Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Social Thought and Sociology
Teaching staff
The appointments must be scheduled 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
Curiosity, patience, and effort.
Objectives
The main objective of the course is to invite students to know and use sociology, and to show them the object of study and the specific approach of this discipline, as well as its main theories, basic concepts, and research methods.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CP05 - Students will be able to analyse socio-cultural, historical and artistic structures, from a respect for the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, using language that avoids androcentricity and stereotypes.
- E01 - Ability to provide a humanistic/cultural vision to other sciences or methods.
- E05 - Ability to evaluate social issues linked to cultural diversity.
- E24 - Ability to present the results of research project in accordance with the standards of each subject area.
- G01 - To analyse and interpret social and cultural environments to identify need, opportunities, weaknesses and strenghts..
- G02 - To lead, cooordinate and form part of interdisciplinary work teams.
- G03 - To search for and/or administer economic resources within the framework of an institution or company, or a cultural programmes, project or service.
- G05 - To act responsibly and produce high-quality, rigorous and efficient work that benefits society.
- G06 - To demonstrate an ability to be open and flexible with regards to cultural and socil diversity.
Learning outcomes of the subject
- Acquires the key vocabulary and concepts of the subject
- Develops arguments and syntheses in debates and oral presentations
- Analyzes and synthesizes the texts used
- Learns to diagnose problems in the intellectual, cultural, and social fields
- Learns to contextualize social and cultural phenomena
Syllabus
- The early theorists
- Durkheim
- Max Weber
- Structural functionalism
- Conflict sociology
- Symbolic interactionism
- Forms of sociological research
- Cultural diversity: multiple ways of living in the same society
- Culture and freedom
- Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism
- The socialization process
- The experience of the social: authors and actors
- Groups and organizations
- Theoretical foundations of the relational paradigm
- Donati and the relational society
- Application: The digital matrix
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Theoretical explanations and practical activities will alternate.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The course evaluation is based on an exam (60% of the final grade) and an essay or text commentary (40% of the final grade). The exam will take place at the end of the first part of the syllabus. The essay or text commentary will be written at the end of the semester, during the official exam session.
Bibliography and resources
García Ruiz, P. (1997). El laberinto social: Cuestiones básicas de sociología. EUNSA. Additional materials: The materials provided by the professor on Moodle.