Contemporary Trends in Sociological Theorizing

Course: Sociology (with English language of instruction)

Structural unit: Faculty of Sociology

Title
Contemporary Trends in Sociological Theorizing
Code
ОК07
Module type
Обов’язкова дисципліна для ОП
Educational cycle
Second
Year of study when the component is delivered
2021/2022
Semester/trimester when the component is delivered
2 Semester
Number of ECTS credits allocated
8
Learning outcomes
Know: the findings of innovative research aimed at developing sociological theory; the system of basic structural components of the system of contemporary sociological knowledge in terms of their application in theoretical explanations of the ontological specifics of contemporary societies, social interactions and communications. Be able: to work with social information, sociological research data; to identify, analyze and interpret current social problems of society; to review academic sources in English, to substantiate one's own opinion, to draw independent conclusions; to use contemporary information and communication technologies in professional communication; information exchange; collection, analysis, processing and interpretation of data and visual presentation of research findings. Demonstrate: the skills of well-argued presentation of one's own standpoint, competent and tolerant discussion with opponents; skills of independent research work, mastering new knowledge.
Form of study
Full-time form
Prerequisites and co-requisites
1. Know English at B1 (intermediate) level, theoretical foundations of sociology, contemporary sociological research projects, sociological approach to the analysis of social phenomena, terminology, conceptual basis of contemporary sociological theory and empirical research. 2. Be able to work with sociological data, read professional sociological publications and formulate ideas in English. 3. Have basic skills in finding and selecting relevant information in English, use methodologies and conceptual foundations of sociological analysis; discuss and present one’s own standpoint on the issue in question.
Course content
1. Intellectual identity of sociology as a system of scientific knowledge: classical theoretical tradition and modernity. 2. Research field of contemporary sociology: theoretical strategies for studying the trends of transformation of the subject and functions of sociology. 3. Structural and conceptual differentiation of the system of sociological knowledge and the problem of theoretical synthesis of sociological paradigms. 4. Features of the main directions of theoretical research of fundamental ontological factors of social life. 5. Society, social systems and social interactions as subjects of theoretical analysis in contemporary sociology. 6. Violence and antagonistic phenomena of contemporary social life: the problem of developing theoretical interpretations. 7. Nonviolent interactions as a subject of theoretical analysis in contemporary sociology. 8. Communication as a theoretical and methodological problem of contemporary sociology.
Recommended or required reading and other learning resources/tools
1. Advances in sociological knowledge / N.Genov ed. – Paris, 2002.- P.5-45 2. Calhoun Cr., Light D., Keller S. Sociology.-6th ed.- N.Y, 2008.- P.29-50. 3. Berger P Invitation to sociology.- N.Y., 1963.- Ch.3-5. 4. Мacionis J. Sociology - 17th ed . – Pearson, 2020. - Р. 2-9; 24-56: 111-148. 5. Macionis J., Plumer K. Sociology: A Global Introduction. – 5th ed. – Pearson, 2012 – Р. 10-36; 78-96; 136-163. 6. Modern sociology /Readings compiled by J Goldstein. - Richmond: Open Learning Institute, 2019. – P. 48 67. 7. Kammeyer K., Ritzer G., Yetman N. Sociology: experiencing changing societies./ Kenneth Kammeyer, George Ritzer, Norman Yetman .- Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 1997.- P.1-29. 8. Latоur B. Reassmbling the social.- Oxford: Oxford: UP, 2005.- P.21-63. 9. Smelser N. Problematics of sociology. – N.Y., 1997.- Р. 1-33. 10. Ritzer G. Modern sociological theories. - 5th ed. – N.Y.- 2003.- Ch. 2-3.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, practical classes, creative tasks, independent work, final work
Assessment methods and criteria
1. Participation in class discussions – 20/12 points. 2. Presentation of overview of five peer-reviewed articles related to the expected subject of master’s degree thesis – 10/6 points. 3. Review of a colleague’s presentation – 10/6 points. 4. Midterm test – 40/24 points Final assessment - exam.
Language of instruction
english

Lecturers

This discipline is taught by the following teachers

Volodymyr Ivanovych Sudakov
Department of Theory and History of Sociology
Faculty of Sociology

Departments

The following departments are involved in teaching the above discipline

Department of Theory and History of Sociology
Faculty of Sociology