Culture Sociology

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes16

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation07.12.2021

Responsible UnitInstitute of Social Sciences and Humanities

Course developer

lect.

Silva Barševska

Mg. sc. soc.

Prior knowledge

Soci1005, Basics of Research

Soci2047, Qualitative Research Methods

Soci2048, Quantitative Research Methods

Course abstract

The course familiarizes students with the concept of sociology of culture through focusing on and analysing patterns of cultural functioning, cultural processes, changes therein and the influence of culture on society and the economy. Students build up an understanding of the cultural environment and the conditions that shape it as well as acquire the necessary skills for sociological research on culture, problem solving and the application of sociological research methods in analysing cultural phenomena.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge of the regularities of cultural functioning and the dynamics of cultural processes in society.
Skills to assess the impact of the economic, social and political situation on culture, to apply sociological research methods to the analysis of cultural developments.
Competences - able to independently formulate and critically analyze problems in the field of culture.
(Test papers, discussions in seminars, individual and group work.)

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Subject matter and objectives of the sociology of culture. (2 hours)
2. Functions of culture in society. (1 hour)
3. Mechanisms for transfer of cultural values. (2 hours)
4. Goals and models of social regulation of cultural processes. (2 hours)
5. Culture in an information society. (1 hour)
6. Specifics of dissemination of scientific knowledge and artistic products via the mass media. (1 hour)
7. Culture of social groups. (2 hours)
8. Concept of leisure culture. (1 hour)
9. Sociology of art. (1 hour)
10. Nature of cultural creativity. (1 hour)
11. Artistic paradigm and the historical evolution thereof. (2 hours)

List of seminars (16 hours)
1. Culture, the specifics of doing sociological research thereon. (1 hour)
2. Key cultural and sociological concepts. (1 hour)
3. Cultural life as a manifestation of the cultural process. (1 hour)
4. Economic efficiency of culture. (2 hours)
5. Patterns of cultural functioning, changes in and the regulation of cultural processes. Test 1. (1 hour)
6. Cultural policy. The presentation of individual assignment 1 (2 hours)
7. Culture in an information society. (1 hour)
8. Forms, nature and problems of interaction between everyday and high culture. (1 hour)
9. Interaction of culture and society. Modern forms of culture. Test 2 (1 hour)
10. Peculiarities of the cultural environment. (2 hours)
11. Leisure culture. A supply of cultural services. The presentation of individual assignment 2 (2 hours)
12. Artistic culture. The specifics of creativity. (1 hour)

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

Students must attend at least 80% of seminar classes or complete all tests posted in e-studies (part-time students), obtain a positive grade in 2 tests and complete individual work.

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 the independent works of the study course in Sociology of Culture is based on the independent analysis and application of informative material in the description of the cultural life of society, the use of sociological research methods, which results in the development of individual work.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The assessment of the study course Sociology of Culture (assessment - test) consists of:
1. control paper on cultural functions, processes and dynamics in society. (30%)
2. Control work on the interaction of culture and society and its forms. (30%)
Individual work Analysis of cultural life in the place of residence. (30%)
Work in seminars or execution of e-study tests. (10%)

Compulsory reading

1. Bendiksens P.Ievads kultūras un mākslas menedžmentā. Rīga: Jāņa Rozes apgāds.2008. 382 lpp.
2. Hellemans B. Understanding Culture: A Handbook for Students in the Humanities. Amsterdam, University Press, 2017, 180 p. Pieejams LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMH3d19fMTIY1MzA0OV9fQU41?sid=2097dc19-a83f-4c65-acbf-68add0a02127@redis&vid=4&format=EB&rid-1
3. Kleins A. Kultūrpolitika. Rīga: Jāņa Rozes apgāds, 2008. 256 lpp.
4. Mirzojevs N. Kā raudzīties uz pasauli. Rīga: Jāņa Rozes apgāds, 2017. 287 lpp.
5. Pennington R. () Cultural Theory for the Humanities. NY,Nova Science Publishers Inc. 2016.173 p. Pieejams LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMH3d19fMTIyNjE5MF9fQU41?sid=2097dc19-a83f-4c65-acbf-68add0a02127@redis&vid=4&format=EB&rid-1
6. Projekts “Kultūrpolitikas pamatnostādnes 2021.- 2027.gadam“, 2021. Pieejams: http://tap.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/?pid=40501590

Periodicals and other sources

1. International Journal of Cultural Studies. Pieejams: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/ics
2. Kultūras un patstāvīgas domas interneta žurnāls “Satori”. Pieejams:
https://satori.lv

Notes

Elective study course for academic bachelor’s study programme „Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”

Atsauksmes