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
- CN02 - Students will be able to identify models and policies specific to different cultures and migratory groups, as well as their historical context.
- 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.
- 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.
- HB07 - Students will be able to demonstrate a commitment to ethics, society, and protecting the environment when carrying out research projects and activities related to the field of study.
- HB11 - Students will be able to critically analyse cultural and artistic representations, based on an understanding of their historical context, in order to develop an intercultural perspective and a deeper understanding of the contemporary world.
- HB12 - Students will be able to adequately and effectively apply methods and techniques specific to different humanities disciplines when problem solving and when elaborating critical and well-founded arguments.
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
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 is based on an exam (70% of the grade) and a reading diary (30% of the grade).
The exam will take place at the end of the semester. The student will have to hand in the reading journal on the day of the exam.
A minimum grade of 5 in both of the two parts of evaluation must be achieved in order to pass the course.
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
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.