Sociological Toolbox - Sociology with imagination

elective courses

An open mind, a willingness to engage in discussion, and a readiness to fall in love with sociology are essential for this course.

Classroom

The classes are designed for those who did not complete their sociology studies at the undergraduate level. The course is a combination of Introduction to Sociology, Contemporary Sociological Theories, and Basic Social Research Methodology. We will clarify and review fundamental sociological and social theories, major methodological approaches, and analyze important empirical studies. Students who complete this course will be able to explain the differences between Weber's, Durkheim's, and Marx's approaches, understand the specificity of ANT theory, comprehend the concept of social capital according to Bourdieu, and the approach to discourse analysis proposed by Michel Foucault, among other things. They will also be able to apply these and other concepts to conceptualize selected social problems, including their own master's thesis.

The classes are designed for those who did not complete their sociology studies at the undergraduate level. The course is a combination of Introduction to Sociology, Contemporary Sociological Theories, and Basic Social Research Methodology. We will clarify and review fundamental sociological and social theories, major methodological approaches, and analyze important empirical studies. Students who complete this course will be able to explain the differences between Weber's, Durkheim's, and Marx's approaches, understand the specificity of ANT theory, comprehend the concept of social capital according to Bourdieu, and the approach to discourse analysis proposed by Michel Foucault, among other things. They will also be able to apply these and other concepts to conceptualize selected social problems, including their own master's thesis.

The classes are delivered in a mixed format: they begin with a brief lecture-style introduction, then combine seminar and workshop methods, with a focus on participatory engagement and stimulating sociological imagination.

The core material for the course will be Giddens' Sociology, preferably the latest edition (available in the electronic resources of the BUW library), supplemented by other materials relevant to the subject matter, which will be provided in a shared Google Docs folder.

K_W01 Knows and understands basic concepts of various sub-domains of sociology (e.g. sociology of family, health, work, religion, economy, education, etc)

K_W02 Is aware of ongoing theoretical and methodological disputes conducted in modern sociology; is reflective and critical of various positions

K_W03 Has in-depth knowledge about social structures and selected social institutions as well as their interrelations

K_W04 Is reflective and critical of the problem of social differentiation and inequalities

K_W05 Has in-depth knowledge about the types of social ties and mechanisms supporting collective governance

K_W06 Has in-depth knowledge about cultural diversity and its transformations, cultural identity, and intercultural interaction and communication

K_W07 Has in-depth knowledge of selected methods and techniques of social research, their limitations, specificity and areas of application

K_W08 Is aware of the importance of a reflective and critical approach to the results of social research, analyses and research procedures

K_W09 Knows how to plan and carry out complex qualitative and quantitative empirical research; is aware of the consequences of methodological choices

K_W10 Has in-depth knowledge about major international and domestic sociological research pertaining to selected areas of social reality or sub-domains of sociology

K_W11 Has in-depth knowledge of norms and rules governing social structures and institutions

K_W12 Has in-depth knowledge about the functioning and management of various types of organizations

K_W13 Is reflective and critical in interpreting the processes occurring in Polish as well as global society and their consequences for social attitudes and institutions

K_W14 Has in-depth knowledge of assumptions and claims of selected historical and contemporary sociological theories

K_W15 Approaches the choice of a particular theoretical perspective in a reflective and critical way

K_U01 Can identify causes and predict potential effects of past and current social events; can form critical judgments about current and past social events

K_U02 Can critically select information and materials for academic work, using various sources in Polish and a foreign language as well as modern technologies

K_U03 Can independently form and verify judgments about the causes of selected social phenomena

K_U04 Can use theoretical categories and research methods in the description and analysis of social and cultural changes in modern societies, as well as their consequences

K_U05 Can plan and carry out a social study using advanced quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques of social research

K_U06 Can use a selected computer program for data analysis, including its advanced functions

K_U07 Can form an in-depth evaluation of the measures undertaken for the purpose of solving a social problem, based on knowledge and analytical skills acquired

K_U08 Knows how to interpret the role of culture in the life of the individual and society

K_U09 Can relate an academic text to the problems of social life and its empirical studies

K_U10 Can prepare a presentation of a selected problem or study in Polish and in a foreign language

K_K01 Can initiate, plan, organize and manage work of a task team

K_K02 Can initiate and actively participate in social projects

K_K03 Can gather, find, synthesize and critically assess information about social sciences

K_K04 Can argue a thesis using scientific evidence

K_K05 Can undertake independent activity in public or personal interest

K_K06 Actively searches for new ways and sources to broaden his/her knowledge and improve professional competences

K_K07 Independently sets directions of personal development and further learning

K_K08 Is aware of the existence of social dilemmas related to the work of the sociologist

K_K09 Is open to various theoretical and methodological perspectives of social research

K_K10 Takes responsibility for planned and performed tasks

Active participation in discussion, practical presentation of acquired knowledge and skills during group work, and possibly an exam if these assesment methods do not suffice.

Allowed number of absences with justification: 2

Rules for retaking the course: oral answer.