Lesson plan of Classics of Sociology

Objectives (5 minutes)

1. To introduce students to the fundamental concepts of Sociology and to the classics of this science, such as Durkheim, Marx, and Weber.

   • Briefly describe the importance of each of these authors to the construction of Sociology as a science.
   • Present the main ideas of each author and how they influenced the development of the social sciences.

2. To develop the ability of critical analysis and reflection on the sociological theories presented.

   • To stimulate discussion and critical thinking, promoting debate on the diverse sociological perspectives and their implications in the current society.

3. To promote students' comprehension and interest in the discipline through interactive and playful activities.

   • To use multimedia resources and practical activities to illustrate the theories and concepts presented, making the class more dynamic and engaging.

Secondary objectives:

• To stimulate the development of academic research and study skills.

  • To encourage students to research more about the classic authors and their theories, seeking to deepen their knowledge and make connections with the current social reality.

Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

1. The teacher should start the class by reviewing the basic concepts of Sociology that were discussed in previous classes, such as the definition of Sociology, its object of study and its importance to the analysis and comprehension of society.

   • It is essential that students have a clear understanding of these concepts so that they can adequately understand the theories of the classics of Sociology.

2. The teacher can then introduce two problem situations that are related to the theories of the classic authors of Sociology:

   • Problem situation 1: How do social changes affect social cohesion? (Related to Durkheim)

   • Problem situation 2: How do power relations influence the structure of society? (Related to Marx and Weber)

3. Next, the teacher should contextualize the importance of the study of the classics of Sociology, explaining how their theories have helped to shape the modern comprehension of society and how they are still relevant to understanding current social problems.

4. Finally, to generate the students' interest, the teacher can introduce the topic with two curiosities or stories related to the classic authors:

   • Curiosity 1: Émile Durkheim, considered the father of Sociology, was one of the first to argue that human behavior is shaped by society, and not only by biological and psychological factors.

   • Curiosity 2: Karl Marx, although best known for his ideas on communism, also made significant contributions to Sociology, especially in the analysis of social classes and social conflict.

   • Story: Max Weber, another classic of Sociology, traveled extensively during his life, observing different societies and cultures, which profoundly influenced his theories on social action and authority.

At the end of the introduction, the students should have a basic understanding of the importance of the classics of Sociology, as well as an awakened interest in learning more about their theories and ideas.

Development (20 - 25 minutes)

1. Activity 1 - "Shaping Society": This activity will allow students to explore Durkheim's ideas on social cohesion and division of labor.

   • The teacher should divide the class into groups of five and provide each group with a large piece of paper and colored pens.

   • Each group must draw an imaginary society on the piece of paper, including different social groups and institutions (for example, family, school, government, etc.).

   • Then, the groups should discuss and draw how these groups and institutions are interconnected and how they contribute to social cohesion.

   • Then, the teacher should instruct the groups to introduce a "social change" into their societies (for example, the invention of a new technology, a political change, etc.) and discuss and draw how this change would affect social cohesion.

   • At the end of the activity, each group should present their society to the class, explaining their analysis of social cohesion and social change.

2. Activity 2 - "Power Game": This activity will allow students to explore Marx's and Weber's ideas on power and social structure.

   • The teacher should divide the class into groups of five again and provide each group with a set of cards, each representing a different resource (for example, money, knowledge, physical strength, popularity, etc.).

   • Each group should choose a "leader" who will have the power to distribute the cards among the group members.

   • The group members should then negotiate, cooperate, or compete with each other to obtain the cards they want.

   • During the activity, the teacher should encourage students to reflect on how the leader's power influences the distribution of resources and the structure of the group, and how the group members can use their own strategies to obtain the resources they want.

   • At the end of the activity, each group should discuss and present to the class their reflections on power, social structure, and the strategies used.

3. Activity 3 - "Connecting Theory and Practice": This activity will allow students to connect the theories of the classics of Sociology to the current social reality.

   • After the presentations of the previous activities, the teacher should lead a class discussion on how the ideas of the classics of Sociology can be applied to understanding current social problems.

   • The teacher may present some examples of current social problems (for example, social inequality, political conflicts, technological changes, etc.) and ask the students how they could use the theories of the classics to analyze these problems.

   • Students may work in groups again to discuss these examples and prepare short presentations on their analyses.

   • At the end of the activity, each group should make their presentation to the class, explaining how they applied the theories of the classics to understand current social problems.

At the end of the development, students should have a deeper understanding of the theories of the classics of Sociology and how they can be applied to analyze society and social problems. In addition, they should have developed critical thinking, group collaboration, and presentation skills.

Feedback (10 - 15 minutes)

1. Group Debate (5 - 7 minutes): Each group, in a maximum time of 3 minutes, should share their solutions or conclusions from the activities carried out. This is an opportunity for students to present their ideas and perspectives, as well as to learn from the reflections of others.

   • The teacher should encourage the participation of all students, ensuring that each member of the group has the opportunity to speak.
   • The teacher should moderate the discussion, highlighting the connections between the students' solutions and the theories of the classics of Sociology.

2. Connection of Theory and Practice (3 - 5 minutes): The teacher should then lead the students to reflect on how the activities connect with the theory.

   • The teacher can ask questions such as: "How does the activity 'Shaping Society' relate to Durkheim's ideas on social cohesion and division of labor?" or "How does the activity 'Power Game' illustrate Marx's and Weber's theories on power and social structure?".
   • The teacher should reinforce the relevance of the theories of the classics of Sociology to understanding society and current social problems, citing concrete examples from the students' presentations.

3. Final Reflection (2 - 3 minutes): To conclude the class, the teacher should propose that students reflect individually on what they have learned.

   • The teacher can ask questions such as: "What was the most important concept you learned today?" and "What questions have not yet been answered?".
   • The teacher should emphasize that the purpose of this moment of reflection is to allow students to consolidate their learning and identify any areas of confusion or uncertainty that they may need more study or discussion.

At the end of the feedback, the students should have a clearer understanding of the theories of the classics of Sociology and how they apply to social reality. They should also have had the opportunity to reflect on their learning and identify any areas that need further study or understanding.

Conclusion (5 - 10 minutes)

1. Lesson Summary (2 - 3 minutes): The teacher should summarize the main points covered during the lesson, briefly reviewing the theories of the classics of Sociology and how they were explored through the activities.

   • The teacher should highlight the main ideas of each author: social cohesion and division of labor in Durkheim, power relations and social structure in Marx, and social action and authority in Weber.
   • In addition, the teacher should reinforce how these theories help to understand society and current social problems.

2. Connection of Theory and Practice (2 - 3 minutes): The teacher should explain again how the class connected theory, practice, and applications.

   • The teacher should reinforce how the activities allowed students to apply the theories of the classics of Sociology to analyze social situations and social problems.
   • In addition, the teacher should emphasize how this connection between theory and practice is essential for the study of Sociology and for understanding the social world.

3. Extra Materials (1 - 2 minutes): The teacher should suggest extra materials for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of the classics of Sociology.

   • The teacher can recommend books, articles, documentaries, and websites that provide more information on the theories and lives of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber.
   • In addition, the teacher can suggest additional exercises and activities that students can do on their own to practice applying sociological theories.

4. Relevance of the Subject (1 - 2 minutes): Finally, the teacher should summarize the importance of the subject presented for everyday life, highlighting its practical applications.

   • The teacher should explain how the theories of the classics of Sociology can be used to understand and analyze a variety of social situations, from individual interactions to major social changes.
   • In addition, the teacher should emphasize how Sociology, as a whole, helps to develop a deeper understanding of the social world, which is essential for active and informed citizenship.

At the end of the conclusion, students should have a clear and consolidated understanding of the theories of the classics of Sociology and their practical applications. In addition, they should be equipped with resources to continue their learning and practice of Sociology outside the classroom.