Sociology

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demonstrate the ability to independently investigate a topic of sociology and to improve oral presentation skills.. Course description Sociology is the systematic study of human society. The course will cover the main theoretical and methodological trends in sociology. However, the main aim of the lectures and the debates following each lecture is to closely investigate those issues which are familiar to all of us but can be viewed from a different sociological viewpoint. Therefore, during this semester we will study such key social phenomena as family, globalisation, gender and politics etc so as to better understand the social forces which shape our lives.

SYLLABUS

Sociology

Methodology The course will concentrate on issues of our society. Each week there will be a lecture (1 hour) and a debate (half an hour) on a given social dilemma. Two to four students are expected to prepare with pros and cons of the dilemma, respectively, and afterwards the group is also expected to the debate to discuss the matter. In this manner, students will develop desk research, presentation and communication skills to be able to accomplish this task.

2010/2011 – Autumn Term Course title:

Sociology

Course schedule

Optional

Consultation (each for 2 hours)

Course code: Status:

Title: Sociological thinking. A frame of mind?

Contact hours: Credits:

1st

Prerequisites:

Topic

none

Topics: The sociological perspectives, main strands in sociological theory, the origins of sociology. Reading: Macionis: Sociology (see below): pp. 1-19

Course unit leader:

Title: Sociological investigation Gábor Király PhD, sociologist-researcher

Tutor(s):

nd

2

Reading: pp. 27-55

Aims and objectives

Dilemma: Is science superior to other forms of human ‘knowledge’ such as religion or art?

The objective of this course is to increase the student’s knowledge of how social scientists discover, describe and explain the behaviour of and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in society as a whole.

Title: Culture in our lives Topics: Definitions of culture, elements of culture, analysis of culture 3rd

Learning outcomes

Topics: The nature of scientific evidence, science as social activity, methods of social research

Reading: pp. 57-87 Dilemma: Does high culture have more value in itself than popular culture?

At the end of the course students should be able to: know and understand major theoretical approaches in sociology distinguish and critically evaluate these approaches apply theoretical approaches to problems of sociology understand the different conclusions we draw when applying different theoretical approaches to identical problems describe and differentiate different methodologies in the study of sociology

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Title: Social interaction in everyday life th

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Topics: Status and roles in society, social construction of reality, Goffman’s dramaturgical analysis Reading: pp. 141-163 Dilemma: Is it possible that (some) conspiracy theories are actually true?

2

11th

Title: Groups and organisations 5th TEST

Title: Families Topics: Social patterns of family structures, stages of family life, alternative family forms and problems, Bauman’s liquid society and its implications

Topics: Social groups, formal organisations, future of organisations Reading: pp. 165-189 Dilemma: Are groups with a strong leader more effective than those with a democratic one?

Reading: pp. 463-489 Dilemma: Is family life more difficult nowadays (with nuclear families) than it was in the past (when several generations lived together)?

Title: Sexuality and society 6th

Topics: Perspectives of sexuality, sexual orientation, issues and controversies

12th

Title: Population, urbanisation, and environment

Reading: pp. 191-217

Topics: demography: the study of populations, population growth, urbanization, environment and society

Dilemma: Should marriage between homosexual partners be permitted?

Reading: pp. 573-604

Title: Deviance and social control 7th

Dilemma: Is the environment less important than economic growth?

Topics: Definitions of deviance, different analysis of the social phenomenon of deviance, Crime and punishment

Course policies

Reading:: pp. 219-249

Students are invited for optional attendance in lectures but please take into consideration that class contribution is part of the assessment (see below).

Dilemma: Is capital punishment acceptable?

Title: Social stratification 8th

Assignments

Topics: Caste and class systems, theories and trends in social stratification, stratification and conflict, role of technology

1. Written home assignments: Students are expected to write an (1000-1500 words long) essay at the end of the semester, about the social history of a family. The essay should be based on some small research students conduct in their own or some other family environment. The essay should consist of the following elements:

Reading: pp. 251-275 Dilemma: Is poverty a necessary evil in our societies which we have to accept or can it be changed?

Introduction Presentation of research methodology (interviews with parents, grandparents/using family documents/using photos) Description of findings focusing on issues such as how social changes affected individual and family life, how these changes can be understood in terms of the sociological approach and what are the nature of relationship between social and individual history. Conclusion

Title: Economy and work Topics: The economy as a social system, economic systems, changes in the world of work, labour market 9th

Reading: pp. 413-429 Dilemma: Is professional knowledge still useful or should students learn general skills (such as collaboration, creativity and learn how to learn) which are nowadays highly valued in our knowledge-based society?

All sources used have to be properly referred to using one style of reference, preferably APA. Acts of plagiarism1 will automatically result in a fail grade for the student under suspicion. If the student is not sure how to avoid plagiarism s/he is encouraged to read the following website: http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/using-sources/how-not-to-plagiarize

Title: Politics and government 10th TEST

Topics: Power and authority, Political systems, questions of participation and citizenship Reading: pp. 473-461 Dilemma: Can torture be justified in the fight against terrorism? 1

Plagiarism is appropriating (in other words stealing) or using ideas, findings or writings of another person and presenting these as one’s own.

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2. Presentation of a social dilemma: Every week two students will be asked to present the pros and cons of a given topic (see above) in 5 minutes. The performance of the students will be evaluated on the clarity of their arguments and on how convincingly they are able to present their standpoint.

Companion website for Sociology 12/e: http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_macionis_sociology_12/79/20324/5203169.cw/index.html BBC Radio4 Thinking Allowed: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/thinkingallowed/ Multnomah County Social issues links: http://www.multcolib.org/homework/sochc.html#gender

Assessment and grading The final mark will be composed of (i) An essay on a social problem, (1500-2000 words long) (ii) Two tests during the semester (iii) Presentation of a social dilemma (iv) Students’ class contribution (participation in the discussions to be held in connection with the lectures). Grades will be given according to the following pattern: Essay at the end of the course: Two tests during the semester: Presentation of a social dilemma: Class contribution:

30% 20% 25% 25% 100%

Additional clarifications: If one fails to meet the demanded requirements during the semester, (to get a grade) s/he has to take an oral exam on all the topics covered. Exceptional class contribution and a very well presented social dilemma are the prerequisites for an offered grade. Grading: the points (percentages) corresponding to marks from 1-5. 0-50% 51-62% 63-74% 75-86% 87-100%

fail pass satisfactory good excellent

Compulsory readings All lectures will be based on: MACIONIS, John J. (2008): Sociology, Twelfth edition. Publisher: Pearson college ISBN-10: 0136016456 ISBN-13: 9780136016458 Website: http://www.prenhall.com/macionis/ Additional information and resources for the course:

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