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Sociology

Course developers

Prior knowledge

Ekon2130, Theory of Economics

PārZP029, Introduction in Food Industry

Course abstract

During the study course students develop an understanding on social structure and its development trends, basic principles of the analysis focusing on social processes, acquire knowledge on social research methods and their application in their professional carrier. During the course students acquire social knowledge that is considered to be an important element of contemporary professional culture of specialists in any sector as it allows being competent in problem situations and making reasonable decisions considering socio economic processes and necessity of multidisciplinary knowledge within a context of a particular field of professional activity.The aim of the study course is to provide the theoretical and practical basic knowledge in sociology necessary for the chosen profession.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge on social structure, on regularities of its functioning and development, on research methods and their application within a context of particular profession – two tests Ability to use different information sources, to discuss trends in societal development, evaluate critically socio economic processes within a context of particular profession - seminars Ability to define a research problem and to conduct a pilot research in relation to a particular profession – group work “Sociological research” Ability to be competent in problem situations and to make decisions considering social knowledge in professional activities, ability to use results of different studies practically – seminars

Course Content(Calendar)

Lecture topics
1. Sociology as a science on society, its development globally and in Latvia. Structure of sociology and its functions.
2. Sociological research in and its application possibilities in the research of social and economic processes.
3. Development and organization of sociological research program. Population and sample.
4. Qualitative research methods.
5. Quantitative research methods.
6. Formation of public opinion.
7. Socialization. Culture as a social institution uniting society.
8. Social behaviour. Social control. Collective behaviour. Deviance.
9. Social structure and social interaction.
10. Social groups. Formal organization of society. Types of organization.
11. Social inequality and its forms. Age, gender, ethnic and regional inequality.
12. Social stratification. Social mobility.
13. Social institutions and their role in social system. Economy as social institution.
14. Social policy and quality of life.
15. Social problems in a contemporary society: political, economic, demographic, and environmental. Globalization.
16. Social changes and risks. Sustainable development.

Topics for seminars
1. The role of sociology in Latvia.
2. Research plan and elaboration of research methodology. (4 h)
3. Culture and its elements within a context of a particular profession.
4. Social behaviour. Deviance and norms within a context of a particular profession.
5. Organization analysis (examples of a particular economic activity) (2 h)
6. 1st test: Societal research, social structure.
7. Forms of social inequality in Latvia.
8. Social stratification in Latvia.
9. Analysis of social institutions (2 h).
10. Presentations of the group work “Sociological research” (2 h)
11. 2nd test: Social inequality, social problems and change within a context of sustainability.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Formal test with a grade.
Mark is based on a cumulative assessment of the progress made during the semester:
- Two tests written at their scheduled time;
- Discussions during seminars on specific topics;
- Conducted and presented group work “Sociological research” at scheduled time.
All tests and independent group work should be positively assesed.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

- Independent literature studies on topics covered in seminars, preparation for discussions in seminars.
- Group work "Sociological research" on a topic related to the study programme, by using research methods acquired during the study course. Volume of the report – 8-10 pages, report should be submitted at scheduled time.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Formal test with a grade based on a cumulative assessment: 20-point system is used and points are turned into grades (2 points refer to 1 grade in scale of 10):
- 1st test – 5 points;
- 2nd test – 5 points;
- discussions during seminars – 4 points;
- group work "Sociological research" completed during semester and submitted at a scheduled time – 6 points.
Students pass the tests if at least 50% of answers are correct.
Group work is assessed according to quality requirements defined by the tutor.
Activity, involvement and ability to make reasonable arguments is assessed during discussions.

Compulsory reading

1. Paula L., Korpa V. Socioloģija. Mācību līdzeklis. Jelgava: LLU SZF Socioloģijas katedra, 2011. 143 lpp. 2. Neuman W. L. Social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches. 7th ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2011. 631 p. 3. Toepoel V. Doing Surveys Online. Croydon: Sage Publications Ltd, 2016. 258 p. 4. Wolf C., Joye D., Smith T.W., Fu Yang-Chih. The Sage Handbook of Survey Methodology. Croydon: Sage Publications Ltd, 2016. 716 lpp. 5. Bakari M. El-Kamel. The Dilemma of Sustainablility in the Age of Globalization: A Quest for a Paradigm of Development. Lanham: Lexington Books, 2017. 223 p.

Further reading

1. Grīnfelde A., Kaufmane D., Korpa V., Paula L. Mācību līdzeklis studiju priekšmetā Socioloģija LLU studentiem. Jelgava LLU SZF, 2007. 88 lpp.
2. Tisenkopfs T. Socioloģija Latvijā. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2010. 536 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Sociologia Ruralis. ISSN 0038-0199 2. The British Journal of Sociology. Online ISSN 1468-4446 ISSN 1469-8307 (Online) [skatīts 27.05.2014.]. Pieejams: http://www.europeansociology.org/publications.html

Notes

ESAF bachelor’s study programme „Economics”
ESAF first level professional higher educational programme „Business Studies”
PTF second level professional higher educational programme „Food Technology”
PTF bachelor’s study programme „Food Quality and Innovations”
PTF professional bachelor’s study programme „Catering and Hotel Management”

Restricted elective course in academic bachelor’s study programm "Food quality and innovations"