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 the sociology of culture by focusing on and analyzing patterns of cultural functioning, cultural processes and their changes, as well as the influence of culture on society and the economy. Students develop an understanding of the cultural environment and the conditions that shape it, and acquire the necessary skills for sociological research on culture, problem-solving, and the application of sociological research methods in analyzing cultural phenomena.
The aim of the course is to provide students with knowledge of the theoretical approaches in cultural sociology and their practical application in studying cultural developments and addressing related issues.

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.
Competence: ability to independently formulate and critically analyze problems in the field of culture. (Assessed through test papers, seminar discussions, and individual and group work.)

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Subject matter and tasks of cultural sociology. (2 hours)
2. Functions of culture in society. (1 hour)
3. Mechanisms of transmitting cultural values. (2 hours)
4. Objectives and models for social regulation of cultural processes. (2 hours)
5. Culture in the information society. (1 hour)
6. Specifics of the dissemination of scientific knowledge and artistic production in mass media. (1 hour)
7. Culture of social groups. (2 hours)
8. The concept of leisure culture. (1 hour)
9. Sociology of art (1 hour)
10. The essence of cultural creativity. (1 hour)
11. The artistic paradigm and its historical evolution. (2 hours)
Content of practicals and seminars (16 hours)
12. Culture and the peculiarities of its sociological research (1 hour)
13. Key concepts in cultural sociology (1 hour)
14. Cultural life as an expression of the cultural process (1 hour)
15. Economic efficiency of culture (2 hours)
16. Relationships of cultural functioning, and the dynamics and regulation of cultural processes — Test 1 (1 hour)
17. Cultural policy (2 hours)
18. Culture in the information society (1 hour)
19. Forms, nature, and challenges of everyday and high-culture interaction (1 hour)
20. Cultural and societal interaction; modern forms of culture — Test 2 (1 hour)
21. Characteristics of the cultural environment (2 hours)
22. Leisure culture and cultural offerings; presentation of individual work (2 hours)
23. Artistic culture and the specificity of creativity (1 hour)

Part-time distance learning:
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 seminar classes or complete all tests posted in the e-studies platform (for part-time students), receive a positive assessment in two tests, and complete the individual assignment.

The study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with Order of the Vice-Rector for Studies No. 2.4-8/54 on distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. Students acquire the topics covered in each course independently, using the materials prepared and uploaded by the lecturer in the e-studies environment (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics is provided through self-assessment tests, discussion forums, and individual tasks, as well as during 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 work in the study course Sociology of Culture is based on the independent analysis and application of informative material to describe the cultural life of society, the use of sociological research methods, which results in the development of individual work.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Assessment of the study course Sociology of Culture (assessment: test):
Test 1: Cultural functions, processes, and dynamics in society – 30%
Test 2: Interaction of culture and society and its forms – 30%
Individual work: Analysis of cultural life in the place of residence – 30%
Participation: Work in seminars or completion of e-study tests – 10%

Compulsory reading

1. Burdjē P. Praktiskā jēga. Rīga:Omnia Mea. 2004. 397 lpp.
2. Griswold W. Cultures and Societies in a Changing Wordl. SAGE Publications Inc. 2013.160 p. Pieejams elektroniski LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/detail/detail?vid=12&sid=2097dc19-a83f-4c65-acbf-68add0a02127%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbG12ZQ%3d%3d#
3. Kultūras sektora ekonomiskā nozīme un ietekme Latvijā. Rīga.2007.Pieejams: https://culturelablv.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/kulturas-ekonomiskas-ietekmes-izvertejums-lavija-2007.pdf
4. Krišjāne Z., Krūmiņš J. Izaicinājumi un risinājumi ilgtspējīgas sabiedrības attīstībai Latvijā. Reģionālo ideju darbnīcu rezultātu apkopojums Rīgā, Pierīgā, vidzemē, Kurzemē, Zemgalē, Latgalē. Rīga: LU. 2020.57 lpp.
5. Ritchie I. Food, Freedom, Community: How Small Local Actions Can Solve Complex Global Problems. Te Ra Aroha Press, 2020. 306 p.

6. Media and Society, 2024: 82nd International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia : proceedings of scientific paper = Mediji un sabiedrība, 2024 : rakstu krājums. Editor: V. Zelče. University of Latvia. Riga: University of Latvia, 2025. 137 lp.Pieejams:https://dom.lndb.lv/data/obj/1588514

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

Restricted elective course in the ESAF academic bachelor’s programme “Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”.

Atsauksmes