Sociology

Bachelor 2021/2022

Type: Elective course (Economics)

Area of studies: Economics

Delivered by: Department of Sociology

Where: St.Petersburg School of Economics and Management

When: 1 year, 3, 4 module

Mode of studies: distance learning

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Instructors: Yulia Epanova, Anastasia Meylakhs

Language: English

ECTS credits: 4

Contact hours: 30

Full Syllabus

Abstract

This discipline belongs to the general cycle of disciplines that provide basic bachelor's training. The discipline is based on the format of blended learning, i.e. includes materials of the online course “Fundamentals of Sociology” on the edX platform

Learning Objectives

to understand the role of sociology, its theoretical resources and key sociological concepts and gain ability of critical thinking on different social issues
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

Ability to identify and assess the "social facts" that are related to studies in business and management;
Ability to use sociological theories in research and understand social mechanisms of different actions and behaviours;
Competence in academic reading, writing, and discussion.

Course Contents

Introduction: Overviewing course structure, content, ILO and assessment methods. Basic concepts and main theories in sociology. How and why sociology is important in business and management studies.
Classical sociological theories
Social stratification and inequality. Groups and social boundaries
Markets and forms of economic integration
Sociology of religion: public vs private
Sociology of family. Marriage, childbirth and demographic transition theories
Sociology of organizations. Collective rationality and institutional isomorphism in organizational fields.
Social movements and changes
Urban sociology and institutions
Gender studies and theories
Sociology of consumption. Cultural industries and fashion
Education systems and socialization
Medical institutions and health
Research methods and data analysis in sociology
Norms, roles and values

Assessment Elements

Classroom discussions and tasks
Class activity is mainly based on in-depth discussion of the assigned readings. Each seminar will be facilitated as an inquiry in which all participants hold themselves and each other accountable for a strong and rich intellectual dialogue.
Take-home tasks
Take-home tasks are organized in the form of short essay and small group tasks/presentations
MOOC final test
This is the Coursera Classical Sociological Theory final test. This test contains 87 question. To pass this test students need to answer at least 57 questions correct.
Final exam 1st year
Exam is organized as written test with close- and open-ended questions on the readings and discussions of the course

Interim Assessment

2021/2022 4th module
0.3 * Final exam 1st year + 0.2 * MOOC final test + 0.25 * Classroom discussions and tasks + 0.25 * Take-home tasks

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

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
Zygmunt Bauman, & Tim May. (2004). Thinking Sociologically: Vol. Second edition. Wiley-Blackwell.

Course Syllabus