Bachelor 2019/2020

Sociology

Type: Compulsory course (Political Science and World Politics)

Area of studies: Political Science

Delivered by: Department of Sociology

Where: Saint-Petersburg School of Social Sciences

When: 1 year, 4 module

Mode of studies: distance learning

Instructors: Лапина Вероника Олеговна, Larisa Leonidovna Shpakovskaya

Language: English

ECTS credits: 4

Contact hours: 36

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course introduces major concepts, theories, scholars, subfiels, and research results of this very rich and diverse social science discipline. By familiarizing themselves with various ways of reading into contemporary societies, processes they are engaged in, and challenges they are facing, the students will explore the relationships between material structures, individuals, and societies. One of the topics of the course uses an online component following the blended learning technique. Designed for undergraduate students with sociology as a side-discipline, this course is discussion-intensive with moderate reading component. Participants are expected to read all the assigned texts and to actively contribute to the in-class analysis. It is an English-language course; all required readings are in English and the language of the in-class discussion is English only. In addition, some of the topics invite the works of audio-visual and performative arts, thus allowing the participants not only to read but also to watch and listen into the possible representations of sociological theory. In class we will critically review the ways in which the weekly topic is addressed in the readings and work together towards de-centering analytical categories, addressing possible limitations of the theoretical approaches, and discussing arguments and their implications.

Learning Objectives

• learn what it means to ―think sociologically,‖ and how this differs from other ways of seeing the world around

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Able to learn and demonstrate skills in the field, other than the major field
• Able to identify scientific subject
• Work with information: find, define and use the information from different sources which required for solving of research and professional problems (including the system approach)
• Able to think critically and interpret the experience (personal and of other persons), relate to professional and social activities

Course Contents

• Sociology as a way of seeing and the theory of Social Change.
• Social (Inter)actions
• Institutions
• Power and Politics
• Inequality and Stratification
• Social Movements
• The Culture Industry
• Gender and Feminism
• Social Change and the Future of the Discipline
• City and Society

Assessment Elements

• Exam
  Экзамен состоит из 2 частей. Первая часть экзамена проводится в письменной форме в формате эссе. Вторая часть экзамена проводится в устной форме в формате защиты эссе. Письменная часть экзамена предполагает написание аргументированного эссе. Несданное вовремя эссе (16 июня 23:59 по Московскому времени) предполагает не допуск к устной презентации. Вторая часть экзамена проводится в устной форме в формате презентации эссе. Экзамен проводится на платформе Zoom. Накануне экзамена (не позднее 23 июня 2020 года) в системе LMS будет опубликовано расписание защит эссе. К экзамену необходимо подключиться за 2-3 минуты до начала своей презентации и находиться в комнате ожидания до того, как преподаватель допустит студента/студентку к защите. Компьютер студента/ки должен удовлетворять требованиям: наличие рабочей камеры и микрофона, поддержка Zoom, поддержка PowerPoint, Keynote или любой другой программы демонстрации презентации. Для участия в экзамене студент/ка обязаны: поставить на аватар свою фотографию, подписать свой аккаунт именем и фамилией, явиться на экзамен согласно точному расписанию, при ответе включить камеру и микрофон и продемонстрировать свою подготовленную 10-минутную презентацию, ответить на уточняющие вопросы по теме своего эссе. Студент/ка также обязаны обеспечить свое присутствие во время защиты и быть уверенными в наличии у них стабильного интернет-подключения. Неявка на защиту эссе влечет за собой выставление неудовлетворительной оценки.
• 3 “Abstract-writing” exercise
• Group presentation
• In-Class participation
  Students are expected to be familiar with all of the assigned readings and actively participate in class discussions. As the understanding of ―active participation‖ may vary, students must feel free to come to the instructor in case of any personal matter with public participation. Please note, that it is the instructor’s duty to ensure equal access to in-class participation; students must feel free to address the instructor after class in case they feel that they are not given a chance to express themselves in class.

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (4 module)
  0.15 * 3 “Abstract-writing” exercise + 0.4 * Exam + 0.2 * Group presentation + 0.25 * In-Class participation

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Lemert, C. C. (2018). Social Theory : The Multicultural, Global, and Classic Readings (Vol. Sixth edition). New York: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1451119

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Berberoglu, B. (2017). Social Theory : Classical and Contemporary – A Critical Perspective. New York: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1449724