1. Sociology 402 Sociological Theory The Sociology of George Simmel

2. Biography/Philosophy Frustrated Academic – Too popular for German professoriate – Defended by Weber but marginal Liberal – Individual is creative, active meaning seeker – Modern world stimulating—maybe too much

3. Model: Dialectical Interactionism Attempts to blend Weber and Marx A true dialectic? – Without a beginning: alienation/estrangement – Without an end: liberation

4. Focus: Social Focus on everyday social life – More micro than classics – Less interested in institutional change – More interested in consequences of change The city The cosmopolitan The stranger Fashion Money

5. Model of Society – oppositional individual versus society content versus form – Dynamic individual/content: creative, unpredictable society/form: stable, predictable – Progressive?

6. Model of Sociation Form Conflict Content

7. Model of Sociation Performance Other Self Role Individual Society negotiation & conflict negotiation & conflict negotiation & conflict

8. Being a Student: A Double-Edged Sword Form of ActionExperience StimulationCopingOverload Registration PlanningChoosingTaking Attending Classes Ideas and InsightsTaking NotesPhysical Presence Assignments Evaluation Reaction Understanding Doing What is Required Handing Something In Grades AccomplishmentReliefAcceptance Meeting Degree Requirement ProgressStruggleEndurance Paying Fees InvestingPayingSpending