Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Social Thought and Sociology
Teaching staff
Please make an appointment by email.
Introduction
This course offers a solid and accessible introduction to Sociology, structured into two complementary parts. The first part introduces students to the evolution of sociological thought through the work of the discipline’s classical authors, examining how the major questions about the relationship between the individual and society emerged, and how key figures such as Durkheim and Weber responded to them.
The second part focuses on one of the most innovative and compelling paradigms in contemporary Sociology: Relational Sociology. This approach, developed by Pierpaolo Donati, proposes a new way of understanding the social world based on the relationships that generate and transform it.
Building on this perspective, the course explores practical applications that are highly relevant today, with particular attention to sociological analyses of the technological society: algorithmic mediation, artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and the new forms of interaction shaping contemporary life.
The ultimate aim is to provide students not only with a historical understanding of sociological thought but also with conceptual and analytical tools to critically understand contemporary society and its emerging challenges.
Pre-course requirements
No prerequisites are needed to enrol in this course, though students are encouraged to show curiosity, patience and effort.
Objectives
The main objective is to provide students not only with a historical understanding of sociological thought but also with conceptual and analytical tools to critically understand contemporary society and its emerging challenges.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- HB01 - Students will be able to reflect on issues of a cultural, social, scientific or ethical nature by interpreting relevant data.
- HB03 - Students will be able to develop a coherent understanding and expression of ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing.
- HB04 - Students will be able to develop the capacity for analysis, synthesis and critical thinking.
- HB05 - Students will be able to problem solve based on reasoned judgements.
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
- The early sociologists
- Durkheim
- Max Weber
- Structural functionalism
- Sociology of conflict
- Symbolic interactionism
- Forms of sociological research
PART II
EL PARADIGMA RELACIONAL
- Theoretical foundations of the relational paradigma
- Donati and the relational society
- Application: The digital matrix
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Classes will contain theoretical explanations and practical activities.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The assessment for this course consists of an exam (60% of the final grade) and an essay/text commentary (40% of the final grade).
The exam will take place at the end of the first part of the programme.
The essay or text commentary will be submitted at the end of the semester, during the official examination period.
To pass the course, students must obtain a minimum grade of 5/10 in both assessment components.
In the event that the teaching staff detects plagiarised work or a student copying during an exam, they will inform the Faculty Board, which will take the appropriate measures, including automatically obtaining a grade of 0.0 for that subject and passing directly to the next exam session.
Bibliography and resources
Pablo García Ruiz (2010). El labirinto social: cuestiones básicas de sociología. Ed. Eunsa.
For Part II, please consult the materials made available by the instructor on Moodle.