2025
Sociological Theories I
Name: Sociological Theories I
Code: SOC02405L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Sociology
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Presentation
TSI offers great theoretical formulations integrated in the classic sociological heritage.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
The course aims to present and develop synthetic and systematically the major paradigms of classical sociological thought. It is intended that students acquire the following specific skills:
1 - ability to identify the main characteristics of modernity according to different authors
2 - ability to recognize and identify the main contours of the assumptions and paradigms of analysis of classical sociology
3 - ability to relate the different analysis of social reality with the paradigms that gave rise
1 - ability to identify the main characteristics of modernity according to different authors
2 - ability to recognize and identify the main contours of the assumptions and paradigms of analysis of classical sociology
3 - ability to relate the different analysis of social reality with the paradigms that gave rise
Contents
Introduction: the role of theory in building sociological knowledge
1. Genesis of sociological thought: positivism, evolutionism and social organicism
2. Paradigms founders of sociological thought
2.1 Karl Marx and the paradigm of historical materialism
2.2 Emile Durkheim and the functionalist paradigm
2.3 Max Weber and the comprehensive paradigm
3. Summary and discussion of the legacy of classical sociology
1. Genesis of sociological thought: positivism, evolutionism and social organicism
2. Paradigms founders of sociological thought
2.1 Karl Marx and the paradigm of historical materialism
2.2 Emile Durkheim and the functionalist paradigm
2.3 Max Weber and the comprehensive paradigm
3. Summary and discussion of the legacy of classical sociology
Teaching Methods
The classes are theoretical and practical in nature and are organized into three formats: 1) oral presentations of the syllabus content, using the authors' original works and other national and international reference bibliography; 2) illustrative classes based on the reading and interpretation of selected excerpts from the authors' original works, discussion of concepts, critical reviews, didactic exercises, and the use of digital content. The use of podcasts, digital lecture videos, photographs, comics, caricatures, cartoons, and memes produced about the authors and their concepts is valued as a pedagogical device for animating and illustrating the content; 3) oral presentations and discussions of texts and group work developed by students. In addition to classes, students can clarify doubts and request in-person (in the office) or remote (via email or videoconference) tutoring during office hours or at other times by appointment via email. The main bibliography is available on Moodle, as are the lecture summaries and other teaching materials used. Additional bibliographic references may be suggested in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish, depending on the students' profile, requests, and specific interests in reading on particular topics. Throughout the semester, students work in groups, independently but with tutoring guidance, on a topic from a list provided previously. Each topic on the list focuses on a key concept from the work of a classic author and requires research, reading and interpretation of the original text, and a careful selection of digital content produced by academics, in Portuguese or a foreign language, on the topic, or, alternatively, critical reviews published by academics on the author and the topic. The work is presented orally in and discussed with the class.
In the learning process, the use of artificial intelligence tools is permitted to support the preparation of study materials, provide linguistic assistance and formal text review, facilitate the exploration of ideas and concepts, and assist in the systematization of scientific literature, provided the reliability of the sources is verified.
In the learning process, the use of artificial intelligence tools is permitted to support the preparation of study materials, provide linguistic assistance and formal text review, facilitate the exploration of ideas and concepts, and assist in the systematization of scientific literature, provided the reliability of the sources is verified.
Assessment
Students can choose between continuous assessment or final assessment.
In the continuous assessment system, students complete the following assessment elements:
1) Group work, weighted at 50% of the final grade; 2
) Individual work, weighted at 50% of the final grade.
Group work consists of an oral presentation and discussion of a topic chosen by the group from a list of topics previously provided, based on bibliographic, documentary, and audiovisual research and analysis of the topic. Tutorial guidance will be provided on the objectives of the work and the research to be developed. At the end of the semester, the group submits a portfolio reflecting the results of the research, the oral presentation and discussion, and the critical reflection produced on the topic.
Individual work consists of submitting a report on the classes at the end of the semester. This report must be simultaneously descriptive, critical, and reflective on the content and learning from at least 10 classes. Mid-semester, students submit a preliminary report that will be subject to qualitative evaluation, aiming for continuous improvement until the final version is submitted.
In the final assessment system, students undertake the following assessment element:
1) A written, individual, closed-book exam, weighted at 100% of the final grade.
Use of Generative AI
For continuous assessment, the use of artificial intelligence tools is permitted to support research, the organization of ideas and text, and linguistic and stylistic aspects of written reports; however, a declaration of the work's originality must be attached, identifying?where applicable?the artificial intelligence tools used and the purposes for which they were employed. For the final assessment, the use of any physical or digital device while writing the exam is prohibited.
The teaching staff may require the student to take an oral exam, in accordance with the University of Évora?s Academic Regulations, to assess learning outcomes and verify acquired knowledge. The oral exam will account for 50% of the final grade for the course unit.
In the continuous assessment system, students complete the following assessment elements:
1) Group work, weighted at 50% of the final grade; 2
) Individual work, weighted at 50% of the final grade.
Group work consists of an oral presentation and discussion of a topic chosen by the group from a list of topics previously provided, based on bibliographic, documentary, and audiovisual research and analysis of the topic. Tutorial guidance will be provided on the objectives of the work and the research to be developed. At the end of the semester, the group submits a portfolio reflecting the results of the research, the oral presentation and discussion, and the critical reflection produced on the topic.
Individual work consists of submitting a report on the classes at the end of the semester. This report must be simultaneously descriptive, critical, and reflective on the content and learning from at least 10 classes. Mid-semester, students submit a preliminary report that will be subject to qualitative evaluation, aiming for continuous improvement until the final version is submitted.
In the final assessment system, students undertake the following assessment element:
1) A written, individual, closed-book exam, weighted at 100% of the final grade.
Use of Generative AI
For continuous assessment, the use of artificial intelligence tools is permitted to support research, the organization of ideas and text, and linguistic and stylistic aspects of written reports; however, a declaration of the work's originality must be attached, identifying?where applicable?the artificial intelligence tools used and the purposes for which they were employed. For the final assessment, the use of any physical or digital device while writing the exam is prohibited.
The teaching staff may require the student to take an oral exam, in accordance with the University of Évora?s Academic Regulations, to assess learning outcomes and verify acquired knowledge. The oral exam will account for 50% of the final grade for the course unit.
Teaching Staff
- Bruno Miguel de Almeida Dionísio [responsible]
Accreditations and Certifications
