Course code Soci2034

Credit points 3

Sociology I

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes16

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation29.04.2014

Responsible UnitInstitute of Social Sciences and Humanities

Course developer

author lect.

Anda Grīnfelde

Dr. oec.

Prior knowledge

Filz1016, Philosophy

PolZ1009, Political Theory

Course abstract

The aim of the course is to deepen students' understanding on theoretical viewpoints and main concepts of sociology. During the course students are introduced with subject of sociology, the development of sociology and methods used in sociology in relation with topical social problems and research directions.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

• The students will gain knowledge on the role of sociology in society and its practical usability, on basic sociological concepts related to social structure, tendencies of its functioning and causal relationships of societal development, on various research approaches which are employed in analysis of social processes.
• The study course develops skills to evaluate sociological information analytically, to be competent in sociological research strategies, research design and methods, to analyse tendencies of societal development, to evaluate critically socio economic processes within a context of particular speciality.
• The students raise their competence to analyse social processes according to various sociological perspectives and their professional activity, and to use practically results of different researches.

Compulsory reading

1. Ballantine J.H., Roberts K.A. Our social world: introduction to sociology. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks California: Pine Forge Press, 2009. 582 p.
2. Macionis J.J., Gerber L.M. Sociology. 6th ed. Toronto: Pearson/ Prentice Hall, 2009. 695 p.
3. Mārtinsone K. (sast., zin. red.). Ievads pētniecībā: stratēģijas, dizaini, metodes. Rīga: RAKA, 2011. 284 lpp.
4. Paula L., Korpa V. Socioloģija: [mācību līdzeklis]. Jelgava: LLU SZF Socioloģijas katedra, 2010. 143 lpp.

Further reading

1. Adler P.S. (ed.) The Oxford handbook of sociology and organization studies: classical foundations. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. 679 p.
2. Bruce S., Yearley S. The Sage Dictionary of sociology. London: Sage Publications, 2006. 328 p.
3. Tisenkopfs T. (sast., galv.red.). Socioloģija Latvijā. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2010. 533 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. The British Journal of Sociology. London: Wiley-Blackwell. ISSN 1468-4446
2. International Journal of Social Research Methodology. Journal of the Social Research Association. 2010.-ISSN: 1464-5300
3. Latvijas Universitātes raksti: Socioloģija. [Tiešsaiste] [Skatīts 10.04.2014.] Rīga : Latvijas Universitāte, 2008. 194 lpp. Pieejams: http://www.lu.lv/materiali/apgads/raksti/736.pdf