The course teaches students the ways in which sociological theory informs the study of social problems. More specifically, students will be exposed to major classic and contemporary sociological theories, basic sociological concepts, methods and findings. They will be taught to think like a sociologist, ask the right questions and attempt to observe the social phenomena through an array of available methods. Students will therefore be equipped with tools to understand and reflect critically on social problems. The course combines frontal teaching with a social lab, where theory and methods will be applied to key global challenges, including but not limited to immigration, modernization, family change, religion, media and digitalization.
Course Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
Frontal teaching, class exercises and group work.
Assessment Methods
Written exam with multiple choice and open ended questions.
Texts
Van Tubergen, F. (2020). Introduction to sociology. Routledge.
Contents
Part 1 Thinking like a sociologist •1 Questions •2 Theories •3 Methods •4 Perspectives Part 2 Culture •5 Opinions •6 Norms Part 3 Social relations •7 Networks •8 Groups Part 4 Inequality •9 Stratification and mobility •10 Resources Part 5 Topics •11 Immigration and integration •12 Modernization •13 Religion
