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.
The aim of the study course to provide students with knowledge of theoretical approaches to the sociology of culture and the practical aspects of their application in examining cultural developments and problem solving.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: Students will be able to: demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of patterns of cultural functioning, research problems, methods to be applied and main research fields in the sociology of culture. Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of changes in cultural processes and their influence on society, an ability to analyse and describe cultural peculiarities in different social environments and comprehend the causes thereof. (Tests, group work, discussion).
Skills: Ability to apply the knowledge of cultural regularities and processes in analysing cultural problems. Ability to assess the influence of the economic, social and political situation on culture, deal with cultural policy documents and guidelines.
Ability to comprehend sociological research methods and apply them in analysing cultural developments and problems. Ability to responsibly plan the completion of the assignments given. Ability to engage in group work and discussions and assume responsibility for the results and analysis of the group work. Ability to demonstrate social interaction, cooperation and organizational skills specific to the profession. (Tests, individual tasks, presentation, group work, discussions in seminar);
Competence: Ability to independently identify and critically analyse problems in the field of culture and apply sociological research methods in analysing cultural phenomena. (Tests, discussions in seminar, individual tasks 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)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Formal test with a mark (the assessment of student performance is accumulated).

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 assigned independent and group works, successfully written tests, activity and discussion in seminars and self-tests.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Credit rating consists of:
1) Test 1 (20%);
2) Test 2 (20%);
3) Activity, discussions in seminar classes. Self-tests (10%);
4) Individual task 1 (20%);
5) Individual task 2 and the presentation thereof (30%)

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