Sociology

Bachelor 2022/2023

Type: Compulsory course (Political Science and World Politics)

Area of studies: Political Science

Delivered by: Department of Political Science and International Affairs

Where: Saint-Petersburg School of Social Sciences

When: 1 year, 4 module

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of one campus

Instructors: Yulia Epanova

Language: English

ECTS credits: 3

Contact hours: 36

Full Syllabus Ask Question

Abstract

The discipline aims to introduce students to the basics of sociology. During the course, students will gain an understanding of the specifics of sociological understanding of society, of basic social phenomena and processes, as well as of key sociological theories

Learning Objectives

The purpose of the discipline of Sociology is to introduce students to the basics of classical and modern approaches in sociology, traditional and modern styles of sociological thinking and their conceptual apparatus.

Expected Learning Outcomes

uses sociological theories for the analysis of social phenomena and processes
develops academic reading, writing, and presentation skills
knows the basic classical theories and paradigms of sociological thinking
knows the basics of the sociological approach to understanding reality
plans and implements teamwork

Course Contents

Introduction to Sociology
Theoretical and methodological bases of Sociology as a scientific discipline
Social Structure and Inequality
Social institutions
Theorising contemporary society.

Assessment Elements

In-class Participation
Working in seminars involves completing the lecturer's assignments during classes, reading texts at home, and completing assignments for seminars at home. Be ready to: - read and discuss literature - analyze videos, cases - conduct mini-research and present the results - make PowerPoint presentations
Project
This task is held in the form of presentations of final group projects. The task of a group project is to apply the knowledge and optics learned in the course to an analysis of to analyse a social phenomenon (situation) from the news agenda. Students must form mini-groups of 4-5 people. Each group chooses a phenomenon or situation that is being discussed in society today. Your task will be to choose 2 theoretical frameworks from sociology which you think are applicable to the analysis of this situation and interpret this phenomenon/situation using these frameworks. The following components should be included in the presentation: 1. The description of the phenomenon/situation and the agenda that forms about it.. 2. Theoretical frameworks of the research, from sociology which you think are applicable to the analysis of this situation/ 3. Rationale why this theoretical framework is applicable 4. Analysis, results and conclusions.
Final exam
The final control will be in the form of a test consisting of 40 closed questions with a single choice. A correct answer to each question will result in 1 point (an incorrect answer will result in "0"). The maximum number of points is 40. The examination has a time limit. The time to complete the test is 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Interim Assessment

2022/2023 4th module
0.3 * Project + 0.3 * Final exam + 0.4 * In-class Participation

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Macionis, J. J. (2012). Sociology : a global introduction. Turkey, Europe: Pearson Prentice Hall. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.5C1FB862
Sociology, Giddens, A., 2017

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Abrutyn, S. (2016). Handbook of Contemporary Sociological Theory. Switzerland: Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1251393
Rousseau, N. (2014). Society Explained : An Introduction to Sociology. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=752270

Authors

EPANOVA YULIYA VALENTINOVNA

Course Syllabus