Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Introduction to Sociology
Course Code
SUPK_021
Branch of Science
Sociology and social work; Theory and History of Sociology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Dina Bite
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
To familiarise students with the specificities of sociological knowledge and the possibilities for their application in the analysis of the behaviour and societal processes of the individual. As part of the course, students learn basic concepts of sociology and the most important methods of social research, thus developing competence to critically understand and analyse processes in society.
Preliminary Knowledge
Not necessary.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Understand basic concepts of sociology and key theoretical approaches explaining the interaction between the individual and society;
2.Understand the most important social processes and structures (such as culture, family, education, power, social stratification) and their impact on an individual’s behaviour, identity and social relationships;
3.Understand the basic principles of sociological research, including qualitative and quantitative research methods;
Skills
1.Apply basic sociological concepts and theoretical approaches when analysing an individual’s behaviour and social interactions in different contexts;
2.Correct use of social research methods and reflections on their use;
3.Able to critically evaluate the empirical data obtained and use it in public analysis.
Competences
1.Is able to sociologically interpret social reality – to understand and explain an individual’s actions and processes in society through a sociological perspective;
2.Able to analyse the structure and dynamics of society: identify and interpret key social processes and their interrelationships in different social contexts;
3.Able to critically evaluate social information – analyse empirical data, research results and information available in the public space based on sociological thinking.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Research work |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
After a specific plan, evaluate the focus group discussion and summarize the most important results/describe the observation process and results. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The exam consists of 3 essay-type questions that assess the student's competence in applying sociological knowledge to the analysis of social processes. |
||
|
2.
Test |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Test on understanding key sociological concepts (closed questions) |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to Sociology.
Description
The emergence of sociology as a science, its aims, and functions. The concept of sociological "imagination." The relationship between the individual and society. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social aspects of mental illness
Description
Social causes of mental illness, social nature of symptoms and diagnostics. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theoretical Paradigms in Sociology
Description
Structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. The concept of theory and its connection to research. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sociological research.
Description
Characteristics of qualitative and quantitative approaches, their application in studying social processes, and an overview of the most important research methods. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Structure
Description
Social institutions as elements of social structure and their classical functions. The role of the individual within the social structure. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interpretation of Culture in Sociology
Description
The construction, reinforcement, and introduction of changes in social reality. Fundamental concepts of cultural processes. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Stratification and Mobility
Description
The process of social stratification, its characteristic types, manifestations of inequality, and vertical and horizontal social mobility. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The Concepts of Socialization and Deviance
Description
Theories of socialization, internalization, identity formation; theories of deviance, its manifestations, and connection to social norms; formal and informal social control. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social aspects of mental illness
Description
Social causes of mental illness, social nature of symptoms and diagnostics. |
|
The Concepts of Socialization and Deviance
Description
Theories of socialization, internalization, identity formation; theories of deviance, its manifestations, and connection to social norms; formal and informal social control. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theoretical Paradigms in Sociology
Description
Structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. The concept of theory and its connection to research. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Stratification and Mobility
Description
The process of social stratification, its characteristic types, manifestations of inequality, and vertical and horizontal social mobility. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Structure
Description
Social institutions as elements of social structure and their classical functions. The role of the individual within the social structure. |
|
Interpretation of Culture in Sociology
Description
The construction, reinforcement, and introduction of changes in social reality. Fundamental concepts of cultural processes. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to Sociology.
Description
The emergence of sociology as a science, its aims, and functions. The concept of sociological "imagination." The relationship between the individual and society. |
|
Theoretical Paradigms in Sociology
Description
Structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. The concept of theory and its connection to research. |
|
Social Structure
Description
Social institutions as elements of social structure and their classical functions. The role of the individual within the social structure. |
|
Interpretation of Culture in Sociology
Description
The construction, reinforcement, and introduction of changes in social reality. Fundamental concepts of cultural processes. |
|
Social Stratification and Mobility
Description
The process of social stratification, its characteristic types, manifestations of inequality, and vertical and horizontal social mobility. |
|
The Concepts of Socialization and Deviance
Description
Theories of socialization, internalization, identity formation; theories of deviance, its manifestations, and connection to social norms; formal and informal social control. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sociological research.
Description
Characteristics of qualitative and quantitative approaches, their application in studying social processes, and an overview of the most important research methods. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sociological research.
Description
Characteristics of qualitative and quantitative approaches, their application in studying social processes, and an overview of the most important research methods. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sociological research.
Description
Characteristics of qualitative and quantitative approaches, their application in studying social processes, and an overview of the most important research methods. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to Sociology.
Description
The emergence of sociology as a science, its aims, and functions. The concept of sociological "imagination." The relationship between the individual and society. |
|
Theoretical Paradigms in Sociology
Description
Structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. The concept of theory and its connection to research. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social aspects of mental illness
Description
Social causes of mental illness, social nature of symptoms and diagnostics. |
|
Sociological research.
Description
Characteristics of qualitative and quantitative approaches, their application in studying social processes, and an overview of the most important research methods. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Structure
Description
Social institutions as elements of social structure and their classical functions. The role of the individual within the social structure. |
|
Interpretation of Culture in Sociology
Description
The construction, reinforcement, and introduction of changes in social reality. Fundamental concepts of cultural processes. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Stratification and Mobility
Description
The process of social stratification, its characteristic types, manifestations of inequality, and vertical and horizontal social mobility. |
|
The Concepts of Socialization and Deviance
Description
Theories of socialization, internalization, identity formation; theories of deviance, its manifestations, and connection to social norms; formal and informal social control. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social aspects of mental illness
Description
Social causes of mental illness, social nature of symptoms and diagnostics. |
|
The Concepts of Socialization and Deviance
Description
Theories of socialization, internalization, identity formation; theories of deviance, its manifestations, and connection to social norms; formal and informal social control. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Structure
Description
Social institutions as elements of social structure and their classical functions. The role of the individual within the social structure. |
|
Social Stratification and Mobility
Description
The process of social stratification, its characteristic types, manifestations of inequality, and vertical and horizontal social mobility. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to Sociology.
Description
The emergence of sociology as a science, its aims, and functions. The concept of sociological "imagination." The relationship between the individual and society. |
|
Theoretical Paradigms in Sociology
Description
Structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. The concept of theory and its connection to research. |
|
Social Structure
Description
Social institutions as elements of social structure and their classical functions. The role of the individual within the social structure. |
|
Interpretation of Culture in Sociology
Description
The construction, reinforcement, and introduction of changes in social reality. Fundamental concepts of cultural processes. |
|
Social Stratification and Mobility
Description
The process of social stratification, its characteristic types, manifestations of inequality, and vertical and horizontal social mobility. |
|
The Concepts of Socialization and Deviance
Description
Theories of socialization, internalization, identity formation; theories of deviance, its manifestations, and connection to social norms; formal and informal social control. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sociological research.
Description
Characteristics of qualitative and quantitative approaches, their application in studying social processes, and an overview of the most important research methods. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
16 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Dillon, M. Introduction to Sociological Theory. Third Edition. Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2020.
2.
Bite, Dina (red.). Medicīnas socioloģija. Rīga: RSU, 2022. (1.-4., 7.nod.)
3.
Mārtinsone, Kristīne (red.), Pipere, Anita (red.). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, 2021.
4.
Bauman, Z., May, T. Thinking sociologically, Cambridge: Polity press, 2019.
5.
Tisenkopfs T. (zin.red.) Socioloģija Latvijā. LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2010. (jaunākais grāmatas izdevums)
Additional Reading
1.
Paula L., Korpa V. Socioloģija. LLU SZF, 2010. (jaunākais izdevums)
2.
Eriksons E. Identitāte: jaunība un krīze. 1998.
3.
Laķis P. Ievads socioloģijā, Zvaigzne ABC, 2002.
4.
Latvijas ģimenes paaudzēs. LU FSI, 2018.
Other Information Sources
1.
A Journal of British Sociological Association