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Contemporary Sociological Theories

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Soci1014, General Sociological Theory

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to develop students' understanding about the most significant sociological theories in the 20th and 21st century in the context of contemporary sociological processes. During the study course students are introduced to the sociological theories prevailing in the 20th-21st centuries. Students learn the main paradigms of sociology, linking them with the current problems of modern society and directions of sociological research. The course also pays attention to the classification of sociological theories and current development trends.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge on contemporary sociological theories, knows classification of theories, as well as understand the nature and application of sociological theories in the analysis of social processes (test, independent work, exam)
Skills – able to link theoretical concepts and theses with practical examples, as well as independently obtain the necessary information using various sources of information. Is able to critically evaluate and analyze the information obtained (independent work, test, exam.)
Competences - able to critically evaluate social processes in society and interpret them in the context of sociological theories. (test, independent work, exam.)

Course Content(Calendar)

Lectures’content (32 hours)
1. The essence of sociological theories. (2h)
2. Classification of sociological theories. (2h)
3. Sociological theories.(2h)
4. Structural functionalism as a sociological theory. (3h)
5. Conflict theory I (2h)
6. Conflict theory I I (2h)
7. Theory of symbolic interactionism. (2h)
8. Theories of social exchange. (2h)
9. Phenomenology and ethnomethodology. (4h)
10. Social network theory. (2h)
11. Human capital and social capital. (2h)
12. Integration of micro and macro theories. (2h)
13. Theory of the risk society. (3h)
14. Characteristics of postmodern theories. (4h)

Content of practical classes (32 hours)
1. Classification of sociological theories. Discussion. (2 hours)
2. Types of social action. Individual and group work. (2 hours)
3. Everyday life in the context of symbolic interactionism (3 hours)
4. Application of macro-level theories in the study of social processes (2 hours)
5. Application of micro-level theories in the study of micro level processes. (2 hours)
5. Classification of sociological theories, main concepts. Test (2 hours)
6. Application of structural functionalism in the study of social processes (2 hours)
7. Application of conflict theory in the study of social processes. (2 hours)
8. Examples of game theory. Discussion. (2 hours)
9. Analysis of examples of social network theory. (2 hours)
10. Application of phenomenology and ethnomethodology in the study of individual behavior. Independent task. (4 hours)
11. Analysis of examples of reality construction. (2 hours)
12. Characteristics of a risk society. (2 hours)
13. Analysis of examples of McDonaldization theory. (2 hours)
14. Sociological paradigms. Presentations of independent task. (3 hours)

All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

To obtain credit points, students must attend at least 80% of the seminars or complete all tasks added to e-studies as well as obtain a positive grade in the test, present an independent tasks and obtain a positive grade in the exam.
Study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with the Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-5/59 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and independent work, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The organization of independent work in the study course Contemporary Sociological Theory is based on independent studies of information search, analysis and application, as well as conducting an analysis of scientific literature relevant to the topics of independent work, test papers and exams.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

consists of:
1. Independent work on contemporary sociological theories. (20% of the total assessment)
2. Test on the classification of sociological theories, main theoretical concepts. (20% of the total assessment)
3. Independent work on the application of phenomenology and ethnomethodology in the study of individual behavior. (20% of the total assessment)
4. Exam on all topics. (40% of the total assessment)

Compulsory reading

1. Dillon M. Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts, and their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century, Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 2010. 552 p.
2. Appelrouth S., Edles L.D. Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory: Text and Readings. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Pine Forge Press, 2008. 883 p.
3. Allan K. Contemporary Social and Sociological Theory: Visualizing social Worlds. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Pine Forge Press, 2006. 455 p.
4. Ritzer G. Encyclopaedia of Social Theory. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications, 2005. 982 p. Available electronically in the LBTU EBSCOhost databases: https://ej.uz/m1p7
5. Murphy J.W. Contemporary Social Theory: Key Themes and Analysis. New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2012. 175 p. Available electronically in the LBTU EBSCOhost databases: https://web-s-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fNjQ0NjI5X19BTg2?sid=a3ef371a-0bba-4146-91d5-32b636efceb5@redis&vid=4&format=EB&lpid=lp_iii&rid=0
6. Palese E.(2013). Zygmunt Bauman. Individual and society in the liquid modernity. SpringerPlus. SpringerOpen Journal, 2013,2:191. Pieejams elektroniski: file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/40064_2012_Article_526.pdf
7. Ritzer G.The McDonaldization of society. London: Pine Forge Press, 2004. 309 p.
8. Denney D. (2005). Risk and society.London: Sage Publications Ltd. Pieejams elektroniski EBSCOhost datu bāzē: https://ej.uz/dyxw

Further reading

1. Segre S. Contemporary Sociological Thinkers and Theories. Farnham, Surrey: Routledge, 2014. 382 p. Available electronically in the LBTU EBSCOhost databases: https://ej.uz/3t2u
2. Calhoun C. Contemporary sociological theory. 2nd ed. Malden: Blackwell Publishing, 2007. 489 p.
3. Cuff E.C. Perspectives in Sociology. 5th ed. New York: Routledge, 2006. 422 p.
4. Ritzer G. Explorations in the Sociology of Consumption: Fast Food, Credit Cards and Casinos. London: SAGE Publications, 2001. 257 p. Available electronically in the LBTU EBSCOhost databases: https://ej.uz/zg8h
5. Beck, U., Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity. London: SAGE Publications, 1992. 264 p.
6. Bodrijārs, Ž., Simulakri un simulācija. Rīga: Omina Mea. 2000. 157 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. British Sociological Association. Available: https://www.britsoc.co.uk/
2. European Journal of Social Theory. ISSN 1461-7137 (web). Available: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/est
3. Current Sociology. ISSN 1461-7064 (web). Available: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/csi
4. Sociology. ISSN 1469-8684 (web). Available: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/soc

Notes

Compulsory study course in the ESAF academic bachelor's programme "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration"