Sociological Theory

2025/2026

Учебный год

ENG

Обучение ведется на английском языке

6

Кредиты

Кто читает:

Департамент социологии

Статус:

Курс по выбору

Когда читается:

2-й курс, 1, 2 модуль

Преподаватели

Александров Даниил Александрович

Ермолаева Аполлинария Александровна

Кудряшова Варвара Сергеевна

Черных Екатерина Юрьевна

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course explores the fundamental elements of modern sociology and the logic of constructing empirical research. Students will become familiar with the concept of middle-range theories and the fundamental principles of analytical sociology, which aims to identify social mechanisms and causal relationships between social phenomena. The course examines the key stages of research project development: formulating the research problem and research question, constructing testable hypotheses, and conceptualizing and operationalizing theoretical concepts. Particular attention is paid to the principles of causal inference in the social sciences and the use of causal models to analyze social processes.

Learning Objectives

• кnow the comlexity of social systems
• develop the ability to think critically about social issues in light of the key concepts underlying major sociological theories

Expected Learning Outcomes

• - to use sociological theory for development of sociological research design
• - be able to differentiate social actions and social behavior, explain social actions through social mechanisms
• - understand the link between micro-actions and macro-outcomes
• - generate simple middle-range theories
• - develop academic skills in reading, writing, and presentation.

Course Contents

• Introduction. Social Facts.
• Nature of social explanation. Theories of the middle range
• Process of instantiation. Concepts and nomological networks
• Thought experiments in social science. the nature of relationships
• Causal relations. Defining causality
• Developing causal diagrams from scratch
• The Role of Emotions in descision making
• Nature and role of beliefs
• Preferences (desires)
• Opportunity structure
• Social norms

Assessment Elements

• Activity
• Activity
• Tests
• Tests
• Home reading
• Home reading
• Project
• Project
• Midterm exam
• Final exam

Interim Assessment

• 2025/2026 1st module
  0.1 * Home reading + 0.3 * Midterm exam + 0.3 * Tests + 0.1 * Activity + 0.2 * Project
• 2025/2026 2nd module
  0.1 * Home reading + 0.2 * Project + 0.3 * Tests + 0.1 * Activity + 0.3 * Final exam

Bibliography

Recommended Core 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

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Bearman, P., & Hedström, P. (2009). The Oxford Handbook of Analytical Sociology. Oxford: OUP Oxford. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=381029
• Dillon, M. (2014). Introduction to Sociological Theory : Theorists, Concepts, and Their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century (Vol. Second edition). Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=667235
• Manzo, G. (2014). Analytical Sociology : Actions and Networks. Hoboken: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=714658
• Segre, S. (2014). Contemporary Sociological Thinkers and Theories. Farnham, Surrey: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=797017
• Sloman, S. A. (2005). Causal Models : How People Think About the World and Its Alternatives. Oxford: Oxford University Press, USA. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=552942
• Wright, J. D. (2015). International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences (Vol. Second edition). Amsterdam: Elsevier. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=957369

Authors

• CHERNYKH EKATERINA YUREVNA
• Aleksandrov Daniil Aleksandrovich