Really good course. This was my first approach with sociology and one of the reasons why I've decided to study this career and leave the one I'm currently studying. All the lectures of the different thinkers were fascinating, at the same time the ideas were easy to grasp thanks to the explanation of Professor Heerikhuizen, this also made the recommended readings easier to read.

In general aspects, I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in social sciences.

An exceptional overview of classical sociological theory and an exceptional professor. Finishing this course in a week marked by civil unrest in the United States brought greater understanding to my surrounding world, and, in turn, a degree of solace that can be summed up in one of our professor's final comments: "Maybe one day we may better understand those figurational processes and learn how to steer them in such a way that it will lead to less human suffering."

A very intriguing course that looks into the thinking of the great thinkers who had thought much more about how our modern society works. It is, as if, they had used a long binoculars that could help them see the future from the past. I am not merely saying they are predictive in their thinking, in fact, I am saying their theories or observations had actually been so relevant even in today's context. I was never interested in sociology but this course changed me.

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!

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.

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

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

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?!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! :)

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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 !

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.