose my attention on it. From his fantastic diluciation on those great classical sociologists' experience on their historical work, I gained more passion and interest on my sociological study which I was really appreciated for.

By ANDRE T

Apr 20, 2018

This course was everything I expected. It could not be more deep considering the media and the course's duration, but even though it was very explanatory of the classical authors in Sociology. I learned a lot. The instructor is terrific. And the quizzes are not absurdly obvious as they are many times here nor they are difficult even considering someone whose first language is not English. Looking forward for the course in contemporary sociologists

By saba

Mar 27, 2017

I should say this is one of the best cours in this subject that i have ever seen . i am sociology student in MA and indeed i have spent a different classes in such this subjects, so it is normal to recognize all of this theory , but this kind of method in explaining and the way is selected by this skilled professor is really nice , at the end i should say he really know her audiences and their question too .

thanks your team and website so much

By kathryn

Oct 18, 2015

Great course. Not only is the topic interesting and the lectures informative and clear, but the lecturer is thoroughly engaged, obviously loves the subject and his enthusiasm is infectious. Really well put together by the team at University of Amsterdam. I found the readings interesting and the regular tests were challenging. I feel like this stretched my brain, in a good way. Can we follow on course about the modern greats of sociology? Please?!

By Angela R

May 18, 2021

A highly engaging summary of the great sociological thinkers of the classical era. I took this course to better understand the theoretical roots of statistics I regularly work with. This course exceeded my expectations, not only was the subject matter covered, it felt as comfortable and relaxed as a conversation with the professor in his study. Thank you University of Amsterdam for creating this course, I hope you will continue to make more.

By Disha D

Jul 7, 2022

The course proved to be very beneficial for me. I learnt in details and concise manner about all the Classical Sociologists and also internalized ways to compare their thinking with my own understanding towards the society . It really enlightened me and fulfilled all of my informational needs.

Special thanks to the COORDINATOR# Bart van Heerikhuizen.. Sir, I feel really privileged to attend your course and gain immense knowledge through it.

By Muhammad K

Oct 16, 2022

The course classical Sociological Theory a wounderful course. I think this course is usefull for teachers, students and general public equally. The course material vidoes, transcripts, quizes and final test are up to the mark. This course has enhanced my knowledge critically and analytically. Now, I am able to distinguish different sociological concepts. I now can campare the theories as provided by different classical sociologists.

By JeanLeeUCL

Apr 5, 2022

I have trememdous pleasure and excitement by taking this fantastic and passionate course of Sociology, a discipline I haven't study before. Indeedly, the sharpest minds and the brilliant insights are exposured in the course. As such, this course can serve as an friendly guideline to exploring the progress of human race. Whoever aspiring to understand the historical and modern society will find it illustrating by taking this course.

By Tamara

Apr 26, 2021

I loved this Mooc! The examples and lectures stress the main theories of each author. The professor is so kind! I love the readings!

The only thing is that the book from Calhoun exists only as printed material, so I had no access to it during these weeks and had to rely on the alternative material and other sources :)

The Ritzer book is very helpful! And I really recommend YouTube as a tool for extra material.

I am very grateful! :)

By Marcela P R G

Sep 29, 2020

For me, this course was an absolutely challenge, I speak spanish, so to understand everything in english was a little bit hard, but totally worth it. I learned so much these last 8 weeks, I recommend so much this course. I had so much fun learning and reading the texts. Thank you to all the persons involved in this amazing proyect, and over all, thank you so much, Bart, I'll never forget you and what you taught us.

Thank you.

By Leonard D

Jun 12, 2019

Fascinating course that allows students interested in sociology to attain a strong foundation from which to continue their studies. It was wonderful to learn about the classic sociologists and their theories from a gentleman who is so clearly passionate about his field of study and eager to share his expansive knowledge of it with his successive generation(s). Highly recommended to anyone interested in the social sciences.

By Paul P

Oct 6, 2015

This course is a very interesting introduction to the Classical Sociological Theory. The main authors and their works are presented in a thematic and progressive way. The pedagogic skills of the teacher, based on his involvement and his enthusiasm, are astonishing. I hope to find nearly the course on 'Modern Sociological Theory' as the sequel of this one. Thank you very much to the team to this great work and best for all!

By Shehely A

Sep 4, 2020

It was very very interesting. As Bart van Heerikhuizen were saying he is missing the direct expression from the students or participants in his lecture, sometimes I also felt so during my study time in this course. I was deeply been attached with the different theory given by different sociologist. Sometimes I was wondered that some of the theories relate to our contemporary time, but they expalained it long long ago.

By Stephen D

Oct 31, 2015

Excellent overview on the major sociological thinkers from Adam Smith to Norbert Elias. A very good introduction to the subject. Beware though - the professor is an engaging teacher, but his quizzes are tough. You actually have to do some of the recommended readings to answer the questions - there are at least three questions in each quiz based on the writings of the sociologist who is the subject of the test.

By Jason S

Jan 31, 2017

This is one of the most fascinating classes that I have ever taken. The material itself is mind-blowing- it covers some of the most influential thinkers of the past few centuries. The professor of this class is what really made it special- he is an excellent teacher, full of great stories and examples. He truly knows both how to keep one's attention and also to deepen one's fascination with sociology. Thank you!

By Lidia A

Apr 22, 2019

An eye-opening course, that inspired me to read these great works and maybe study sociology. Professor Bart van Heerikhuizen makes of this course a truly enjoyable and accessible to everyone (with a good English level) experience - I looked forward to following the "Classical Sociological Theory" course every time I opened my computer. Special thanks for sharing this FREE course with such enthusiasm !

By Guillermo

Nov 11, 2023

Really great body of knowledge comprehensively structured and explained, congratulations to all the people that have participated in the preparation of this course, specially to Bart van Heerikhuizen that has sparked with his ability to communicate and teach further learning curiosity on the topic. I look forward to attending other courses form this team and I would also definitely recommend.

By Zuzanna P

Feb 23, 2024

OF all the courses I've taken this year, so far Classical Sociological Theory was the most enjoyable. The professor was presnting the subject clearly and in interesting manner and even though I've had some basic knowledge about first five social theory classical thinkers, I learned something new and valuable about them. I would gladly take any other course taught by Bart van Heerikhuizen.

By Carlos G M

Aug 29, 2021

Amazing! Society is undoubtedly complex, but this course sheds light upon who we are and why we act as we do. Studying the most influential thinkers of classical sociology is eye-opening and your attitude towards social phenomena becomes more critical. The course also encourages you to read extracts from primary sources which are carefullly chosen. Definitely worthwhile!

By Hussain H

Mar 25, 2019

I am very glad to share my experience with fellows. This course have enabled me to understand the base of sociology what we called the roots of sociology. It is easy to read and write about theories but to understand its philosophical perspective is like a soul to the body of knowledge. Thankyou course era for enabling me to understand the depth of sociological theory.

By Mitch S D

Jan 18, 2023

This course provides a very insightful review of the classical sociological thinkers. The lecturer has depth in his analyses and discussions of the material and works through the ideas in a logical and integrative way. I am a postgrad sociology student, and the course has given me some ideas about figuratiional processes that I'm going to follow up. Thanks, great.

By Evelien B

May 7, 2020

I loved the very in depth video's. The teacher was very knowledgeable and put his own experiences with for example Norbert Elias in his talk. The subject matter came to live.

The time for reading the texts is grossly underestimated. 10 minutes is way to short for texts by Durkheim our Weber. My estimation is 1 hour at least for a thorough reading of the texts.

By Yechen H

Feb 12, 2020

Great Course to learn Classical Sociological Theory, I took this course as an 'Introduction to Sociology'. The professor did a great job explain classical thinkers' thoughts and ideas. The readings are somewhat a little bit intense. But I feel I have learned a lot of new ideas that reflect on modern Chinese society. Thank you Professor Bart van Heerikhuizen!

By Esteban T

Jul 8, 2016

Great course! I am just more curious about all the subjects studied by Sociology! I really look forward to start my undergraduate degree in Sociology in the city of Laredo, Texas! Greetings to everybody, I definitely recommend this course to anyone that has even the slightest interest in knowing about what Sociology is all about, this is the course you need!