Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Introduction to Sociology
Course Code
KSK_103
Branch of Science
Sociology and social work; Theory and History of Sociology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Communication Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-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 develop students’ understanding of the essence of sociology, basic concepts of sociology, and social processes in society.
Preliminary Knowledge
None.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Students are able to define the basic concepts of sociology and sociological perspectives, are able to substantiate their different view on society, to discuss the essence of social institutions and their interconnectedness.
Skills
1.Students are able to choose and apply in practice an appropriate sociological perspective and critically evaluate and analyse social processes.
Competences
1.Students orientate themselves in social processes and social reality, understand the influence of various social factors and culture on the lives of individuals, understand the diversity of contemporary social reality.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
-
|
-
|
|
Studying required readings, preparation for seminars, practical assignments, tests, homework, report preparation.
In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out the study course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.
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||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
-
|
-
|
|
Seminars / practical assignments and tests – 20%, homework – 10%, report – 20%, exam – 50%.
|
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction. Sociology as a social science. Historical development of sociology. General theories of sociology.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Development of society, social changes, globalization. Modern society as a post-industrial, information and risk society. Impact of globalization and individualization processes on society. Social movements.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The main problems of youth socialization
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Culture and society. Cultural diversity as a reality of modern society. Values and norms.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Socialization: Process, Agents, Theories. Deviance and social control.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social interaction. Social structure, status, roles, identity. Social groups and organizations. Social institutes.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social inequality. Social stratification. Social mobility. Social exclusion and poverty.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Latvian society: sociodemographic characteristics. Population statistics and what do they tell us?
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social institutes, their description in sociological theories.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social institutes in Latvia
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
A sociological study. Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Development and discussion of the research project.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Andersen M., Howard F. Taylor. (2001). Sociology. The essentials. Australia, Canada: Wadsworth.
2.
Calhoun C., Leight D., Keller S. (1997). Sociology. N.Y.: McGraw-Hill, Inc.
3.
Giddens A. (1997). Sociology. Polity Press.
4.
Laķis P. (2002). Socioloģija. Ievads socioloģijā. Lekciju kurss. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC.
5.
Paula L., Korpa V. Socioloģija. Mācību līdzeklis. Jelgava: LLU SZF Socioloģijas katedra.
Additional Reading
1.
Introduction to Sociology. Wikibooks. https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Introduction_to_Sociology
2.
Macionis, J. Sociology. 14 th ed. Pearson. 2012.
3.
Tisenkopfs T. (galv. red.) (2008). Socioloģijai Latvijā – 40. LU Raksti. 736. sējums. Socioloģija.
4.
Volkovs V. (2007). Socioloģijas teorijas. Daugavpils Universitātes Akadēmiskais apgāds "Saule".
Other Information Sources
1.
Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology Online.
2.
International Sociological Association Website.