Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Social Thought and Sociology
Teaching staff
Please make an appointment by email.
Introduction
This is a basic sociology course divided into three parts. In the first part, a review of the evolution of sociological thought is made through the exposition of its classic authors. The second part deals with the approach of relational sociology, one of the most suggestive paradigms of contemporary sociology, and will look at some practical applications; and in the last part, through flipped classes, we will delve into the social dimensions of success.
Pre-course requirements
No prerequisites are needed to enrol in this course, though students are encouraged to show curiosity, patience and effort.
Objectives
The aim of the course is to invite students to learn and use Sociology and show them which is the aim of the study and its specific approach, most important theories, basic concepts and research methods.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- E05 - Ability to evaluate social issues linked to cultural diversity.
- E06 - Awareness of and respect for different points of view resulting from cultural and social diversity.
- E07 - To acquire knowledge on the different issues and problems of current cultural debate and be aware of their constant change.
- G01 - To analyse and interpret social and cultural environments to identify need, opportunities, weaknesses and strenghts..
- G05 - To act responsibly and produce high-quality, rigorous and efficient work that benefits society.
Learning outcomes of the subject
The student is able to:
- Acquire the vocabulary and key concepts of the subject
- Develop arguments and synthesis in debates and oral presentations
- Analyze and synthesize the texts used
- Diagnose problems in the intellectual, cultural and social fields
- Contextualize social and cultural phenomena
Syllabus
PART I
THE CLASSICS OF SOCIOLOGICAL THOUGHT
Durkheim
Max Weber
Structural functionalism
Sociology of conflict
Symbolic interactionism
Forms of sociological research
THE ROLE OF CULTURE
1. Cultural diversity: many ways of living in one and the same society
2. Culture and freedom
3. An interesting debate
4. The socialisation process
5. The experience of the social: authors and actors
6. Groups and organisations
PART II
RELATIONAL SOCIOLOGY
INTRODUCTION. THE RELATIONAL APPROACH IN SOCIOLOGY
What does it mean to be "in relationship"?
Observing relationships
Thinking and acting in a network
RULES FOR A RELATIONAL SOCIOLOGY
Descriptive observation and problematising observation
Observing relationships
The construction of the "black box
Morphogenetic analysis
Practical consequences of relational analysis: the ODG systems.
The meaning of values in sociological research.
APPLICATIONS
Some examples of relational approaches to social issues.
PART III
Ten flipped classes from the reading of Malcom Gladwell's book "Outliers".
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Classes will contain theoretical explanations and practical activities.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The evaluation of the course consists of two tests: Exam 1, Exam 2 and a Reading Diary o Reflexive Diary in the case of those students who choose to develop the "Practicum Solidario Curricular".
Both exams test knowledge of concepts.
Exam 1 will take place halfway through the semester.
Exam 2 will take place at the end of the semester.
Students who do not pass exam 1 will re-sit the whole programme for exam 2.
The reading diary will be handed in during the final lecture.
The final grade will be calculated in this way:
Exam 1 y Exam 2: (70%)
Reading Diary/ Reflexive Diary: 30%
According to faculty regulations, at least 0.10 points will be deducted for each misspelling in exams and papers.
Bibliography and resources
PIERPAOLO DONATI & PABLO GARCIA RUIZ. Sociología relacionales, Prensa de la Universidad de Zaragoza, 2021.
GLADWELL, Malcom. Fuera de serie. Por qué unas personas tienen éxito y otras no (Outliers), Santillana, 2010.