Teaching classical sociological theory in Singapore: The context of Eurocentrism

We argue that there is a need to rethink the teaching of classical sociolog ical theories given our concern with the limitations of the received theore tical canon, and through our encounters with students of sociology who also persistently ask that the classics be shown to be meaningful end of contem porary relevance. In our teaching, we highlight Eurocentrism as an addition al and essential context for understanding the rise of classical sociologic al theory, and to attune students in more meaningful ways to the works of M arx. Weber, and Durkheim. ironically, such an approach constitutes a new fo rm of legitimating the classics by revealing their timeless qualities, notw ithstanding their Eurocentrism.