European tradition

• Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max weber often credited as 'founders' of sociology
• Erikson emphasizes the emergence of sociology as a discipline (as opposed to the study of society in general) in the European context
• Contemporary sociology is global, but retains a bias toward Western topics and ideals

Theory is contextual

• Marx, Durkheim, and Weber were developing theory to explain particularities of European society at the time
• They were responding to the political and historical moment
• Theory, though it often aims to be general in scope, should be understood in context

1. In pairs:

• Discuss one of the three student quesions on the left from last week

2. Consider:

• Structure: what other institutions is McGill athletics linked to? What institutions depend on it? For what?
• Function: what does institutionalized athletics provide to McGill? To Montreal? To Society?
• Consider the elements of social cohesion, roles, and function related to McGill athletics
• It might help to take some notes

3. Everyone

• Share and discuss your ideas with the class