Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Introduction to Sociology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SVUEK_008
Branch of Science
Sociology and social work; Theory and History of Sociology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Medical Services
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Institute of Public Health
Contacts

Riga, 9 Kronvalda boulevard, svek@rsu.lv, +371 67338307

About Study Course

Objective

The objective of the course is to introduce students to the sociology, theoretical concepts and theoretical perspectives used in sociology, as well as research methods to enable students to understand their surrounding social environment in a sociological way, promoting their sociological imagination, taught to see the practical application of sociological knowledge and the links between social processes and health outcomes.

Preliminary Knowledge

Not required.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Characterize sociology as a science and practice; describe the history of sociology; name basic terminology and definitions used in sociology; describe theoretical assumptions about social processes and social institutions.

Skills

1.Explain the different theoretical outlines about social processes and social institutions; use sociological terminology; adapt sociological knowledge and theoretical assumptions and explanations for better understanding of health habits and health-related behaviors in public health context.

Competences

1.Integrate sociological knowledge in public health problem resolving; using the sociological imagination make a framework of influencing factors of topical public health issues.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
-
To develop an essay, students have to work with the scientific literature and statistical data. To learn how to express their opinion, defend it, to seek common solutions, as well as publicly present ideas, the student participates in group work and group work presentations. To see the links between sociology and public health, students independently analyses case studies and classroom discussions on them.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
-
The student writes a reasoned essay on a freely-chosen topic of a sociological nature. The topic is delivered in advance in coordination with the lecturer. The essay makes up 45% of the final grade.
2.

Examination

-
-
An essay; participation in group works; homework presentations, written exam.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Sociology: research object and definition, history of sociology.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Sociological subdisciplines (family, gender, educational, employment etc. sociology) – short introduction. Sociology in Latvia.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Theoretical perspectives in sociology.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Sociology and culture: definition, elements, theoretical perspectives of culture.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Sociological imagination and its application in public health.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social structure and social organization of society.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Socialization as concept and process.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social stratification.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social institutions: family, education, employment, religion.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social institutions: family, education, employment, religion.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Stigma and deviance in sociological perspective.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Gender as sociological concept.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Emotions and sociology; sociology of emotions.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Sociology of the body. The human body as a social product.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Research methods in sociology.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Research methods in sociology.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Ievads socioloģijā : lekciju kurss / Pēteris Laķis; aut. red. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2005 (akceptējams izdevums)

2.

Socioloģija: [mācību līdzeklis] / Līga Paula, Viola Korpa. Jelgava: LLU SZF Socioloģijas katedra, 2010 (akceptējams izdevums)

3.

Michael Haralambos & Holborn Sociology : Themes and Perspectives. London : Collins, 2013.

Additional Reading

1.

Socioloģija Latvijā / sastādītājs un zinātniskais redaktors Tālis Tisenkopfs. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2010

2.

Sociology as applied to medicine / edited by Graham Scambler. 6th ed. Edinburgh [etc.]: Saunders/Elsevier, 2008.

3.

The sociology of health and illness : a reader / edited by Michael Bury and Jonathan Gabe. London ;New York: Routledge, 2004.

4.

Medical sociology: an introduction / Hannah Bradby. Los Angeles;London: Sage, 2009.

Other Information Sources

1.

Socioloģijas skaidrojošā vārdnīca: skolām un pašmācībai. Rīga: Latvijas Universitātes Socioloģijas katedra, 1997.