Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Sociology
Teaching staff
jhernandezs@uic.es
Introduction
The subject Sociology, taught as part of the Bachelor’s Degree in Audiovisual Communication, aims to provide students a comprehensive understanding of contemporary society and emphasise the importance of communication in the process of cultural education. The aim of sociology (understanding society) is crucial in the planning and development of communication products. Therefore, the aim is to present the reality of sociological studies as a source of critical information and provide the keys to understanding the current social context. Also, to understand society means to be aware that the established order which characterises it is a social construct, and that its composition depends heavily on the actors involved in the development of cultural patterns. The subject aims to raise awareness among future communication professionals of their role in establishing the elements that comprise the symbolic universe of societies.
Pre-course requirements
No pre-course requirements are needed to enrol in this subject.
Objectives
Knowledge
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To learn about the reality of the science of sociology and the major theoretical paradigms.
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To understand the role of audiovisual communication in cultural education and society.
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To understand the social context of the postmodern era to create optimal communication products.
Skills and attitudes
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To use arguments, criticism and creativity when making speeches.
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To develop an attitude of respect for the diverse opinions in debates.
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To reflect on the responsibility of communication professionals in building a fairer and more supportive social environment.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 05 CG - The ability to develop an ethical attitude
- 06 CG - The ability to read, analyze and synthesize
- 07 CG - The ability to confront difficulties and resolve problems
- 08 CG - The ability to reflect and memorize.
- 16 CE - The ability to make judgments and well-argued critical assessments
- 21 CE - The ability to contextualize historical facts and critically analyze the current situation
Learning outcomes of the subject
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Identify social trends in audiovisual communication products.
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Distinguish elements of cultural training and socialisation in media creations.
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Indicate how the various communication elements used in the coursework can influence society.
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Become familiar with the sociological research tools used in communication.
Syllabus
Sociological theory, origins, modernity, perspectives and postmodernity. The dynamics of power and the spaces of individual and collective subjectivity
Section 1. An introduction to sociology in communication
Section 2. The origin of sociology and the main theoretical paradigms
Block 3. Main sociological perspectives
Block 4. Understanding 21st century society: culture, economy and politics in the post-modern era
Teaching and learning activities
In person
| TRAINING ACTIVITY | ECTS CREDITS |
| Coaching. Monitoring how students learn the content of the subject, either individually or in groups. In the coaching sessions, mistakes will be corrected, queries answered, and exercises and activities to achieve the established objectives will be suggested. | 0.4 |
| Seminar. This activity will consist of taking an in-depth look at specific up-to-date topics in a monographic manner-in some cases these topics will have been debated socially-, via active work in small groups. | 1.2 |
| Practical workshop. A highly practical working activity, where students can acquire skills that are practical or also theoretical (intellectual skills, logical skills, critical skills, intellectual learning skills, study skills, quoting skills, etc). | 1.0 |
| Lectures. In lectures, lecturers/professors not only transmit content or knowledge, but also, and above all else, attitudes, motivation, skills and values, etc. They also ensure that participants can express their opinions and arguments to the other students. | 3.4 |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
FIRST CALL
The evaluation will be continuous. Attendance and participation are required. It will consist of two exams with a value of 70% of the note, plus the completion of practices that will be 30%. Some of these practices will be done in class and others at home as exercises. It is necessary to pass the practices and the exam average to pass the subject.
* According to faculty regulations will be deducted for each misspelling in exams and papers.
SECOND CALL
1. Classroom attendance and participation: 15%
2. Practices: 15%
2. Final exam: 60%
*According to faculty regulations will be deducted for each misspelling in exams and papers.
THIRD CALL AND ONWARDS
1. Final exam: 100%
*According to faculty regulations will be deducted for each misspelling in exams and papers.
Bibliography and resources
Althusser, L. (2015). Sobre la reproducción. Madrid: Akal.
Bauman, Z. (2007). Tiempos líquidos. Vivir en una época de incertidumbre. Barcelona: Tusquets.
Baudrillard, J. (2008). Cultura y Simulacro. Barcelona: Kairós.
Beck, U. (2009). La sociedad del riesgo global. Madrid: Siglo XXI.
Becker, H. (2009). Outsiders: Hacia una sociología de la desviación. Madrid: Siglo XXI.
Berger, P. L., y Luckmann, T. (2003). La construcción social de la realidad. Buenos Aires. Amorrortu.
Blumer, H. (1982). El Interaccionismo simbólico, perspectiva y método. Barcelona: Hora D.L.
Durkheim, E, (1982). La División del trabajo social. Madrid: Akal.
Foucault, M. (2009). Vigilar y castigar. Madrid: Siglo XXI.
Guattari, F. y Rolnik, S. (2006). Micropolítica. Cartografías del deseo. Madrid: Traficantes de sueños.
Hardt, M. y Negri, T. (2005). Imperio. Barcelona: Paidós.
Illouz, E. (2007). Intimidades congeladas. Las emociones en el capitalismo. Madrid: Katz.
Lipovetsky, G. (2010). La era del vacío. Barcelona: Anagrama.
Noelle-Neumann, E. (1995). La espiral del silencio. Opinión pública: nuestra piel social. Barcelona: Paidós
Ritzer, G. (1993). Teoría sociológica contemporánea. México: McGrawn Hill.
Stavrakakis, Y. (2007). Lacan y lo político. Buenos Aires: Prometeo Libros.
Weber, M. (2016). La ética protestante y el espíritu del capitalismo. Madrid: Alianza Editorial