Sociological Theory

Total Hours in Course162

Number of hours for lectures24

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes24

Independent study hours114

Date of course confirmation06.10.2020

Responsible UnitInstitute of Social Sciences and Humanities

Course developers

Sociālo un humanitāro zinātņu institūts

Ginta Kronberga

Dr. sc. soc.

reserch

Dina Bite

Dr. sc. soc.

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to deepen knowledge of master students on the sociological concepts and theoretical conceptions, focusing on the role of classical sociology in interpreting contemporary problems. The study course introduces classical and modern theoretical perspective on social structure, culture as a social phenomenon, social interaction, social stratification and inequalities. The course emphasizes the nature of social institutions (family, mass media, economy and labour market, political institutions etc.).

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: knows sociological concepts about the structure of society and the processes taking place in society; understands the historical aspects of the formation of sociological science; knows classical and modern sociological theories – test, independent works, exam.
Professional skills: is able to constructively use sociological terminology in the analysis of social processes; is able to identify and evaluate current problems in society and apply appropriate sociological concepts to their analysis; is able to independently choose and apply sociological theories to evaluate social change in society – test, practical works, independent works, exam.
Soft skills: is able to plan tasks responsibly; is able to independently obtain, process and use information on a certain topic; is able to present and explain to others the results of his/her work, give reasoned answers to the questions asked; able to discuss and communicate freely about task performance and results – practical works, independent works.
Competence: able to integrate the knowledge of sociological theories in the identification and analysis of social processes; able to evaluate the results of sociological research in accordance with the acquired theoretical concepts; able to independently develop innovative solutions to various social problems – exam, independent works.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Sociology as a science. The concept of theory. Description of the most important sociological paradigms (2 hours)
2. The concept of culture in sociology. The concept of socialization and internalization (2 hours)
3. Social structure and its basic building blocks. Society as a system. The paradigm of structural functionalism. Neo-functionalism (2 hours)
4. Deviance and social control. Deviance theories. Anomie in the interpretation of David Émile Durkheim and Robert K. Merton (2 hours)
5. Social interaction. G. Simmel and M. Weber's classical approaches to social interaction. Perspective of symbolic theories of interactionism and exchange (2 hours)
6. Social inequality and stratification. Social mobility (2 hours)
7. Conflict approach in sociology. Findings of K. Marx, M. Weber, R. Dahrendorf, Lewis A. Coser, theorists of the Frankfurt school (2 hours)
8. Social network theory. Social capital. Capability (2 hours)
9. Introduction to postmodern theories. Globalization processes (1 hour)
10. Social change and social sustainability (1 hour)
11. Social Institutes I: Family and Marriage (1 hour)
12. Social Institutes II: Economics and Labour Market (1 hour)
13. Social Institutes III: Religion and Education (1 hour)
14. Social Institutes IV: Power, Politics and the State (1 hour)
15. Social Institutes V: Mass Media (1 hour)
16. Social Institutes VI: Health and Medicine. Sociology of the body (1 hour)

List of practical classes (24 hours)
1. Formation and development of sociology as a science in Latvia, future challenges - discussion in a seminar (1 hour).
2. Construction of cultural elements in society - case analysis, discussion (2 hours)
3. Analysis of society as a system - group work (2 hours)
4. Social interaction and its role in real and virtual environment - group work (2 hours).
5. Social inequality and social stratification - problems and solutions - discussion (2 hours)
6. Analysis of social conflicts in micro and macro perspective - individual and group work (2 hours)
7. Manifestations of deviance in modern society. Sociological research on deviance in Latvia and in the world - group work and discussion in seminars (2 hours).
8. Networking in everyday and professional environment - discussion (1 hour).
9. Concepts of sociological theory - test (1 hour).
10. Transformation of marriage and family institutes in modern society - independent work, presentation (1 hour)
11. Problems of economics and labour market in modern society - independent work, presentation (1 hour)
12. Religion and secularization - independent work, presentation (1 hour)
13. The role of education in modern society. Current research in education in Latvia - independent work, presentation (1 hour).
14. Sociological analysis of the institute of politics - independent work, presentation (1 hour)
15. The role of media in shaping public opinion - independent work, presentation (1 hour)
16. Sociology of body and health - independent work, presentation (1 hour)
17. Changes in society and modern organizations. Global and local - discussion (1 hour)
18. Analysis of current social movements - case analysis, discussion (1 hour)

Requirements for awarding credit points

2 independent works must be elaborated and presented. All practical works must be done and the test must be written. Oral exam in the end of the course.
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 studies of scientific literature. Elaboration and presentation of 2 independent works. Oral exam.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Exam. Its criteria for assessment of learning outcomes consist of: oral exam – 40%, independent works – 45%, test – 15%.

Compulsory reading

1. Dillon M. Introduction to sociological theory: theorists, concepts, and their applicability to the twenty-first century. 3rd ed. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley Blackwell, 2020. 530 p.
2. Bakari M. The Dilemma of Sustainability in the Age of Globalization: A Quest for a Paradigm of Development. Lanham: Lexington Books, 2017. 223 p.
3. O`Byrne D. Introducing Sociological Theory. London: Routledge, 2013. 273 p.
4. Giddens A. Sociology. Cambridge: PolityPress, 2006. 1094 p.
5. Appelrouth S., Edles L.D. Classical and contemporary sociological theory: text and readings. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press, 2008. 883 p.
6. Ballantine J.H., Roberts K.A. Our social world: introduction to sociology. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks California: Pine Forge Press, 2009. 582 p.
7. Cuff E.C. Perspectives in sociology. 5th ed. New York: Routledge, 2006. 422 p.
8. Hughes A.E. Understanding classical sociology: Marx, Weber, Durkheim. 2nd ed. London: Sage, 2003. 246 p.
9. Adler P.S. The Oxford handbook of sociology and organization studies: classical foundations. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009. 679 p.
10. Ritzer G. The Blackwell companion to major classical social theorists. Malden: Blackwell Publishing, 2007. 436 p.
11. Michalski J.H. Sociological Theory, Methods and Perspectives. New York: Nova, 2018. 249 p. Retrieved from EBSCO eBook Academic Collection via LLU Fundamental library network and university network. https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fMTg1NTE0NF9fQU41?sid=fc23d9f1-e6cf-4f53-892c-b37b558584ca@sessionmgr4007&vid=17&format=EB&lpid=lp_Coverback&rid=0
12. Segre S. Contemporary Sociological Thinkers and Theories. Farnham, Surrey: Routledge, 2014. 382 p. Retrieved from EBSCO eBook Academic Collection via LLU Fundamental library network and university network. https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/detail/detail?vid=19&sid=fc23d9f1-e6cf-4f53-892c-b37b558584ca%40sessionmgr4007&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#AN=797017&db=e000xww
13. The Blackwell encyclopedia of sociology /edited by George Ritzer. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, c2007. 11 Vol. (cxxiv, 5650 p.): il. ISBN 9781405124331

Periodicals and other sources

1. Humanities and Social Sciences. Latvia. Pieejams: https://www.apgads.lu.lv/izdevumi/brivpieejas-izdevumi/zurnali-un-periodiskie-izdevumi/humanities-and-social-sciences-latvia
2. The British Journal of Sociology. Pieejams: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14684446
3. European Journal of Social Theory. Pieejams: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/est
4. Code of Ethics (International Sociological Association). Pieejams: http://www.isa-sociology.org/en/about-isa/code-of-ethics/
5. Latvijas sociologu ētikas kodekss. Pieejams: http://sociologija.lv/etika-2/
6. Pārresoru koordinācijas centra pētījumu un publikāciju datu bāze. Pieejams: http://petijumi.mk.gov.lv/

Notes

Mandatory study course in the ESAF academic master's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration".

Atsauksmes