Social Theory Courses and Certifications

Classical Sociological Theory

13 ratings

Read the founding sociological thinkers: work through Smith on division of labour, Comte's positivism, Tocqueville, Marx on alienation, Durkheim's social facts, Weber, and Elias.

• Coursera
• 9 weeks, 1 hour a week
• Self-Paced
• Paid Course

Foundations of Modern Social Theory

An overview of modern social thought tracing authority, freedom, class, power, morality, and social order from Hobbes through Durkheim.

• YouTube
• 19 hours 44 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Weber's Theory of Class - Foundations of Modern Social Thought

Explores Weber’s distinction between modern class and status groups and how each shapes people’s life chances.

• YouTube
• 45 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Social construction and social constructionism

12 ratings at OpenLearn

Within the field of social sciences the terms 'social construction' and 'social constructionism' are frequently used, particularly in relation to social policy. This free course, Social ...

• OpenLearn
• 1 hour
• Self-Paced
• Free Certificate

Weber on Protestantism and Capitalism - Foundations of Modern Social Thought

Weber’s account of how Luther’s calling, Protestant asceticism, and predestination helped form the spirit of capitalism.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Foundations of Modern Social Thought - Introduction to Key Thinkers

An interdisciplinary introduction to modern social thought through brief overviews of the lives, works, and contributions of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Nietzsche, and others.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

IIT Madras;  NPTEL

Classical Sociological Theory

Examine how Marx, Durkheim, Weber, and Mead shaped sociology’s theoretical and methodological foundations as a distinct social science.

• Swayam
• 12 weeks
• Available until Oct 9, 2026
• Free Online Course

Durkheim and Social Facts - Foundations of Modern Social Thought

Explore Durkheim’s method for identifying social facts and distinguishing normal from pathological through disciplined sociological inquiry and causal analysis.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Marx's Theory of Alienation - Foundations of Modern Social Thought

Explore how Marx’s theory of alienation shifts from Young Hegelian critique toward material conditions, shaped by his early life, career, and the Paris Commune.

• YouTube
• 48 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Marx's Theory of History - Foundations of Modern Social Thought

Marx’s Grundrisse revises his theory of historical change around property relations and a more complex, multilinear development of history.

• YouTube
• 52 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Introduction to Communication Science

7 ratings

Trace how communication science evolved: basic communication models, linear effect-oriented theories, the reception approach, and theories of culture produced and reinforced through communication.

• Coursera
• 4 weeks, 3 hours a week
• Self-Paced
• Paid Course

NPTEL-NOC IITM

Ideal Type and Value-Free Social Science

Explore ideal types and the principle of value-free social science.

• YouTube
• 26 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

METUopencouseware

Contemporary Sociology

1 rating

A thematic exploration of postmodern thought, tracing its philosophical roots through structuralism and post-structuralism in contemporary sociology.

• YouTube
• 1 day 15 hours
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Jeffrey Kaplan

How Advertising Really Works - Understanding Social Connotation vs Emotional Inception Theory

Uncover how advertising truly influences consumer behavior through social connotation theory, challenging traditional views of emotional manipulation in modern marketing and brand associations.

• YouTube
• 26 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

NPTEL-NOC IITM

Social Theory - A Genealogy

Explore the historical development and evolution of social theory through a comprehensive genealogical examination of key concepts and thinkers.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video