Applied Sociological Theory

2022/2023

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

4

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Department of Sociology

Course type:

Compulsory course

When:

3 year, 4 module

Instructors

Safonova, Maria

Sokolova, Nadezhda

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The course is devoted to the main theoretical approaches in sociology. Students get acquainted with thinkers whose focus is classical sociological theory and its application to different spheres of interest.

Learning Objectives

• develop the skill of interpreting empirical data applying different sociological theories
• understand the complexity of social systems and gain ability of critical thinking on social issues in light of the key concepts underlying major sociological theories

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Ability 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

• Structural functionalism 2
• Symbolic interactionism 2
• Ethnomethodology 2
• Analytical Marxism
• Neo-Weberianism: class, status, legitimacy, charisma
• Cultural capital
• Symbolic capital
• Social capital
• Organization theory: structural contingency, isomorphism
• Collective dilemmas and where to put them

Assessment Elements

• Classroom discussion
  Students need to participate in classroom discussion. Discussion is based on reading that is sent to students in advance. Classroom discussion grade has weight 0.6 of final grade. This grade accumulates lecture and seminar participation and activity.
• Exam presentation
  Student prepare final project in groups. Exam presentation grade has 0.4 weight of final grade.

Interim Assessment

• 2022/2023 4th module
  0.6 * Classroom discussion + 0.4 * Exam presentation

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Ritzer, G., & Smart, B. (2001). Handbook of Social Theory. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=251719

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Bourdieu, P., & Emanuel, S. (2010). Rules of Art : Genesis and Structure of the Literary Field. Maldon, MA: Polity. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1734387
• Hochschild, A. R. (1975). The Sociology of Feeling and Emotion: Selected Possibilities. Sociological Inquiry, 45(2/3), 280–307. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-682X.1975.tb00339.x