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On Writing Theory Seminar and Workshop

Développement professionnel Webinaire 2021

This event is co-sponsored by the Canadian Sociological Association’s Social Theory Research Cluster and Student Concerns Subcommittee.

Event Organizer and Moderator: Dean Ray, York University

On Writing Theory Seminar

In sociology, the conventions of academic writing are well established, converging around a style consistent with the scientific report—introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion. Oft included, but seldom standardized, is the so-called ‘theory section’. With a role that is less than clear and a form that is far from institutionalized, the inclusion of theory can render anxious even the most ardent of sociologists. This seminar will provide a guide for how to include theory in your academic writing. Should we eschew the theory section and allow theory to blossom everywhere like a hundred flowers? Or should our use of theory be like an engine, if properly constructed then barely audible? Five leading theorists from across the country will try to answer this question while providing tips and tricks relevant to even the most seasoned and senior writers of the social.

Watch the recording

On Writing Theory Workshop

Graduate students are often given the guidance that they must make some sort of herculean gesture at the literature and this is often collated in the theory section. In a series of small group workshops, five leading writers of theory from across the country will offer feedback to sociology students and early career theorists (those who have not yet achieved tenure). The learning outcome of this applied workshop will be to allow sociologists and sociology students to learn how to write theory as distinct but connected to other forms of academic writing with a particular eye to writing theory in non-theoretical or non-specialized pieces.

Participants in the workshop were required to submit a 2500 sample of theoretical writing for discussion during the workshop.

Panelists and Workshop Facilitators

Zohreh Bayatrizi
Associate Professor
Department of Sociology
University of Alberta

Katherine Bischoping (she/her)
Associate Professor
Department of Sociology
York University

Thomas Kemple
Professor
Department of Sociology
University of British Columbia
Unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Territory

Renisa Mawani (she/her/hers)
Professor
Department of Sociology
University of British Columbia
Unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Territory

Neil McLaughlin
Professor
Department of Sociology
McMaster University