Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Social Thought and Sociology
Teaching staff
Please make an appointment by email.
Introduction
This is a basic Sociology course. It consists of four parts. In the first part we try to discover the interest and use of Sociology. The second part gives an overview of the development of sociological thought from its origins to the most suggestive contemporary proposals. The third part deals with the fundamental issues of Sociology. The final part, about methodology, tries to present in a simple way the arduous paths that scientific research has to follow to provide rational explanations for human behaviour.
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
1. Introduction to Sociology
2. Social theories
3. Basic dimensions of Sociology
4. Methods of Social Sciences
(Please see the Spanish version of this teaching guide for a more detailed programme)
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%
Bibliography and resources
ANTONIO LUCAS MARIN. Sociología. El estudio de la realidad social. Eunsa, 2011.
GLADWELL, Malcom. Fuera de serie. Por qué unas personas tienen éxito y otras no (Outliers), Santillana, 2010.